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Xie ZJ, Yuan BW, Chi MM, Hong J. Focus on seed cells: stem cells in 3D bioprinting of corneal grafts. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1423864. [PMID: 39050685 PMCID: PMC11267584 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1423864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Corneal opacity is one of the leading causes of severe vision impairment. Corneal transplantation is the dominant therapy for irreversible corneal blindness. However, there is a worldwide shortage of donor grafts and consequently an urgent demand for alternatives. Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting is an innovative additive manufacturing technology for high-resolution distribution of bioink to construct human tissues. The technology has shown great promise in the field of bone, cartilage and skin tissue construction. 3D bioprinting allows precise structural construction and functional cell printing, which makes it possible to print personalized full-thickness or lamellar corneal layers. Seed cells play an important role in producing corneal biological functions. And stem cells are potential seed cells for corneal tissue construction. In this review, the basic anatomy and physiology of the natural human cornea and the grafts for keratoplasties are introduced. Then, the applications of 3D bioprinting techniques and bioinks for corneal tissue construction and their interaction with seed cells are reviewed, and both the application and promising future of stem cells in corneal tissue engineering is discussed. Finally, the development trends requirements and challenges of using stem cells as seed cells in corneal graft construction are summarized, and future development directions are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-jun Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bo-wei Yuan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Miao-miao Chi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Hong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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Garg A, Alfatease A, Hani U, Haider N, Akbar MJ, Talath S, Angolkar M, Paramshetti S, Osmani RAM, Gundawar R. Drug eluting protein and polysaccharides-based biofunctionalized fabric textiles- pioneering a new frontier in tissue engineering: An extensive review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 268:131605. [PMID: 38641284 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131605] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
In the ever-evolving landscape of tissue engineering, medicated biotextiles have emerged as a game-changer. These remarkable textiles have garnered significant attention for their ability to craft tissue scaffolds that closely mimic the properties of natural tissues. This comprehensive review delves into the realm of medicated protein and polysaccharide-based biotextiles, exploring a diverse array of fabric materials. We unravel the intricate web of fabrication methods, ranging from weft/warp knitting to plain/stain weaving and braiding, each lending its unique touch to the world of biotextiles creation. Fibre production techniques, such as melt spinning, wet/gel spinning, and multicomponent spinning, are demystified to shed light on the magic behind these ground-breaking textiles. The biotextiles thus crafted exhibit exceptional physical and chemical properties that hold immense promise in the field of tissue engineering (TE). Our review underscores the myriad applications of drug-eluting protein and polysaccharide-based textiles, including TE, tissue repair, regeneration, and wound healing. Additionally, we delve into commercially available products that harness the potential of medicated biotextiles, paving the way for a brighter future in healthcare and regenerative medicine. Step into the world of innovation with medicated biotextiles-where science meets the art of healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankitha Garg
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSSAHER), Mysuru 570015, Karnataka, India
| | - Adel Alfatease
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Umme Hani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Nazima Haider
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad J Akbar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 34212, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Sirajunisa Talath
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, RAK College of Pharmacy, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah 11172, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Mohit Angolkar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSSAHER), Mysuru 570015, Karnataka, India
| | - Sharanya Paramshetti
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSSAHER), Mysuru 570015, Karnataka, India
| | - Riyaz Ali M Osmani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSSAHER), Mysuru 570015, Karnataka, India.
| | - Ravi Gundawar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India.
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Bonato P, Bagno A. Replace or Regenerate? Diverse Approaches to Biomaterials for Treating Corneal Lesions. Biomimetics (Basel) 2024; 9:202. [PMID: 38667213 PMCID: PMC11047895 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9040202] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The inner structures of the eye are protected by the cornea, which is a transparent membrane exposed to the external environment and subjected to the risk of lesions and diseases, sometimes resulting in impaired vision and blindness. Several eye pathologies can be treated with a keratoplasty, a surgical procedure aimed at replacing the cornea with tissues from human donors. Even though the success rate is high (up to 90% for the first graft in low-risk patients at 5-year follow-up), this approach is limited by the insufficient number of donors and several clinically relevant drawbacks. Alternatively, keratoprosthesis can be applied in an attempt to restore minimal functions of the cornea: For this reason, it is used only for high-risk patients. Recently, many biomaterials of both natural and synthetic origin have been developed as corneal substitutes to restore and replace diseased or injured corneas in low-risk patients. After illustrating the traditional clinical approaches, the present paper aims to review the most innovative solutions that have been recently proposed to regenerate the cornea, avoiding the use of donor tissues. Finally, innovative approaches to biological tissue 3D printing and xenotransplantation will be mentioned.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Bagno
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
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Kim M, Choi K, Krizaj D, Kim J. Regulation of Corneal Stromal Cell Behavior by Modulating Curvature Using a Hydraulically Controlled Organ Chip Array. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3973873. [PMID: 38464213 PMCID: PMC10925400 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3973873/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Curvature is a critical factor in cornea mechanobiology, but its impact on phenotypic alterations and extracellular matrix remodeling of cornea stroma remains unclear. In this work, we investigated how curvature influences the corneal stroma using a hydraulically controlled curvature array chip. The responses of stromal cells to low, medium, and high curvatures were observed by preparing three phenotypes of corneal stromal cells: corneal keratocytes, fibroblasts, and myofibroblasts. Keratocytes exhibited phenotypic alterations in response to curvature changes, notably including a decrease in ALDH3 expression and an increase in α-SMA expression. For focal adhesion, corneal fibroblast and myofibroblasts showed enhanced vinculin localization in response to curvature, while corneal keratocytes presented reduced vinculin expression. For cell alignment and ECM expression, most stromal cells under all curvatures showed a radially organized f-actin and collagen fibrils. Interestingly, for corneal fibroblast under medium curvature, we observed orthogonal cell alignment, which is linked to the unique hoop and meridional stress profiles of the curved surface. Furthermore, lumican expression was upregulated in corneal keratocytes, and keratocan expression was increased in corneal fibroblasts and myofibroblasts due to curvature. These results demonstrate that curvature influences both the phenotype of corneal stromal cells and the structural organization of corneal stroma tissue without any external stimuli. This curvature-dependent behavior of corneal stromal cells presents potential opportunities for creating therapeutic strategies for corneal shape dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minju Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA
| | - Kanghoon Choi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA
| | - David Krizaj
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, USA
| | - Jungkyu Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, USA
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Santra M, Geary ML, Rubin E, Hsu MYS, Funderburgh ML, Chandran C, Du Y, Dhaliwal DK, Jhanji V, Yam GHF. Good manufacturing practice production of human corneal limbus-derived stromal stem cells and in vitro quality screening for therapeutic inhibition of corneal scarring. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:11. [PMID: 38185673 PMCID: PMC10773078 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03626-8] [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: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cells in the adult corneal stroma (named corneal stromal stem cells, CSSCs) inhibit corneal inflammation and scarring and restore corneal clarity in pre-clinical corneal injury models. This cell therapy could alleviate the heavy reliance on donor materials for corneal transplantation to treat corneal opacities. Herein, we established Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) protocols for CSSC isolation, propagation, and cryostorage, and developed in vitro quality control (QC) metric for in vivo anti-scarring potency of CSSCs in treating corneal opacities. METHODS A total of 24 donor corneal rims with informed consent were used-18 were processed for the GMP optimization of CSSC culture and QC assay development, while CSSCs from the remaining 6 were raised under GMP-optimized conditions and used for QC validation. The cell viability, growth, substrate adhesion, stem cell phenotypes, and differentiation into stromal keratocytes were assayed by monitoring the electric impedance changes using xCELLigence real-time cell analyzer, quantitative PCR, and immunofluorescence. CSSC's conditioned media were tested for the anti-inflammatory activity using an osteoclastogenesis assay with mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells. In vivo scar inhibitory outcomes were verified using a mouse model of anterior stromal injury caused by mechanical ablation using an Algerbrush burring. RESULTS By comparatively assessing various GMP-compliant reagents with the corresponding non-GMP research-grade chemicals used in the laboratory-based protocols, we finalized GMP protocols covering donor limbal stromal tissue processing, enzymatic digestion, primary CSSC culture, and cryopreservation. In establishing the in vitro QC metric, two parameters-stemness stability of ABCG2 and nestin and anti-inflammatory ability (rate of inflammation)-were factored into a novel formula to calculate a Scarring Index (SI) for each CSSC batch. Correlating with the in vivo scar inhibitory outcomes, the CSSC batches with SI < 10 had a predicted 50% scar reduction potency, whereas cells with SI > 10 were ineffective to inhibit scarring. CONCLUSIONS We established a full GMP-compliant protocol for donor CSSC cultivation, which is essential toward clinical-grade cell manufacturing. A novel in vitro QC-in vivo potency correlation was developed to predict the anti-scarring efficacy of donor CSSCs in treating corneal opacities. This method is applicable to other cell-based therapies and pharmacological treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mithun Santra
- Corneal Regeneration Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Moira L Geary
- Corneal Regeneration Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Rubin
- Corneal Regeneration Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michael Y S Hsu
- Immunologic Monitoring and Cellular Products Laboratory, Hillman Cancer Centre, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Martha L Funderburgh
- Corneal Regeneration Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Christine Chandran
- Corneal Regeneration Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yiqin Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Deepinder K Dhaliwal
- Corneal Regeneration Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Vishal Jhanji
- Corneal Regeneration Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Gary Hin-Fai Yam
- Corneal Regeneration Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mercy Vision Institute, University of Pittsburgh, 1622 Locust Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA.
