1
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Vincent A, Krishnakumar S, Parameswaran S. Heterozygous RB1 mutation enhanced ATP production in human iPSC-derived retinal organoids. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:606. [PMID: 38704498 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09564-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent in vitro studies using RB1+/- fibroblasts and MSCs have shown molecular and functional disruptions without the need for biallelic loss of RB1. However, this was not reflected in the recent in vitro studies employing RB1+/- retinal organoids. To gain further insights into the molecular disruptions in the RB1+/- retinal organoids, we performed a high throughput RNA sequencing analysis. METHODS AND RESULTS iPSCs were generated from RB1+/+ and RB1+/- OAMSCs derived from retinoblastoma patients. RB1+/+ and RB1+/- iPSCs were subjected to a step-wise retinal differentiation protocol. Retinal differentiation was evaluated by Real-time PCR and flow cytometry analysis of the retinal markers. To gain further insights into the molecular differences in RB1+/- retinal organoids, a high throughput RNA sequencing followed by differential gene expression analysis and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed. The analysis revealed a shift from the regular metabolic process of glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation in the RB1+/- retinal organoids. To investigate further, we performed assays to determine the levels of pyruvate, lactate and ATP in the retinal organoids. The results revealed significant increase in ATP and pyruvate levels in RB1+/- retinal organoids of day 120 compared to that of the RB1+/+. The results thus revealed enhanced ATP production in the RB1+/- retinal organoids. CONCLUSION The study provides novel insights into the metabolic phenotype of heterozygous RB1 mutant suggesting dysregulation of energy metabolism and glycolytic pathways to be first step even before the changes in cellular proliferation or other phenotypic consequences ensue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambily Vincent
- Radheshyam Kanoi Stem Cell Laboratory, Kamalnayan Bajaj Institute for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Vision Research Foundation, 41, College Road, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
- School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed-to-Be University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Subramanian Krishnakumar
- Radheshyam Kanoi Stem Cell Laboratory, Kamalnayan Bajaj Institute for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Vision Research Foundation, 41, College Road, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Sowmya Parameswaran
- Radheshyam Kanoi Stem Cell Laboratory, Kamalnayan Bajaj Institute for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Vision Research Foundation, 41, College Road, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India.
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2
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Kurzawa-Akanbi M, Tzoumas N, Corral-Serrano JC, Guarascio R, Steel DH, Cheetham ME, Armstrong L, Lako M. Pluripotent stem cell-derived models of retinal disease: Elucidating pathogenesis, evaluating novel treatments, and estimating toxicity. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 100:101248. [PMID: 38369182 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101248] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Blindness poses a growing global challenge, with approximately 26% of cases attributed to degenerative retinal diseases. While gene therapy, optogenetic tools, photosensitive switches, and retinal prostheses offer hope for vision restoration, these high-cost therapies will benefit few patients. Understanding retinal diseases is therefore key to advance effective treatments, requiring in vitro models replicating pathology and allowing quantitative assessments for drug discovery. Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) provide a unique solution given their limitless supply and ability to differentiate into light-responsive retinal tissues encompassing all cell types. This review focuses on the history and current state of photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell generation from PSCs. We explore the applications of this technology in disease modelling, experimental therapy testing, biomarker identification, and toxicity studies. We consider challenges in scalability, standardisation, and reproducibility, and stress the importance of incorporating vasculature and immune cells into retinal organoids. We advocate for high-throughput automation in data acquisition and analyses and underscore the value of advanced micro-physiological systems that fully capture the interactions between the neural retina, RPE, and choriocapillaris.
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3
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Dorgau B, Collin J, Rozanska A, Zerti D, Unsworth A, Crosier M, Hussain R, Coxhead J, Dhanaseelan T, Patel A, Sowden JC, FitzPatrick DR, Queen R, Lako M. Single-cell analyses reveal transient retinal progenitor cells in the ciliary margin of developing human retina. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3567. [PMID: 38670973 PMCID: PMC11053058 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47933-x] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of retinal progenitor cells and differentiation to various retinal cell types represent fundamental processes during retinal development. Herein, we provide a comprehensive single cell characterisation of transcriptional and chromatin accessibility changes that underline retinal progenitor cell specification and differentiation over the course of human retinal development up to midgestation. Our lineage trajectory data demonstrate the presence of early retinal progenitors, which transit to late, and further to transient neurogenic progenitors, that give rise to all the retinal neurons. Combining single cell RNA-Seq with spatial transcriptomics of early eye samples, we demonstrate the transient presence of early retinal progenitors in the ciliary margin zone with decreasing occurrence from 8 post-conception week of human development. In retinal progenitor cells, we identified a significant enrichment for transcriptional enhanced associate domain transcription factor binding motifs, which when inhibited led to loss of cycling progenitors and retinal identity in pluripotent stem cell derived organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birthe Dorgau
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Joseph Collin
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Agata Rozanska
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Darin Zerti
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Moira Crosier
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | | | | | | | - Aara Patel
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jane C Sowden
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, London, UK
| | - David R FitzPatrick
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rachel Queen
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK.
| | - Majlinda Lako
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK.