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Hopkinson A, Notara M, Cursiefen C, Sidney LE. Increased Anti-Inflammatory Therapeutic Potential and Progenitor Marker Expression of Corneal Mesenchymal Stem Cells Cultured in an Optimized Propagation Medium. Cell Transplant 2024; 33:9636897241241992. [PMID: 38602231 PMCID: PMC11010753 DOI: 10.1177/09636897241241992] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
There is a huge unmet need for new treatment modalities for ocular surface inflammatory disorders (OSIDs) such as dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction. Mesenchymal stem cell therapies may hold the answer due to their potent immunomodulatory properties, low immunogenicity, and ability to modulate both the innate and adaptive immune response. MSC-like cells that can be isolated from the corneal stroma (C-MSCs) offer a potential new treatment strategy; however, an optimized culture medium needs to be developed to produce the ideal phenotype for use in a cell therapy to treat OSIDs. The effects of in vitro expansion of human C-MSC in a medium of M199 containing fetal bovine serum (FBS) was compared to a stem cell medium (SCM) containing knockout serum replacement (KSR) with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and human leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), investigating viability, protein, and gene expression. Isolating populations expressing CD34 or using siRNA knockdown of CD34 were investigated. Finally, the potential of C-MSC as a cell therapy was assessed using co-culture with an in vitro corneal epithelial cell injury model and the angiogenic effects of C-MSC conditioned medium were evaluated with blood and lymph endothelial cells. Both media supported proliferation of C-MSC, with SCM increasing expression of CD34, ABCG2, PAX6, NANOG, REX1, SOX2, and THY1, supported by increased associated protein expression. Isolating cell populations expressing CD34 protein made little difference to gene expression, however, knockdown of the CD34 gene led to decreased expression of progenitor genes. C-MSC increased viability of injured corneal epithelial cells whilst decreasing levels of cytotoxicity and interleukins-6 and -8. No pro-angiogenic effect of C-MSC was seen. Culture medium can significantly influence C-MSC phenotype and culture in SCM produced a cell phenotype more suitable for further consideration as an anti-inflammatory cell therapy. C-MSC show considerable potential for development as therapies for OSIDs, acting through anti-inflammatory action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Hopkinson
- Academic Ophthalmology, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Maria Notara
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Koln, Germany
| | - Claus Cursiefen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Koln, Germany
| | - Laura E. Sidney
- Academic Ophthalmology, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Regenerating and Modelling Tissues, Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Yam GHF, Pi S, Du Y, Mehta JS. Posterior corneoscleral limbus: Architecture, stem cells, and clinical implications. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 96:101192. [PMID: 37392960 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2023.101192] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
The limbus is a transition from the cornea to conjunctiva and sclera. In human eyes, this thin strip has a rich variation of tissue structures and composition, typifying a change from scleral irregularity and opacity to corneal regularity and transparency; a variation from richly vascularized conjunctiva and sclera to avascular cornea; the neural passage and drainage of aqueous humor. The limbal stroma is enriched with circular fibres running parallel to the corneal circumference, giving its unique role in absorbing small pressure changes to maintain corneal curvature and refractivity. It contains specific niches housing different types of stem cells for the corneal epithelium, stromal keratocytes, corneal endothelium, and trabecular meshwork. This truly reflects the important roles of the limbus in ocular physiology, and the limbal functionality is crucial for corneal health and the entire visual system. Since the anterior limbus containing epithelial structures and limbal epithelial stem cells has been extensively reviewed, this article is focused on the posterior limbus. We have discussed the structural organization and cellular components of the region beneath the limbal epithelium, the characteristics of stem cell types: namely corneal stromal stem cells, endothelial progenitors and trabecular meshwork stem cells, and recent advances leading to the emergence of potential cell therapy options to replenish their respective mature cell types and to correct defects causing corneal abnormalities. We have reviewed different clinical disorders associated with defects of the posterior limbus and summarized the available preclinical and clinical evidence about the developing topic of cell-based therapy for corneal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Hin-Fai Yam
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Shaohua Pi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yiqin Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jodhbir S Mehta
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore; Department of Cornea and External Eye Disease, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore; Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-National University of Singapore (NUS) Medical School, Singapore.
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Wilson SE. The corneal fibroblast: The Dr. Jekyll underappreciated overseer of the responses to stromal injury. Ocul Surf 2023; 29:53-62. [PMID: 37080483 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To review the functions of corneal fibroblasts in wound healing. METHODS Literature review. RESULTS Corneal fibroblasts arise in the corneal stroma after anterior, posterior or limbal injuries and are derived from keratocytes. Transforming growth factor (TGF) β1 and TGFβ2, along with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), are the major modulators of the keratocyte to corneal fibroblast transition, while fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2, TGFβ3, and retinoic acid are thought to regulate the transition of corneal fibroblasts back to keratocytes. Adequate and sustained levels of TGFβ1 and/or TGFβ2, primarily from epithelium, tears, aqueous humor, and corneal endothelium, drive the development of corneal fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. Myofibroblasts have been shown in vitro to transition back to corneal fibroblasts, although apoptosis of myofibroblasts has been documented as a major contributor to the resolution of fibrosis in several in situ corneal injury models. Corneal fibroblasts, aside from their role as a major progenitor to myofibroblasts, also perform many critical functions in the injured cornea, including the production of critical basement membrane (BM) components during regeneration of the epithelial BM and Descemet's membrane, production of non-basement membrane-associated stromal collagen type IV to control and downregulate TGFβ effects on stromal cells, release of chemotactic chemokines that attract bone marrow-derived cells to the injured stroma, production of growth factors that modulate regeneration and maturation of the overlying epithelium, and production of collagens and other ECM components that contribute to stromal integrity after injury. CONCLUSIONS Corneal fibroblasts are major contributors to and overseers of the corneal response to injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven E Wilson
- The Cole Eye Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Sahoo A, Damala M, Jaffet J, Prasad D, Basu S, Singh V. Expansion and characterization of human limbus-derived stromal/mesenchymal stem cells in xeno-free medium for therapeutic applications. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:89. [PMID: 37061739 PMCID: PMC10105964 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03299-3] [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: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been proven to prevent and clear corneal scarring and limbal stem cell deficiency. However, using animal-derived serum in a culture medium raises the ethical and regulatory bar. This study aims to expand and characterize human limbus-derived stromal/mesenchymal stem cells (hLMSCs) for the first time in vitro in the xeno-free medium. METHODS Limbal tissue was obtained from therapeutic grade corneoscleral rims and subjected to explant culture till tertiary passage in media with and without serum (STEM MACS XF; SM), to obtain pure hLMSCs. Population doubling time, cell proliferation, expression of phenotypic markers, tri-lineage differentiation, colony-forming potential and gene expression analysis were carried out to assess the retention of phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of hLMSCs. RESULTS The serum-free medium supported the growth of hLMSCs, retaining similar morphology but a significantly lower doubling time of 23 h (*p < 0.01) compared to the control medium. FACS analysis demonstrated ≥ 90% hLMSCs were positive for CD90+, CD73+, CD105+, and ≤ 6% were positive for CD45-, CD34- and HLA-DR-. Immunofluorescence analysis confirmed similar expression of Pax6+, COL IV+, ABCG2+, ABCB5+, VIM+, CD90+, CD105+, CD73+, HLA-DR- and CD45-, αSMA- in both the media. Tri-lineage differentiation potential and gene expression of hLMSCs were retained similarly to that of the control medium. CONCLUSION The findings of this study demonstrate successful isolation, characterization and culture optimization of hLMSCs for the first time in vitro in a serum-free environment. This will help in the future pre-clinical and clinical applications of MSCs in translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Sahoo
- Centre for Ocular Regeneration, Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Mukesh Damala
- Centre for Ocular Regeneration, Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Jilu Jaffet
- Centre for Ocular Regeneration, Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Deeksha Prasad
- Centre for Ocular Regeneration, Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Sayan Basu
- Centre for Ocular Regeneration, Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
| | - Vivek Singh
- Centre for Ocular Regeneration, Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
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Yam GHF, Yang T, Geary ML, Santra M, Funderburgh M, Rubin E, Du Y, Sahel JA, Jhanji V, Funderburgh JL. Human corneal stromal stem cells express anti-fibrotic microRNA-29a and 381-5p - A robust cell selection tool for stem cell therapy of corneal scarring. J Adv Res 2023; 45:141-155. [PMID: 35623612 PMCID: PMC10006527 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2022.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Corneal blindness due to scarring is treated with corneal transplantation. However, a global problem is the donor material shortage. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that cell-based therapy using corneal stromal stem cells (CSSCs) suppresses corneal scarring, potentially mediated by specific microRNAs transported in extracellular vesicles (EVs). However, not every CSSC batch from donors achieves similar anti-scarring effects. OBJECTIVES To examine miRNA profiles in EVs from human CSSCs showing "healing" versus "non-healing" effects on corneal scarring and to design a tool to select CSSCs with strong healing potency for clinical applications. METHODS Small RNAs from CSSC-EVs were extracted for Nanostring nCounter Human miRNA v3 assay. MicroRNAs expressed > 20 folds in "healing" EVs (P < 0.05) were subject to enriched gene ontology (GO) term analysis. MiRNA groups with predictive regulation on inflammatory and fibrotic signalling were studied by mimic transfection to (1) mouse macrophages (RAW264.7) for M1 phenotype assay; (2) human corneal keratocytes for cytokine-induced fibrosis, and (3) human CSSCs for corneal scar prevention in vivo. The expression of miR-29a was screened in additional CSSC batches and the anti-scarring effect of cells was validated in mouse corneal wounds. RESULTS Twenty-one miRNAs were significantly expressed in "healing" CSSC-EVs and 9 miRNA groups were predicted to associate with inflammatory and fibrotic responses, and tissue regeneration (P <10-6). Overexpression of miR-29a and 381-5p significantly prevented M1 phenotype transition in RAW264.7 cells after lipopolysaccharide treatment, suppressed transforming growth factor β1-induced fibrosis marker expression in keratocytes, and reduced scarring after corneal injury. High miR-29a expression in EV fractions distinguished human CSSCs with strong healing potency, which inhibited corneal scarring in vivo. CONCLUSION We characterized the anti-inflammatory and fibrotic roles of miR-29a and 381-5p in CSSCs, contributing to scar prevention. MiR-29a expression in EVs distinguished CSSCs with anti-scarring quality, identifying good quality cells for a scarless corneal healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Hin-Fai Yam
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States.
| | - Tianbing Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Moira L Geary
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Mithun Santra
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Martha Funderburgh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Elizabeth Rubin
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Yiqin Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Jose A Sahel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Vishal Jhanji
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - James L Funderburgh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
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Dos Santos A, Lyu N, Balayan A, Knight R, Zhuo KS, Sun Y, Xu J, Funderburgh ML, Funderburgh JL, Deng SX. Generation of Functional Immortalized Human Corneal Stromal Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13399. [PMID: 36362184 PMCID: PMC9657819 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
In addition to their therapeutic potential in regenerative medicine, human corneal stromal stem cells (CSSCs) could serve as a powerful tool for drug discovery and development. Variations from different donors, their isolation method, and their limited life span in culture hinder the utility of primary human CSSCs. To address these limitations, this study aims to establish and characterize immortalized CSSC lines (imCSSC) generated from primary human CSSCs. Primary CSSCs (pCSSC), isolated from human adult corneoscleral tissue, were transduced with ectopic expression of hTERT, c-MYC, or the large T antigen of the Simian virus 40 (SV40T) to generate imCSSC. Cellular morphology, proliferation capacity, and expression of CSSCs specific surface markers were investigated in all cell lines, including TNFAIP6 gene expression levels in vitro, a known biomarker of in vivo anti-inflammatory efficacy. SV40T-overexpressing imCSSC successfully extended the lifespan of pCSSC while retaining a similar morphology, proliferative capacity, multilineage differentiation potential, and anti-inflammatory properties. The current study serves as a proof-of-concept that immortalization of CSSCs could enable a large-scale source of CSSC for use in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurelie Dos Santos
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ning Lyu
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Alis Balayan
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Rob Knight
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Katherine Sun Zhuo
- Human Biology Society, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yuzhao Sun
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Jianjiang Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China
| | | | | | - Sophie X. Deng
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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12
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Su G, Li G, Wang W, Xu L. Application Prospect and Preliminary Exploration of GelMA in Corneal Stroma Regeneration. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14194227. [PMID: 36236174 PMCID: PMC9571618 DOI: 10.3390/polym14194227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal regeneration has become a prominent study area in recent decades. Because the corneal stroma contributes about 90% of the corneal thickness in the corneal structure, corneal stromal regeneration is critical for the treatment of cornea disease. Numerous materials, including deacetylated chitosan, hydrophilic gel, collagen, gelatin methacrylate (GelMA), serine protein, glycerol sebacate, and decellularized extracellular matrix, have been explored for keratocytes regeneration. GelMA is one of the most prominent materials, which is becoming more and more popular because of its outstanding three-dimensional scaffold structure, strong mechanics, good optical transmittance, and biocompatibility. This review discussed recent research on corneal stroma regeneration materials and related GelMA.
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13
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Delivery of Cells to the Cornea Using Synthetic Biomaterials. Cornea 2022; 41:1325-1336. [DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000003094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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14
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Kumar A, Yun H, Funderburgh ML, Du Y. Regenerative therapy for the Cornea. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022; 87:101011. [PMID: 34530154 PMCID: PMC8918435 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.101011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The cornea is the outmost layer of the eye, unique in its transparency and strength. The cornea not only transmits the light essential for vision, also refracts light, giving focus to images. Each of the three layers of the cornea has properties essential for the function of vision. Although the epithelium can often recover from injury quickly by cell division, loss of limbal stem cells can cause severe corneal surface abnormalities leading to corneal blindness. Disruption of the stromal extracellular matrix and loss of cells determining this structure, the keratocytes, leads to corneal opacity. Corneal endothelium is the inner part of the cornea without self-renewal capacity. It is very important to maintain corneal dehydration and transparency. Permanent damage to the corneal stroma or endothelium can be effectively treated by corneal transplantation; however, there are drawbacks to this procedure, including a shortage of donors, the need for continuing treatment to prevent rejection, and limits to the survival of the graft, averaging 10-20 years. There exists a need for new strategies to promote regeneration of the stromal structure and restore vision. This review highlights critical contributions in regenerative medicine with the aim of corneal reconstruction after injury or disease. These approaches include corneal stromal stem cells, corneal limbal stem cells, embryonic stem cells, and other adult stem cells, as well as induced pluripotent stem cells. Stem cell-derived trophic factors in the forms of secretomes or exosomes for corneal regeneration are also discussed. Corneal sensory nerve regeneration promoting corneal transparency is discussed. This article provides description of the up-to-date options for corneal regeneration and presents exciting possible avenues for future studies toward clinical applications for corneal regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Kumar
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Hongmin Yun
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | | | - Yiqin Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
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15
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Torsahakul C, Israsena N, Khramchantuk S, Ratanavaraporn J, Dhitavat S, Rodprasert W, Nantavisai S, Sawangmake C. Bio-fabrication of stem-cell-incorporated corneal epithelial and stromal equivalents from silk fibroin and gelatin-based biomaterial for canine corneal regeneration. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263141. [PMID: 35120168 PMCID: PMC8815981 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal grafts are the imperative clinical treatment for canine corneal blindness. To serve the growing demand, this study aimed to generate tissue-engineered canine cornea in part of the corneal epithelium and underlying stroma based on canine limbal epithelial stem cells (cLESCs) seeded silk fibroin/gelatin (SF/G) film and canine corneal stromal stem cells (cCSSCs) seeded SF/G scaffold, respectively. Both cell types were successfully isolated by collagenase I. SF/G corneal films and stromal scaffolds served as the prospective substrates for cLESCs and cCSSCs by promoting cell adhesion, cell viability, and cell proliferation. The results revealed the upregulation of tumor protein P63 (P63) and ATP-binding cassette super-family G member 2 (Abcg2) of cLESCs as well as Keratocan (Kera), Lumican (Lum), aldehyde dehydrogenase 3 family member A1 (Aldh3a1) and Aquaporin 1 (Aqp1) of differentiated keratocytes. Moreover, immunohistochemistry illustrated the positive staining of tumor protein P63 (P63), aldehyde dehydrogenase 3 family member A1 (Aldh3a1), lumican (Lum) and collagen I (Col-I), which are considerable for native cornea. This study manifested a feasible platform to construct tissue-engineered canine cornea for functional grafts and positively contributed to the body of knowledge related to canine corneal stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chutirat Torsahakul
- Graduate program in Veterinary Bioscience, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Innovation Center (VSCBIC), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nipan Israsena
- Stem Cell and Cell Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Supaporn Khramchantuk
- Excellence Center for Stem Cell and Cell Therapy, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Juthamas Ratanavaraporn
- Biomedical Engineering Program, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Biomedical Engineering for Medical and Health Research Unit, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sirakarnt Dhitavat
- Biochemistry Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Watchareewan Rodprasert
- Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Innovation Center (VSCBIC), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sirirat Nantavisai
- Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Innovation Center (VSCBIC), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Academic Affairs, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chenphop Sawangmake
- Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Innovation Center (VSCBIC), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence for Regenerative Dentistry (CERD), Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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16
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Advances in Regulatory Strategies of Differentiating Stem Cells towards Keratocytes. Stem Cells Int 2022; 2022:5403995. [PMID: 35140792 PMCID: PMC8820938 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5403995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal injury is a commonly encountered clinical problem which led to vision loss and impairment that affects millions of people worldwide. Currently, the available treatment in clinical practice is corneal transplantation, which is limited by the accessibility of donors. Corneal tissue engineering appears to be a promising alternative for corneal repair. However, current experimental strategies of corneal tissue engineering are insufficient due to inadequate differentiation of stem cell into keratocytes and thus cannot be applied in clinical practice. In this review, we aim to clarify the role and effectiveness of both biochemical factors, physical regulation, and the combination of both to induce stem cells to differentiate into keratocytes. We will also propose novel perspectives of differentiation strategy that may help to improve the efficiency of corneal tissue engineering.
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17
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Chen Y, Dong L, Kong B, Huang Y, Zhong S, Connon C, Tan J, Yang S, Sun W, Mi S. Effects of Gelatin Methacrylate Hydrogel on Corneal Repair and Regeneration in Rats. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:25. [PMID: 34935910 PMCID: PMC8711000 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.14.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study investigates the repairing process of rat cornea after surgery of lamellar keratoplasty (LKP) and evaluates the effects of gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogel. Methods In the LKP group, the lamellar stroma matrixes of Sprague-Dawley rats were transplanted to enhanced green fluorescent protein rats, whereas those in the GelMA group were also embedded with a GelMA hydrogel during the corneal transplantation. Grafted eyes were harvested on days seven, 30, and 90. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunofluorescence staining, scanning electron microscopy, optical coherence tomography, and a slit-lamp microscope were used to study the process of corneal restoration and regeneration. Results A total of 42 rats were analyzed, including 18 rats in each of the experimental group and six rats in the control group. After three months, the infiltration degree of inflammatory cells differed between the LKP group and the GelMA group (P < 0.001). Moreover, in multiple comparisons in corneal thickness, significant difference was observed between the LKP group and the GelMA group. There was also divergence in the results between the LKP group and the control group (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). At the same time, the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 varied distinctly between the LKP group and the GelMA group (P < 0.05, P < 0.001). Conclusions Significant differences were demonstrated between the LKP group and the GelMA group in inflammatory cell infiltration, corneal thickness, as well as the expression of α-SMA and TGF-β1. Those differences indicate the ability of GelMA hydrogel to support alleviation in corneal stroma fibrosis and show the influences of fibrosis in the dysfunction of corneal refractive power. Translational Relevance Our research provides new ideas for the future development of LKP and tissue-engineered corneas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Chen
- Macromolecular Platforms for Translational Medicine and Bio-Manufacturing Laboratory, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, P.R. China.,Open FIESTA Center, International Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Lina Dong
- Macromolecular Platforms for Translational Medicine and Bio-Manufacturing Laboratory, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Bin Kong
- Macromolecular Platforms for Translational Medicine and Bio-Manufacturing Laboratory, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Yu Huang
- Biomanufacturing Engineering Laboratory, International Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Suyi Zhong
- Institute of Optical Imaging and Sensing, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Minimal Invasive Medical Technologies, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Che Connon
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University
| | - Jiaqi Tan
- Open FIESTA Center, International Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Siming Yang
- Key Laboratory of Wound Repair and Regeneration of PLA, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Medical College of PLA, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Wei Sun
- Macromolecular Platforms for Translational Medicine and Bio-Manufacturing Laboratory, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, P.R. China.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Biomanufacturing Center, Tsinghua University, Beijing, P.R. China.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shengli Mi
- Macromolecular Platforms for Translational Medicine and Bio-Manufacturing Laboratory, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, P.R. China.,Open FIESTA Center, International Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, P.R. China.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Biomanufacturing Center, Tsinghua University, Beijing, P.R. China
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18
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Liu XN, Mi SL, Chen Y, Wang Y. Corneal stromal mesenchymal stem cells: reconstructing a bioactive cornea and repairing the corneal limbus and stromal microenvironment. Int J Ophthalmol 2021; 14:448-455. [PMID: 33747824 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2021.03.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal stroma-derived mesenchymal stem cells (CS-MSCs) are mainly distributed in the anterior part of the corneal stroma near the corneal limbal stem cells (LSCs). CS-MSCs are stem cells with self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation potential. A large amount of data confirmed that CS-MSCs can be induced to differentiate into functional keratocytes in vitro, which is the motive force for maintaining corneal transparency and producing a normal corneal stroma. CS-MSCs are also an important component of the limbal microenvironment. Furthermore, they are of great significance in the reconstruction of ocular surface tissue and tissue engineering for active biocornea construction. In this paper, the localization and biological characteristics of CS-MSCs, the use of CS-MSCs to reconstruct a tissue-engineered active biocornea, and the repair of the limbal and matrix microenvironment by CS-MSCs are reviewed, and their application prospects are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Ning Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Hospital of Xi'an; Shaanxi Institute of Ophthalmology, Shaanxi Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmology Diseases of Shaanxi Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an 710002, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Sheng-Li Mi
- Open FIESTA Center, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong Province, China.,Biomanufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yun Chen
- Open FIESTA Center, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Hospital of Xi'an; Shaanxi Institute of Ophthalmology, Shaanxi Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmology Diseases of Shaanxi Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an 710002, Shaanxi Province, China
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19
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Li S, Cui Z, Gu J, Wang Y, Tang S, Chen J. Effect of porcine corneal stromal extract on keratocytes from SMILE-derived lenticules. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:1207-1220. [PMID: 33342057 PMCID: PMC7812260 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Propagating large amounts of human corneal stromal cells (hCSCs) in vitro while maintaining the physiological quality of their phenotypes is necessary for their application in cell therapy. Here, a novel medium to propagate hCSCs obtained from small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE)-derived lenticules was investigated and the feasibility of intrastromal injection of these hCSCs was assessed. Primary hCSCs were cultured in porcine corneal stroma extract (pCSE) with RIFA medium including ROCK inhibitor Y27632, insulin-transferrin-selenium, fibroblast growth factor 2, L-ascorbate 2-phosphate and 0.5% FBS (RIFA medium + pCSE). Protein profiling of the pCSE was identified using nanoscale liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (nano LC-MS/MS). After subculturing in RIFA medium + pCSE or 10% FBS normal medium (NM), hCSCs at P4 were transplanted into mouse corneal stroma. Compared with NM, ALDH3A1, keratocan and lumican were significantly more expressed in the RIFA medium + pCSE. ALDH3A1 was also more expressed in the RIFA medium + pCSE than in the RIFA medium. Fibronectin and α-SMA were less expressed in the RIFA medium + pCSE than in the NM. Using Metascape analysis, the pCSE with its anti-fibrosis, pro-proliferation and anti-apoptosis activities, was beneficial for hCSC cultivation. The intrastromally implanted hCSCs in the RIFA medium + pCSE had positive CD34 expression but negative CD45 expression 35 days after injection. We provide a valuable new medium that is advantageous for the proliferation of hCSCs with the properties of physiological keratocytes. Intrastromal injection of hCSCs in RIFA medium + pCSE has the potential for clinical cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenyang Li
- Aier School of OphthalmologyCentral South UniversityHunanChina
| | | | | | | | - Shibo Tang
- Aier School of OphthalmologyCentral South UniversityHunanChina
- Aier Eye InstituteChangshaChina
| | - Jiansu Chen
- Aier School of OphthalmologyCentral South UniversityHunanChina
- Aier Eye InstituteChangshaChina
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20
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Nosrati H, Abpeikar Z, Mahmoudian ZG, Zafari M, Majidi J, Alizadeh A, Moradi L, Asadpour S. Corneal epithelium tissue engineering: recent advances in regeneration and replacement of corneal surface. Regen Med 2020; 15:2029-2044. [PMID: 33169642 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2019-0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, many corneal diseases are treated by corneal transplantation, artificial corneal implantation or, in severe cases, keratoprosthesis. Owing to the shortage of cornea donors and the risks involved with artificial corneal implants, such as infection transmission, researchers continually seek new approaches for corneal regeneration. Corneal tissue engineering is a promising approach that has attracted much attention from researchers and is focused on regenerative strategies using various biomaterials in combination with different cell types. These constructs should have the ability to mimic the native tissue microenvironment and present suitable optical, mechanical and biological properties. In this article, we review studies that have focused on the current clinical techniques for corneal replacement. We also describe tissue-engineering and cell-based approaches for corneal regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Nosrati
- Department of Tissue Engineering & Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Zahra Abpeikar
- Department of Tissue Engineering & Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Zahra Gholami Mahmoudian
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Medical School, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mahdi Zafari
- Department of Bacteriology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jafar Majidi
- Cellular & Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Science Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Akram Alizadeh
- Department of Tissue Engineering & Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Lida Moradi
- The Ronald O Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University, School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, New York University, School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016 USA
| | - Shiva Asadpour
- Department of Tissue Engineering & Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.,Cellular & Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Science Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
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21
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Weng L, Funderburgh JL, Khandaker I, Geary ML, Yang T, Basu R, Funderburgh ML, Du Y, Yam GHF. The anti-scarring effect of corneal stromal stem cell therapy is mediated by transforming growth factor β3. EYE AND VISION 2020; 7:52. [PMID: 33292650 PMCID: PMC7607765 DOI: 10.1186/s40662-020-00217-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Corneal stromal stem cells (CSSC) reduce corneal inflammation, prevent fibrotic scarring, and regenerate transparent stromal tissue in injured corneas. These effects rely on factors produced by CSSC to block the fibrotic gene expression. This study investigated the mechanism of the scar-free regeneration effect. Methods Primary human CSSC (hCSSC) from donor corneal rims were cultivated to passage 3 and co-cultured with mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells induced to M1 pro-inflammatory phenotype by treatment with interferon-γ and lipopolysaccharides, or to M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype by interleukin-4, in a Transwell system. The time-course expression of human transforming growth factor β3 (hTGFβ3) and hTGFβ1 were examined by immunofluorescence and qPCR. TGFβ3 knockdown for > 70% in hCSSC [hCSSC-TGFβ3(si)] was achieved by small interfering RNA transfection. Naïve CSSC and hCSSC-TGFβ3(si) were transplanted in a fibrin gel to mouse corneas, respectively, after wounding by stromal ablation. Corneal clarity and the expression of mouse inflammatory and fibrosis genes were examined. Results hTGFβ3 was upregulated by hCSSC when co-cultured with RAW cells under M1 condition. Transplantation of hCSSC to wounded mouse corneas showed significant upregulation of hTGFβ3 at days 1 and 3 post-injury, along with the reduced expression of mouse inflammatory genes (CD80, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 5, lipocalin 2, plasminogen activator urokinase receptor, pro-platelet basic protein, and secreted phosphoprotein 1). By day 14, hCSSC treatment significantly reduced the expression of fibrotic and scar tissue genes (fibronectin, hyaluronan synthase 2, Secreted protein acidic and cysteine rich, tenascin C, collagen 3a1 and α-smooth muscle actin), and the injured corneas remained clear. However, hCSSC-TGFβ3(si) lost these anti-inflammatory and anti-scarring functions, and the wounded corneas showed intense scarring. Conclusion This study has demonstrated that the corneal regenerative effect of hCSSC is mediated by TGFβ3, inducing a scar-free tissue response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Weng
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, 203 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.,Shanghai Lanhe Optometry and Ophthalmology Clinic, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - James L Funderburgh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, 203 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Irona Khandaker
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, 203 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Moira L Geary
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, 203 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Tianbing Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, 203 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Rohan Basu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, 203 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Martha L Funderburgh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, 203 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Yiqin Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, 203 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Gary Hin-Fai Yam
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of medicine, 203 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
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22
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Petroll WM, Varner VD, Schmidtke DW. Keratocyte mechanobiology. Exp Eye Res 2020; 200:108228. [PMID: 32919993 PMCID: PMC7655662 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In vivo, corneal keratocytes reside within a complex 3D extracellular matrix (ECM) consisting of highly aligned collagen lamellae, growth factors, and other extracellular matrix components, and are subjected to various mechanical stimuli during developmental morphogenesis, fluctuations in intraocular pressure, and wound healing. The process by which keratocytes convert changes in mechanical stimuli (e.g. local topography, applied force, ECM stiffness) into biochemical signaling is known as mechanotransduction. Activation of the various mechanotransductive pathways can produce changes in cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Here we review how corneal keratocytes respond to and integrate different biochemical and biophysical factors. We first highlight how growth factors and other cytokines regulate the activity of Rho GTPases, cytoskeletal remodeling, and ultimately the mechanical phenotype of keratocytes. We then discuss how changes in the mechanical properties of the ECM have been shown to regulate keratocyte behavior in sophisticated 2D and 3D experimental models of the corneal microenvironment. Finally, we discuss how ECM topography and protein composition can modulate cell phenotypes, and review the different methods of fabricating in vitro mimics of corneal ECM topography, novel approaches for examining topographical effects in vivo, and the impact of different ECM glycoproteins and proteoglycans on keratocyte behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Matthew Petroll
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| | - Victor D Varner
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA; Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - David W Schmidtke
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA; Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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23
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Mahdavi SS, Abdekhodaie MJ, Mashayekhan S, Baradaran-Rafii A, Djalilian AR. Bioengineering Approaches for Corneal Regenerative Medicine. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2020; 17:567-593. [PMID: 32696417 PMCID: PMC7373337 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-020-00262-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the cornea is responsible for transmitting and focusing light into the eye, injury or pathology affecting any layer of the cornea can cause a detrimental effect on visual acuity. Aging is also a reason for corneal degeneration. Depending on the level of the injury, conservative therapies and donor tissue transplantation are the most common treatments for corneal diseases. Not only is there a lack of donor tissue and risk of infection/rejection, but the inherent ability of corneal cells and layers to regenerate has led to research in regenerative approaches and treatments. METHODS In this review, we first discussed the anatomy of the cornea and the required properties for reconstructing layers of the cornea. Regenerative approaches are divided into two main categories; using direct cell/growth factor delivery or using scaffold-based cell delivery. It is expected delivered cells migrate and integrate into the host tissue and restore its structure and function to restore vision. Growth factor delivery also has shown promising results for corneal surface regeneration. Scaffold-based approaches are categorized based on the type of scaffold, since it has a significant impact on the efficiency of regeneration, into the hydrogel and non-hydrogel based scaffolds. Various types of cells, biomaterials, and techniques are well covered. RESULTS The most important characteristics to be considered for biomaterials in corneal regeneration are suitable mechanical properties, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and transparency. Moreover, a curved shape structure and spatial arrangement of the fibrils have been shown to mimic the corneal extracellular matrix for cells and enhance cell differentiation. CONCLUSION Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine approaches showed to have promising outcomes for corneal regeneration. However, besides proper mechanical and optical properties, other factors such as appropriate sterilization method, storage, shelf life and etc. should be taken into account in order to develop an engineered cornea for clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sharareh Mahdavi
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, 1393 Azadi Ave., Tehran, 11365-11155, Iran
| | - Mohammad J Abdekhodaie
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, 1393 Azadi Ave., Tehran, 11365-11155, Iran.
| | - Shohreh Mashayekhan
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, 1393 Azadi Ave., Tehran, 11365-11155, Iran
| | - Alireza Baradaran-Rafii
- Ophthalmic Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, SBUMS, Arabi Ave, Daneshjoo Blvd, Velenjak, Tehran, 19839-63113, Iran
| | - Ali R Djalilian
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1200 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
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24
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Khandaker I, Funderburgh JL, Geary ML, Funderburgh ML, Jhanji V, Du Y, Hin-Fai Yam G. A novel transgenic mouse model for corneal scar visualization. Exp Eye Res 2020; 200:108270. [PMID: 32979396 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Corneal opacities affect vision for millions of individuals worldwide. Fibrotic scar tissues accumulate in reaction to inflammatory responses and remain permanently in corneal stroma, and conventionally correctable only by donor corneal transplantation. Numerous studies have explored innovative approaches to reverse corneal scarring through non-surgical means; however, existing mouse models limit these studies, due to the lack of visibility of scar tissue in mouse corneas with steep curvature. Here, we reported that corneal scarring was modelled using a transgenic mouse line, Tg(Col3a1-EGFP)DJ124Gsat, in which enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) reporter expression was driven by the promoter of collagen 3a1 (COL3a1), a stromal fibrosis gene. Similar to wildtype, Col3a1-EGFP transgenic corneas developed opacities after wounding by alkali burn and mechanical ablation, respectively, as examined under stereomicroscopy and Spectral Domain optical coherent tomography. The time course induction of EGFP was aligned with Col3a1 upregulation and matched with the elevated expression of other fibrosis genes (α-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin and tenascin C). Measured by flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, increased number of EGFP expressing cells and fluorescent intensities were correlated to corneal thickening and scar volume. After treatment with human corneal stromal stem cells or their exosomes, EGFP expression was downregulated together with the reduction of scar volume and fibrosis gene expression. These results have demonstrated that the transgenic mouse line, Tg(Col3a1-EGFP)DJ124Gsat, can be a valuable tool for the detection of corneal fibrosis and scarring in vivo, and will be useful in monitoring the changes of corneal fibrosis over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irona Khandaker
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States
| | - James L Funderburgh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States
| | - Moira L Geary
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States
| | - Martha L Funderburgh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States
| | - Vishal Jhanji
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States
| | - Yiqin Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States.
| | - Gary Hin-Fai Yam
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States.
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25
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Yam GHF, Riau AK, Funderburgh ML, Mehta JS, Jhanji V. Keratocyte biology. Exp Eye Res 2020; 196:108062. [PMID: 32442558 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The study of corneal stromal keratocytes is motivated by its strong association with corneal health and visual function. They play a dominant role in the maintenance of corneal homeostasis and transparency through the production of collagens, proteoglycans and corneal crystallins. Trauma-induced apoptosis of keratocytes and replacement by fibroblasts and myofibroblasts disrupt the stromal matrix organization, resulting in corneal haze formation and vision loss. It is, therefore, important to understand the biology and behaviours of keratocytes and the associated stromal cell types (like fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, stromal stem cells) in wound healing, corneal pathologies (including keratoconus, keratitis, endothelial disorders) as well as different ophthalmic situations (such as collagen crosslinking/photodynamic treatment, keratoplasty and refractive surgery, and topical medications). The recent development of ex vivo propagation of keratocytes and stromal stem cells, and their translational applications, either via stromal injection or incorporated in bioscaffold, have been shown to restore the corneal transparency and regenerate native stromal tissue in animal models of corneal haze and other disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary H F Yam
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Andri K Riau
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
| | | | - Jodhbir S Mehta
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
| | - Vishal Jhanji
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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26
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Ghoubay D, Borderie M, Grieve K, Martos R, Bocheux R, Nguyen TM, Callard P, Chédotal A, Borderie VM. Corneal stromal stem cells restore transparency after N 2 injury in mice. Stem Cells Transl Med 2020; 9:917-935. [PMID: 32379938 PMCID: PMC7381812 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.19-0306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal scarring associated with various corneal conditions is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. The present study aimed to test the hypothesis that corneal stromal stem cells have a therapeutic effect and are able to restore the extracellular matrix organization and corneal transparency in vivo. We first developed a mouse model of corneal stromal scar induced by liquid nitrogen (N2) application. We then reversed stromal scarring by injecting mouse or human corneal stromal stem cells in injured cornea. To characterize the mouse model developed in this study and the therapeutic effect of corneal stromal stem cells, we used a combination of in vivo (slit lamp, optical coherence tomography, in vivo confocal microscopy, optical coherence tomography shear wave elastography, and optokinetic tracking response) and ex vivo (full field optical coherence microscopy, flow cytometry, transmission electron microscopy, and histology) techniques. The mouse model obtained features early inflammation, keratocyte apoptosis, keratocyte transformation into myofibroblasts, collagen type III synthesis, impaired stromal ultrastructure, corneal stromal haze formation, increased corneal rigidity, and impaired visual acuity. Injection of stromal stem cells in N2‐injured cornea resulted in improved corneal transparency associated with corneal stromal stem cell migration and growth in the recipient stroma, absence of inflammatory response, recipient corneal epithelial cell growth, decreased collagen type III stromal content, restored stromal ultrastructure, decreased stromal haze, decreased corneal rigidity, and improved vision. Our study demonstrates the ability of corneal stromal stem cells to promote regeneration of transparent stromal tissue after corneal scarring induced by liquid nitrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djida Ghoubay
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France.,Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des 15-20, DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DHOS CIC, Paris, France
| | - Marie Borderie
- Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des 15-20, DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DHOS CIC, Paris, France
| | - Kate Grieve
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Raphaël Martos
- Laboratoire de Recherche Vasculaire Translationnelle, INSERM U1148, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Romain Bocheux
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences (LOB) École polytechnique, CNRS UMR 7645, INSERM U 1182, Palaiseau cedex, France
| | - Thu-Mai Nguyen
- Institut Langevin Ondes et images CNRS UMR 7587, INSERM U979 Physiques des ondes pour la médecine, ESPCI, Paris, France
| | - Patrice Callard
- Sorbonne Université, APHP, Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Alain Chédotal
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Vincent M Borderie
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France.,Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des 15-20, DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DHOS CIC, Paris, France
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27
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Fernández-Pérez J, Kador KE, Lynch AP, Ahearne M. Characterization of extracellular matrix modified poly(ε-caprolactone) electrospun scaffolds with differing fiber orientations for corneal stroma regeneration. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2020; 108:110415. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2019.110415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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28
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Shojaati G, Khandaker I, Funderburgh ML, Mann MM, Basu R, Stolz DB, Geary ML, Dos Santos A, Deng SX, Funderburgh JL. Mesenchymal Stem Cells Reduce Corneal Fibrosis and Inflammation via Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Delivery of miRNA. Stem Cells Transl Med 2019; 8:1192-1201. [PMID: 31290598 PMCID: PMC6811691 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.18-0297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells from corneal stromal stem cells (CSSC) prevent fibrotic scarring and stimulate regeneration of transparent stromal tissue after corneal wounding in mice. These effects rely on the ability of CSSC to block neutrophil infiltration into the damaged cornea. The current study investigated the hypothesis that tissue regeneration by CSSC is mediated by secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs). CSSC produced EVs 130-150 nm in diameter with surface proteins that include CD63, CD81, and CD9. EVs from CSSC reduced visual scarring in murine corneal wounds as effectively as did live cells, but EVs from human embryonic kidney (HEK)293T cells had no regenerative properties. CSSC EV treatment of wounds decreased expression of fibrotic genes Col3a1 and Acta2, blocked neutrophil infiltration, and restored normal tissue morphology. CSSC EVs labeled with carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester dye, rapidly fused with corneal epithelial and stromal cells in culture, transferring microRNA (miRNA) to the target cells. Knockdown of mRNA for Alix, a component of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport, using siRNA, resulted in an 85% reduction of miRNA in the secreted EVs. The EVs with reduced miRNA were ineffective at blocking corneal scarring. Furthermore, CSSC with reduced Alix expression also lost their regenerative function, suggesting EVs as an obligate component in the delivery of miRNA. The results of these studies support an essential role for extracellular vesicles in the process by which CSSC cells block scarring and initiate regeneration of transparent corneal tissue after wounding. EVs appear to serve as a delivery vehicle for miRNA, which affects the regenerative action. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2019;8:1192-1201.
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Affiliation(s)
- Golnar Shojaati
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Kantonsspital Winterthur, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Irona Khandaker
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Martha L Funderburgh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mary M Mann
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rohan Basu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Donna B Stolz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Moira L Geary
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Aurélie Dos Santos
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sophie X Deng
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - James L Funderburgh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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29
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Zhang B, Xue Q, Li J, Ma L, Yao Y, Ye H, Cui Z, Yang H. 3D bioprinting for artificial cornea: Challenges and perspectives. Med Eng Phys 2019; 71:68-78. [PMID: 31201014 DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2019.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Corneal disease is one of the most important causes of blindness worldwide. Currently, the dominating treatment of corneal blindness is corneal transplantation. However, the main source of cornea for transplantation is based on donations which is far from enough to meet the requirement (less than 1:70 of cases). The severe shortage of donor cornea promotes the studies of effective corneal alternatives. However, many problems remain and can't be solved in current researches, such as original geometry reconstruction and ocular optical function restoring. 3D bioprinting can be a promising approach for corneal substitution. The advantages of this technology in corneal regeneration enable personalized corneal implant and single or multi-layer corneal equivalents with controllable structure and designed refractive ability. In this review, the progress, applications and limitations of most influential works among current keratoprosthesis and tissue-engineering cornea researches are discussed. Then the applications of 3D bioprinting in manufacturing multi-layered structures and surface are mentioned. Further, the potential, advantages in current research of 3D bioprinting single or multi-layer corneal equivalents and alternatives are discussed. Finally, an insight into the technical challenges and prospective facing the future research of 3D bioprinting corneal alternatives in vivo and in vitro is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou (310058), People's Republic of China; School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou (310058), People's Republic of China; School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Jintao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou (310058), People's Republic of China; School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou (310058), People's Republic of China; School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yufeng Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sir Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3 Qingchun Road East Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Ye
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PJ, UK
| | - Zhanfeng Cui
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PJ, UK
| | - Huayong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou (310058), People's Republic of China; School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, People's Republic of China
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30
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Duarte Campos DF, Rohde M, Ross M, Anvari P, Blaeser A, Vogt M, Panfil C, Yam GH, Mehta JS, Fischer H, Walter P, Fuest M. Corneal bioprinting utilizing collagen‐based bioinks and primary human keratocytes. J Biomed Mater Res A 2019; 107:1945-1953. [DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.36702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela F. Duarte Campos
- Department of Dental Materials and Biomaterials ResearchRWTH Aachen University Hospital Aachen Germany
| | - Malena Rohde
- Department of OphthalmologyRWTH Aachen University Hospital Aachen Germany
| | - Mitchell Ross
- Department of Dental Materials and Biomaterials ResearchRWTH Aachen University Hospital Aachen Germany
- Department of Chemical EngineeringMcMaster University Hamilton Canada
| | - Parham Anvari
- Department of Dental Materials and Biomaterials ResearchRWTH Aachen University Hospital Aachen Germany
| | - Andreas Blaeser
- Department of Dental Materials and Biomaterials ResearchRWTH Aachen University Hospital Aachen Germany
- Medical Textiles and Biofabrication, Institute for Textile Technology (ITA)RWTH Aachen University Aachen Germany
| | - Michael Vogt
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research IZKFRWTH Aachen University Hospital Aachen Germany
| | - Claudia Panfil
- Aachen Center for Technology Transfer in Ophthalmology (ACTO) Aachen Germany
| | - Gary Hin‐Fai Yam
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell GroupSingapore Eye Research Institute Singapore Singapore
| | - Jodhbir S. Mehta
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell GroupSingapore Eye Research Institute Singapore Singapore
- Singapore National Eye Centre Singapore Singapore
| | - Horst Fischer
- Department of Dental Materials and Biomaterials ResearchRWTH Aachen University Hospital Aachen Germany
| | - Peter Walter
- Department of OphthalmologyRWTH Aachen University Hospital Aachen Germany
| | - Matthias Fuest
- Department of OphthalmologyRWTH Aachen University Hospital Aachen Germany
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31
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Kumar A, Xu Y, Yang E, Du Y. Stemness and Regenerative Potential of Corneal Stromal Stem Cells and Their Secretome After Long-Term Storage: Implications for Ocular Regeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:3728-3738. [PMID: 30046814 PMCID: PMC6059729 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-23824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To assess the stemness and regenerative potential of cryopreserved corneal stromal stem cells (cryo-CSSCs) after long-term storage. We also used the secretome from these cells to observe the effect on wound-healing capacity of corneal fibroblasts and on the expression of fibrotic markers during wound healing. Methods CSSCs were obtained from three donors and stored in liquid nitrogen for approximately 10 years. Post thaw, cryo-CSSCs were characterized for stemness using phenotypic and genotypic markers along with colony-forming efficiency and three-dimensional spheroid formation. Multilineage differentiation was observed by differentiation into osteocytes, adipocytes, neural cells, and keratocytes. Secretome was harvested by culturing cryo-CSSCs in log phase. Wound-healing capacity was observed by live-cell time-lapse microscopy. Statistical analysis was done using 1-way ANOVA and Tukey posttest. Results CSSCs displayed good viability post thaw and showed >90% expression of stem cell markers CD90, CD73, CD105, STRO1, and CD166. cryo-CSSCs also expressed stem cell genes OCT4, KLF4, and ABCG2, and could also form colonies and three-dimensional spheroids. Multipotency assessment showed that all three cryo-CSSCs could differentiate into osteocytes, adipocytes, neural cells, as shown by β-III tubulin and neurofilament antibody staining and corneal keratocytes as observed by staining for Kera C, J19, and collagen V antibodies. The secretome derived from these three populations could promote the wound healing of corneal fibroblasts and reduce the expression of fibrotic markers SPARC and fibronectin. Conclusions CSSCs maintained their stemness and multipotency after long-term storage, and secretome derived from these cells can be of paramount importance for corneal regeneration and prevention of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Kumar
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Yi Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Enzhi Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Yiqin Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.,Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.,McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.,Shanghai Oriental Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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32
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Kim H, Park MN, Kim J, Jang J, Kim HK, Cho DW. Characterization of cornea-specific bioink: high transparency, improved in vivo safety. J Tissue Eng 2019; 10:2041731418823382. [PMID: 30719272 PMCID: PMC6348552 DOI: 10.1177/2041731418823382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal transplantation is a typical surgical procedure for severe corneal diseases. However, the waiting time for a donor cornea has gradually increased due to a decrease in supply caused by an aging population and increased cases of laser-based surgeries. Artificial corneas were developed to meet the increase in demand; however, these approaches have suffered from material deterioration resulted by the limited tissue integration. Here, we introduce a cornea-derived decellularized extracellular matrix (Co-dECM) as a bioink for corneal regeneration. The developed Co-dECM bioink had similar quantitative measurement results for collagen and GAGs compared with that of the native cornea and also had the proper transparency for vision. The differentiation potential of human turbinate-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hTMSCs) to a keratocyte lineage was only observed in the Co-dECM group. Moreover, the developed bioink did not have any cytotoxic effect on encapsulated cells for three-dimensional (3D) culture and has great biocompatibility evident by the xeno-implantation of the Co-dECM gel into mice and rabbits for two and one month, respectively. An in vivo safety similar to clinical-grade collagen was seen with the Co-dECM, which helped to maintain the keratocyte-specific characteristics in vivo, compared with collagen. Taken together, the Co-dECM bioink has the potential to be used in various types of corneal diseases based on its corneal-specific ability and design flexibility through 3D cell printing technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeonji Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Center for Rapid Prototyping-based 3D Tissue/Organ Printing, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - Moon-Nyeo Park
- College of Korean Medicines, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jisoo Kim
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinah Jang
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea
- Department of Creative IT Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong-Kyun Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Woo Cho
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Center for Rapid Prototyping-based 3D Tissue/Organ Printing, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea
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33
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Wang L, Song D, Zhang X, Ding Z, Kong X, Lu Q, Kaplan DL. Silk-Graphene Hybrid Hydrogels with Multiple Cues to Induce Nerve Cell Behavior. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2018; 5:613-622. [PMID: 33405825 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.8b01481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Cell behavior is dependent in part on chemical and physical cues from the extracellular matrix. Although the influence of various cues on cell behavior has been studied, challenges remain to incorporate multiple cues to matrix systems to optimize and control cell outcomes. Here, aligned silk fibroin (SF)-graphene hydrogels with preferable stiffness were developed through arranging SF nanofibers and SF-modified graphene sheets under an electric field. Different signals, such as bioactive graphene, nanofibrous structure, aligned topography, and mechanical stiffness, were tailored into the hydrogel system, providing niches for nerve cell responses. The desired adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, extensio,n and growth factor secretion of multiple nerve-related cells was achieved on these hydrogels, suggesting strong synergistic action through the combination of different cues. Based on the fabrication strategy, our present study provides a useful materials engineering platform for revealing cooperative influences of different signals on nerve cell behavior, to help in the understanding of cell-biomaterial interactions, with potential toward studies related to nerve regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, People's Republic of China
| | - Dawei Song
- Tai'an City Central Hospital, Taian, 271000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyi Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaozhao Ding
- National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangdong Kong
- College of Materials and Textiles, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Lu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, People's Republic of China
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
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Kang Y, Chen P, Shi X, Zhang G, Wang C. Multilevel structural stereocomplex polylactic acid/collagen membranes by pattern electrospinning for tissue engineering. POLYMER 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2018.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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35
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Siran W, Ghezzi CE, Cairns DM, Pollard RE, Chen Y, Gomes R, McKay TB, Pouli D, Jamali A, Georgakoudi I, Funderburgh JL, Kenyon K, Hamrah P, Kaplan DL. Human Corneal Tissue Model for Nociceptive Assessments. Adv Healthc Mater 2018; 7:e1800488. [PMID: 30091220 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201800488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
New in vitro tissue models to mimic in vivo conditions are needed to provide insight into mechanisms involved in peripheral pain responses, potential therapeutic strategies to address these responses, and to replace animal models for such indications. For example, the rabbit cornea Draize test has become the standard method used for decades to screen ophthalmic drug and consumer product toxicity. In vitro tissue models with functional innervation have the potential to replace in vivo animal testing and provide sophisticated bench tools to study ocular nociception and its amelioration. Herein, full thickness, innervated, 3D human corneal tissues are grown under physiologically relevant culture conditions to study nociceptive-related responses, by mimicking ocular environmental cues, including intraocular pressure (IOP) and tear flow (TF). Capsaicin, a chili pepper-derived irritant known to cause a burning sensation in mammalian tissues is utilized as a nociceptive stimulant to induce pain, while subsequent serum treatment is used to mimic healing. Pain mediators released upon capsaicin stimulation and cell regrowth after serum treatment are characterized to assess ocular responses in this new, innervated, human corneal tissue system for comparison of outcomes to established animal and related responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Siran
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringTufts University 4 Colby Street Medford MA 02155 USA
| | - Chiara E. Ghezzi
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringTufts University 4 Colby Street Medford MA 02155 USA
| | - Dana M. Cairns
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringTufts University 4 Colby Street Medford MA 02155 USA
| | - Rachel E. Pollard
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringTufts University 4 Colby Street Medford MA 02155 USA
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringTufts University 4 Colby Street Medford MA 02155 USA
| | - Rachel Gomes
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringTufts University 4 Colby Street Medford MA 02155 USA
- School of MedicineDepartamento de Oftalmologia da Escola Paulista de MedicinaFederal University of São Paulo Botucatu, 822 – Vila Clementino São Paulo –SP 04023‐062 Brazil
| | - Tina B. McKay
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringTufts University 4 Colby Street Medford MA 02155 USA
| | - Dimitra Pouli
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringTufts University 4 Colby Street Medford MA 02155 USA
| | - Arsia Jamali
- New England Eye CenterTufts Medical Center 260 Tremont St, 9th Floor Boston MA 02111 USA
| | - Irene Georgakoudi
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringTufts University 4 Colby Street Medford MA 02155 USA
| | - James L. Funderburgh
- Eye & Ear InstituteDepartment of OphthalmologyUniversity of Pittsburgh 203 Lothrop Street, Room 1011 Pittsburgh PA 15213 USA
| | - Kenneth Kenyon
- New England Eye CenterTufts Medical Center 260 Tremont St, 9th Floor Boston MA 02111 USA
| | - Pedram Hamrah
- New England Eye CenterTufts Medical Center 260 Tremont St, 9th Floor Boston MA 02111 USA
| | - David L. Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringTufts University 4 Colby Street Medford MA 02155 USA
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Guo P, Sun H, Zhang Y, Tighe S, Chen S, Su CW, Liu Y, Zhao H, Hu M, Zhu Y. Limbal niche cells are a potent resource of adult mesenchymal progenitors. J Cell Mol Med 2018; 22:3315-3322. [PMID: 29679460 PMCID: PMC6010802 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Limbal niche cells located in the limbal Palisades of Vogt are mesenchymal stem cells that reside next to limbal basal epithelial cells. Limbal niche cells are progenitors that express embryonic stem cell markers such as Nanog, Nestin, Oct4, Rex1, Sox2 and SSEA4, mesenchymal cell markers such as CD73, CD90 and CD105, and angiogenesis markers such as Flk-1, CD31, CD34, VWF, PDGFRβ and α-SMA, but negative for CD45. In addition, the stemness of limbal niche cells can be maintained during their cell culture in a three-dimension environment. Furthermore, expanded limbal niche cells have the capability to undergo adipogenesis, chondrogenesis, osteogenesis and endogenesis in vitro, indicating that they are in fact a valuable resource of adult progenitors. Furthermore studies on how the limbal niche cells regulate the aforementioned stemness and corneal fate decision are warranted, as those investigations will shed new light on how mesenchymal progenitors reverse limbal stem cell deficiency and lead to new methods for limbal niche cell treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Guo
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Department of Ophthalmology, School of Optometry & Ophthalmology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hong Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- R and D Department, Tissue Tech, Inc., Miami, FL, USA
| | - Sean Tighe
- R and D Department, Tissue Tech, Inc., Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Chen-Wei Su
- R and D Department, Tissue Tech, Inc., Miami, FL, USA
| | - Yongsong Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yan' An Hospital of Kunming, Kunming, China
| | - Hongxia Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yan' An Hospital of Kunming, Kunming, China
| | - Min Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Yingting Zhu
- R and D Department, Tissue Tech, Inc., Miami, FL, USA
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Matthyssen S, Van den Bogerd B, Dhubhghaill SN, Koppen C, Zakaria N. Corneal regeneration: A review of stromal replacements. Acta Biomater 2018; 69:31-41. [PMID: 29374600 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Corneal blindness is traditionally treated by transplantation of a donor cornea, or in severe cases by implantation of an artificial cornea or keratoprosthesis. Due to severe donor shortages and the risks of complications that come with artificial corneas, tissue engineering in ophthalmology has become more focused on regenerative strategies using biocompatible materials either with or without cells. The stroma makes up the bulk of the corneal thickness and mainly consists of a tightly interwoven network of collagen type I, making it notoriously difficult to recreate in a laboratory setting. Despite the challenges that come with corneal stromal tissue engineering, there has recently been enormous progress in this field. A large number of research groups are working towards developing the ideal biomimetic, cytocompatible and transplantable stromal replacement. Here we provide an overview of the approaches directed towards tissue engineering the corneal stroma, from classical collagen gels, films and sponges to less traditional components such as silk, fish scales, gelatin and polymers. The perfect stromal replacement has yet to be identified and future research should be directed at combined approaches, in order to not only host native stromal cells but also restore functionality. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE In the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine in ophthalmology the focus has shifted towards a common goal: to restore the corneal stroma and thereby provide a new treatment option for patients who are currently blind due to corneal opacification. Currently the waiting lists for corneal transplantation include more than 10 million patients, due to severe donor shortages. Alternatives to the transplantation of a donor cornea include the use of artificial cornea, but these are by no means biomimetic and therefore do not provide good outcomes. In recent years a lot of work has gone into the development of tissue engineered scaffolds and other biomaterials suitable to replace the native stromal tissue. Looking at all the different approaches separately is a daunting task and up until now there was no review article in which every approach is discussed. This review does include all approaches, from classical tissue engineering with collagen to the use of various alternative biomaterials and even fish scales. Therefore, this review can serve as a reference work for those starting in the field and but also to stimulate collaborative efforts in the future.
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Chen Z, You J, Liu X, Cooper S, Hodge C, Sutton G, Crook JM, Wallace GG. Biomaterials for corneal bioengineering. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 13:032002. [PMID: 29021411 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/aa92d2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Corneal transplantation is an important surgical treatment for many common corneal diseases. However, a worldwide shortage of tissue from suitable corneal donors has meant that many people are not able to receive sight-restoring operations. In addition, rejection is a major cause of corneal transplant failure. Bioengineering corneal tissue has recently gained widespread attention. In order to facilitate corneal regeneration, a range of materials is currently being investigated. The ideal substrate requires sufficient tectonic durability, biocompatibility with cultured cellular elements, transparency, and perhaps biodegradability and clinical compliance. This review considers the anatomy and function of the native cornea as a precursor to evaluating a variety of biomaterials for corneal regeneration including key characteristics for optimal material form and function. The integration of appropriate cells with the most appropriate biomaterials is also discussed. Taken together, the information provided offers insight into the requirements for fabricating synthetic and semisynthetic corneas for in vitro modeling of tissue development and disease, pharmaceutical screening, and in vivo application for regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Chen
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, AIIM Facility, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, Squires Way, Fairy Meadow, New South Wales 2519, Australia
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Mukhey D, Phillips JB, Daniels JT, Kureshi AK. Controlling human corneal stromal stem cell contraction to mediate rapid cell and matrix organization of real architecture for 3-dimensional tissue equivalents. Acta Biomater 2018; 67:229-237. [PMID: 29208552 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.11.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The architecture of the human corneal stroma consists of a highly organized extracellular matrix (ECM) interspersed with keratocytes. Their progenitor cells; corneal stromal stem cells (CSSC) are located at the periphery, in the limbal stroma. A highly organized corneal ECM is critical for effective transmission of light but this structure may be compromised during injury or disease, resulting in loss of vision. Re-creating normal organization in engineered tissue equivalents for transplantation often involves lengthy culture times that are inappropriate for clinical use or utilisation of synthetic substrates that bring complications such as corneal melting. CSSC have great therapeutic potential owing to their ability to reorganize a disorganized matrix, restoring transparency in scarred corneas. We examined CSSC contractile behavior to assess whether this property could be exploited to rapidly generate cell and ECM organization in Real Architecture For 3D Tissues (RAFT) tissue equivalents (TE) for transplantation. Free-floating collagen gels were characterized to assess contractile behavior of CSSC and establish optimum cell density and culture times. To mediate cell and collagen organization, tethered collagen gels seeded with CSSC were cultured and subsequently stabilized with the RAFT process. We demonstrated rapid creation of biomimetic RAFT TE with tunable structural properties. These displayed three distinct regions of varying degrees of cellular and collagen organization. Interestingly, increased organization coincided with a dramatic loss of PAX6 expression in CSSC, indicating rapid differentiation into keratocytes. The organized RAFT TE system could be a useful bioengineering tool to rapidly create an organized ECM while simultaneously controlling cell phenotype. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE For the first time, we have demonstrated that human CSSC exhibit the phenomenon of cellular self-alignment in tethered collagen gels. We found this mediated rapid co-alignment of collagen fibrils and thus subsequently exploited this property in vitro to improve the architecture of engineered RAFT tissue equivalents of the corneal stroma. Existing techniques are extremely lengthy and carry significant risk and cost for GMP manufacture. This rapid and tunable technique takes just 8 h of culture and is therefore ideal for clinical manufacture, creating biomimetic tissue equivalents with both cellular and ECM organization. Thus, cellular self-alignment can be a useful bioengineering tool for the development of organized tissue equivalents in a variety of applications.
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40
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Chen J, Zhang W, Backman LJ, Kelk P, Danielson P. Mechanical stress potentiates the differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells into keratocytes. Br J Ophthalmol 2018; 102:562-569. [PMID: 29306866 PMCID: PMC5890647 DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2017-311150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Aims To explore the role of corneal-shaped static mechanical strain on the differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) into keratocytes and the possible synergistic effects of mechanics and inducing medium. Methods PDLSCs were exposed to 3% static dome-shaped mechanical strain in a Flexcell Tension System for 3 days and 7 days. Keratocyte phenotype was determined by gene expression of keratocyte markers. Keratocyte differentiation (inducing) medium was introduced in the Flexcell system, either continuously or intermittently combined with mechanical stimulation. The synergistic effects of mechanics and inducing medium on keratocyte differentiation was evaluated by gene and protein expression of keratocyte markers. Finally, a multilamellar cell sheet was assembled by seeding PDLSCs on a collagen membrane and inducing keratocyte differentiation. The transparency of the cell sheet was assessed, and typical markers of native human corneal stroma were evaluated by immunofluorescence staining. Results Dome-shaped mechanical stimulation promoted PDLSCs to differentiate into keratocytes, as shown by the upregulation of ALDH3A1, CD34, LUM, COL I and COL V. The expression of integrins were also upregulated after mechanical stimulation, including integrin alpha 1, alpha 2, beta 1 and non-muscle myosin II B. A synergistic effect of mechanics and inducing medium was found on keratocyte differentiation. The cell sheets were assembled under the treatment of mechanics and inducing medium simultaneously. The cell sheets were transparent, multilamellar and expressed typical markers of corneal stroma. Conclusion Dome-shaped mechanical stimulation promotes differentiation of PDLSCs into keratocytes and has synergistic effects with inducing medium. Multilamellar cell sheets that resemble native human corneal stroma show potential for future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialin Chen
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ludvig J Backman
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Peyman Kelk
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Patrik Danielson
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Unit of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Kilic Bektas C, Hasirci V. Mimicking corneal stroma using keratocyte-loaded photopolymerizable methacrylated gelatin hydrogels. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2018; 12:e1899-e1910. [PMID: 29193831 DOI: 10.1002/term.2621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Cell-laden methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) hydrogels with high (approximately 90%) transparency were prepared to mimic the natural form and function of corneal stroma. They were synthesized from GelMA with a methacrylation degree of 70% as determined by nuclear magnetic resonance. Hydrogels were strong enough to withstand handling. Stability studies showed that 87% of the GelMA hydrogels remained after 21 days in phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Cell viability in the first 2 days was over 90% for the human keratocytes loaded in the gels as determined with the live-dead analysis. Cells in the hydrogel elongated and connected to each other as observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) images and scanning electron microscope analysis after 3 weeks in the culture medium and cells were seen to be distributed throughout the hydrogel bulk. Cells were found to synthesize collagen Types I and V, decorin, and biglycan (representative collagens and proteoglycans of human corneal stroma, respectively) showing that keratocytes maintained their functions and preserved their phenotypes in the hydrogels. Transparency of cell-loaded and cell-free hydrogels after 21 days was found to be over 90% at all time points in the visible light range and was comparable to the transparency of the native cornea. The corneal stroma equivalent produced in this study that has cells entrapped in it leads to a product with homogenous distribution of cells. It was transparent at the very beginning and is expected to allow better vision than nontransparent substrates. It, therefore, has a significant potential to be used as an alternative to the current products used to treat corneal blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cemile Kilic Bektas
- Department of Biological Sciences, METU, Ankara, Turkey.,Department of Biotechnology, METU, Ankara, Turkey.,BIOMATEN, METU Center of Excellence in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Vasif Hasirci
- Department of Biological Sciences, METU, Ankara, Turkey.,Department of Biotechnology, METU, Ankara, Turkey.,BIOMATEN, METU Center of Excellence in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Ankara, Turkey
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Ghoubay-Benallaoua D, de Sousa C, Martos R, Latour G, Schanne-Klein MC, Dupin E, Borderie V. Easy xeno-free and feeder-free method for isolating and growing limbal stromal and epithelial stem cells of the human cornea. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0188398. [PMID: 29149196 PMCID: PMC5693460 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial and stromal stem cells are required to maintain corneal transparency. The aim of the study was to develop a new method to isolate and grow both corneal stromal (SSC) and epithelial limbal (LSC) stem cells from small human limbal biopsies under culture conditions in accordance with safety requirements mandatory for clinical use in humans. Superficial limbal explants were retrieved from human donor corneo-scleral rims. Human limbal cells were dissociated by digestion with collagenase A, either after epithelial scraping or with no scraping. Isolated cells were cultured with Essential 8 medium (E8), E8 supplemented with EGF (E8+) or Green’s medium with 3T3 feeder-layers. Cells were characterized by immunostaining, RT-qPCR, colony forming efficiency, sphere formation, population doubling, second harmonic generation microscopy and differentiation potentials. LSC were obtained from unscraped explants in E8, E8+ and Green’s media and were characterized by colony formation and expression of PAX6, ΔNP63α, Bmi1, ABCG2, SOX9, CK14, CK15 and vimentin, with a few cells positive for CK3. LSC underwent 28 population doublings still forming colonies. SSC were obtained from both scraped and unscraped explants in E8 and E8+ media and were characterized by sphere formation, expression of PAX6, SOX2, BMI1, NESTIN, ABCG2, KERATOCAN, VIMENTIN, SOX9, SOX10 and HNK1, production of collagen fibrils and differentiation into keratocytes, fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, neurons, adipocytes, chondrocytes and osteocytes. SSC underwent 48 population doublings still forming spheres, Thus, this new method allows both SSC and LSC to be isolated from small superficial limbal biopsies and to be primary cultured in feeder-free and xeno-free conditions, which will be useful for clinical purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djida Ghoubay-Benallaoua
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, INSERM, CNRS UMR 7210, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Paris, France.,Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, Paris, France
| | | | - Raphaël Martos
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, INSERM, CNRS UMR 7210, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Paris, France
| | - Gaël Latour
- Laboratoire Imagerie et Modélisation en Neurobiologie et Cancérologie, Univ. Paris-Sud, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | - Marie-Claire Schanne-Klein
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, Ecole polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM U1182, Université Paris-Saclay, Palaiseau, France
| | - Elisabeth Dupin
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, INSERM, CNRS UMR 7210, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Paris, France
| | - Vincent Borderie
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, INSERM, CNRS UMR 7210, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Paris, France.,Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, Paris, France
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Chen J, Zhang W, Kelk P, Backman LJ, Danielson P. Substance P and patterned silk biomaterial stimulate periodontal ligament stem cells to form corneal stroma in a bioengineered three-dimensional model. Stem Cell Res Ther 2017; 8:260. [PMID: 29132420 PMCID: PMC5683543 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-017-0715-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We aimed to generate a bioengineered multi-lamellar human corneal stroma tissue in vitro by differentiating periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) towards keratocytes on an aligned silk membrane. Methods Human PDLSCs were isolated and identified. The neuropeptide substance P (SP) was added in keratocyte differentiation medium (KDM) to evaluate its effect on keratocyte differentiation of PDLSCs. PDLSCs were then seeded on patterned silk membrane and cultured with KDM and SP. Cell alignment was evaluated and the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) components of corneal stroma was detected. Finally, multi-lamellar tissue was constructed in vitro by PDLSCs seeded on patterned silk membranes, which were stacked orthogonally and stimulated by KDM supplemented with SP for 18 days. Sections were prepared and subsequently stained with hematoxylin and eosin or antibodies for immunofluorescence observation of human corneal stroma-related proteins. Results SP promoted the expression of corneal stroma-related collagens (collagen types I, III, V, and VI) during the differentiation induced by KDM. Patterned silk membrane guided cell alignment of PDLSCs, and important ECM components of the corneal stroma were shown to be deposited by the cells. The constructed multi-lamellar tissue was found to support cells growing between every two layers and expressing the main type of collagens (collagen types I and V) and proteoglycans (lumican and keratocan) of normal human corneal stroma. Conclusions Multi-lamellar human corneal stroma-like tissue can be constructed successfully in vitro by PDLSCs seeded on orthogonally aligned, multi-layered silk membranes with SP supplementation, which shows potential for future corneal tissue engineering. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13287-017-0715-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialin Chen
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Anatomy, Umeå University, SE-901 87, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Anatomy, Umeå University, SE-901 87, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Peyman Kelk
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Anatomy, Umeå University, SE-901 87, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ludvig J Backman
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Anatomy, Umeå University, SE-901 87, Umeå, Sweden.,Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Patrik Danielson
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Anatomy, Umeå University, SE-901 87, Umeå, Sweden. .,Department of Clinical Sciences, Ophthalmology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
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Gouveia RM, Koudouna E, Jester J, Figueiredo F, Connon CJ. Template Curvature Influences Cell Alignment to Create Improved Human Corneal Tissue Equivalents. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 1:e1700135. [DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201700135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo M. Gouveia
- Institute of Genetic Medicine; Newcastle University; Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ UK
| | - Elena Koudouna
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute; University of California Irvine; Irvine CA 92697 USA
- Structural Biophysics Research Group; School of Optometry and Vision Sciences; Cardiff University; Cardiff CF24 4HQ Wales UK
| | - James Jester
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute; University of California Irvine; Irvine CA 92697 USA
| | - Francisco Figueiredo
- Institute of Genetic Medicine; Newcastle University; Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ UK
- Department of Ophthalmology; Royal Victoria Infirmary; Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP UK
| | - Che J. Connon
- Institute of Genetic Medicine; Newcastle University; Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ UK
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45
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Gosselin EA, Torregrosa T, Ghezzi CE, Mendelsohn AC, Gomes R, Funderburgh JL, Kaplan DL. Multi-layered silk film coculture system for human corneal epithelial and stromal stem cells. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2017; 12:285-295. [PMID: 28600807 DOI: 10.1002/term.2499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
With insufficient options to meet the clinical demand for cornea transplants, one emerging area of emphasis is on cornea tissue engineering. In the present study, the goal was to combine the corneal stroma and epithelium into one coculture system, to monitor both human corneal stromal stem cell (hCSSC) and human corneal epithelial cell (hCE) growth and differentiation into keratocytes and differentiated epithelium in these three-dimensional tissue systems in vitro. Coculture conditions were first optimized, including the medium, air-liquid interface culture, and surface topography and chemistry of biomaterial scaffold films based on silk protein. The silk was used as scaffolding for both stromal and epithelial tissue layers because it is cell compatible, can be surface patterned, and is optically clear. Next, the effects of proliferating and differentiating hCEs and hCSSCs were studied in this in vitro system, including the effects on cell proliferation, matrix formation by immunochemistry, and gene expression by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The incorporation of both cell types into the coculture system demonstrated more complete differentiation and growth for both cell types compared to the corneal stromal cells and corneal epithelial cells alone. Silk films for corneal epithelial culture were optimized to combine a 4.0-μm-scale surface pattern with bulk-loaded collagen type IV. Differentiation of each cell type was in evidence based on increased expression of corneal stroma and epithelial proteins and transcript levels after 6 weeks in coculture on the optimized silk scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Gosselin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Tess Torregrosa
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Chiara E Ghezzi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | | | - Rachel Gomes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - James L Funderburgh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
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46
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Brunette I, Roberts CJ, Vidal F, Harissi-Dagher M, Lachaine J, Sheardown H, Durr GM, Proulx S, Griffith M. Alternatives to eye bank native tissue for corneal stromal replacement. Prog Retin Eye Res 2017; 59:97-130. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2017.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2016] [Revised: 04/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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47
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Syed-Picard FN, Du Y, Hertsenberg AJ, Palchesko R, Funderburgh ML, Feinberg AW, Funderburgh JL. Scaffold-free tissue engineering of functional corneal stromal tissue. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2017; 12:59-69. [PMID: 27863068 DOI: 10.1002/term.2363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Blinding corneal scarring is predominately treated with allogeneic graft tissue; however, there is a worldwide shortage of donor tissue leaving millions in need of therapy. Human corneal stromal stem cells (CSSC) have been shown produce corneal tissue when cultured on nanofibre scaffolding, but this tissue cannot be readily separated from the scaffold. In this study, scaffold-free tissue engineering methods were used to generate biomimetic corneal stromal tissue constructs that can be transplanted in vivo without introducing the additional variables associated with exogenous scaffolding. CSSC were cultured on substrates with aligned microgrooves, which directed parallel cell alignment and matrix organization, similar to the organization of native corneal stromal lamella. CSSC produced sufficient matrix to allow manual separation of a tissue sheet from the grooved substrate. These constructs were cellular and collagenous tissue sheets, approximately 4 μm thick and contained extracellular matrix molecules typical of corneal tissue including collagen types I and V and keratocan. Similar to the native corneal stroma, the engineered corneal tissues contained long parallel collagen fibrils with uniform diameter. After being transplanted into mouse corneal stromal pockets, the engineered corneal stromal tissues became transparent, and the human CSSCs continued to express human corneal stromal matrix molecules. Both in vitro and in vivo, these scaffold-free engineered constructs emulated stromal lamellae of native corneal stromal tissues. Scaffold-free engineered corneal stromal constructs represent a novel, potentially autologous, cell-generated, biomaterial with the potential for treating corneal blindness. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yiqin Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Rachelle Palchesko
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Adam W Feinberg
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - James L Funderburgh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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48
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Zhou HY, Cao Y, Wu J, Zhang WS. Role of corneal collagen fibrils in corneal disorders and related pathological conditions. Int J Ophthalmol 2017; 10:803-811. [PMID: 28546941 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2017.05.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The cornea is a soft tissue located at the front of the eye with the principal function of transmitting and refracting light rays to precisely sense visual information. Corneal shape, refraction, and stromal stiffness are to a large part determined by corneal fibrils, the arrangements of which define the corneal cells and their functional behaviour. However, the modality and alignment of native corneal collagen lamellae are altered in various corneal pathological states such as infection, injury, keratoconus, corneal scar formation, and keratoprosthesis. Furthermore, corneal recuperation after corneal pathological change is dependent on the balance of corneal collagen degradation and contraction. A thorough understanding of the characteristics of corneal collagen is thus necessary to develop viable therapies using the outcome of strategies using engineered corneas. In this review, we discuss the composition and distribution of corneal collagens as well as their degradation and contraction, and address the current status of corneal tissue engineering and the progress of corneal cross-linking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yan Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Yan Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Jie Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Wen-Song Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, Jilin Province, China
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49
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Sidney LE, Hopkinson A. Corneal keratocyte transition to mesenchymal stem cell phenotype and reversal using serum-free medium supplemented with fibroblast growth factor-2, transforming growth factor-β3 and retinoic acid. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2017; 12:e203-e215. [PMID: 27685949 DOI: 10.1002/term.2316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Revised: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Keratocytes of the corneal limbal stroma can derive populations of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) when expanded in vitro. However, once a corneal MSC (cMSC) phenotype is achieved, regaining the keratocyte phenotype can be challenging, and there is no standardised differentiation medium. Here, we investigated the transition of keratocytes to cMSC and compared different supplements in their ability to return cMSC to a keratocyte phenotype. Immunofluorescence and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction demonstrated in vivo keratocyte expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase 3A1, CD34 and keratocan, but not any of the typical MSC markers (CD73, CD90, CD105). As the keratocytes were expanded in vitro, the phenotypic profile reversed and the cells expressed MSC markers but not keratocyte markers. Differentiating the cMSC back to a keratocyte phenotype using nonsupplemented, serum-free medium restored keratocyte markers but did not maintain cell viability or support corneal extracellular matrix production. Supplementing the differentiation medium with combinations of fibroblast growth factor-2, transforming growth factor-β3 and retinoic acid maintained viability, restored expression of CD34, aldehyde dehydrogenase 3A1 and keratocan, and facilitated production of abundant extracellular matrix as shown by immunofluorescent staining for collagen-I and lumican, alongside quantitative assays for collagen and glycosaminoglycan production. However, no differentiation medium was able to downregulate the expression of MSC markers in the 21-day culture period. This study shows that the keratocyte to MSC transition can be partially reversed using serum-free media and supplementation with retinoic acid, fibroblast growth factor-2 and transforming growth factor-β3 and can enhance this effect. This is relevant for development of corneal regenerative strategies that require the production of a keratocyte phenotype. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Sidney
- Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Queen's Medical Centre Campus, University of Nottingham, UK
| | - Andrew Hopkinson
- Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Queen's Medical Centre Campus, University of Nottingham, UK
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50
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Kumar P, Satyam A, Cigognini D, Pandit A, Zeugolis DI. Low oxygen tension and macromolecular crowding accelerate extracellular matrix deposition in human corneal fibroblast culture. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2017; 12:6-18. [PMID: 27592127 DOI: 10.1002/term.2283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2015] [Revised: 07/30/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Development of implantable devices based on the principles of in vitro organogenesis has been hindered due to the prolonged time required to develop an implantable device. Herein we assessed the influence of serum concentration (0.5% and 10%), oxygen tension (0.5%, 2% and 20%) and macromolecular crowding (75 μg/ml carrageenan) in extracellular matrix deposition in human corneal fibroblast culture (3, 7 and 14 days). The highest extracellular matrix deposition was observed after 14 days in culture at 0.5% serum, 2% oxygen tension and 75 μg/ml carrageenan. These data indicate that low oxygen tension coupled with macromolecular crowding significantly accelerate the development of scaffold-free tissue-like modules. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pramod Kumar
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland.,Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland
| | - Abhigyan Satyam
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland.,Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland
| | - Daniela Cigognini
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland.,Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland
| | - Abhay Pandit
- Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland
| | - Dimitrios I Zeugolis
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland.,Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland
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