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4
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Zhang T, Qian C, Song M, Tang Y, Zhou Y, Dong G, Shen Q, Chen W, Wang A, Shen S, Zhao Y, Lu Y. Application Prospect of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in Organoids and Cell Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2680. [PMID: 38473926 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Since its inception, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology has been hailed as a powerful tool for comprehending disease etiology and advancing drug screening across various domains. While earlier iPSC-based disease modeling and drug assessment primarily operated at the cellular level, recent years have witnessed a significant shift towards organoid-based investigations. Organoids derived from iPSCs offer distinct advantages, particularly in enabling the observation of disease progression and drug metabolism in an in vivo-like environment, surpassing the capabilities of iPSC-derived cells. Furthermore, iPSC-based cell therapy has emerged as a focal point of clinical interest. In this review, we provide an extensive overview of non-integrative reprogramming methods that have evolved since the inception of iPSC technology. We also deliver a comprehensive examination of iPSC-derived organoids, spanning the realms of the nervous system, cardiovascular system, and oncology, as well as systematically elucidate recent advancements in iPSC-related cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Zhang
- Jiangsu Joint International Research Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Regenerative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Cheng Qian
- Jiangsu Joint International Research Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Regenerative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Mengyao Song
- Jiangsu Joint International Research Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Regenerative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yu Tang
- Jiangsu Joint International Research Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Regenerative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yueke Zhou
- Jiangsu Joint International Research Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Regenerative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Guanglu Dong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Qiuhong Shen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Wenxing Chen
- Jiangsu Joint International Research Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Regenerative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Aiyun Wang
- Jiangsu Joint International Research Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Regenerative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Sanbing Shen
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, University of Galway, H91 W2TY Galway, Ireland
| | - Yang Zhao
- Jiangsu Joint International Research Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Regenerative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yin Lu
- Jiangsu Joint International Research Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Regenerative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
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Caruso L, Fields M, Rimondi E, Zauli G, Longo G, Marcuzzi A, Previati M, Gonelli A, Zauli E, Milani D. Classical and Innovative Evidence for Therapeutic Strategies in Retinal Dysfunctions. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2124. [PMID: 38396799 PMCID: PMC10889839 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042124] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The human retina is a complex anatomical structure that has no regenerative capacity. The pathogenesis of most retinopathies can be attributed to inflammation, with the activation of the inflammasome protein platform, and to the impact of oxidative stress on the regulation of apoptosis and autophagy/mitophagy in retinal cells. In recent years, new therapeutic approaches to treat retinopathies have been investigated. Experimental data suggest that the secretome of mesenchymal cells could reduce oxidative stress, autophagy, and the apoptosis of retinal cells, and in turn, the secretome of the latter could induce changes in mesenchymal cells. Other studies have evidenced that noncoding (nc)RNAs might be new targets for retinopathy treatment and novel disease biomarkers since a correlation has been found between ncRNA levels and retinopathies. A new field to explore is the interaction observed between the ocular and intestinal microbiota; indeed, recent findings have shown that the alteration of gut microbiota seems to be linked to ocular diseases, suggesting a gut-eye axis. To explore new therapeutical strategies for retinopathies, it is important to use proper models that can mimic the complexity of the retina. In this context, retinal organoids represent a good model for the study of the pathophysiology of the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Caruso
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Matteo Fields
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.F.); (G.L.); (A.M.); (M.P.); (D.M.)
| | - Erika Rimondi
- Department of Translational Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh 11462, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Giovanna Longo
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.F.); (G.L.); (A.M.); (M.P.); (D.M.)
| | - Annalisa Marcuzzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.F.); (G.L.); (A.M.); (M.P.); (D.M.)
| | - Maurizio Previati
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.F.); (G.L.); (A.M.); (M.P.); (D.M.)
| | - Arianna Gonelli
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Enrico Zauli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.F.); (G.L.); (A.M.); (M.P.); (D.M.)
| | - Daniela Milani
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.F.); (G.L.); (A.M.); (M.P.); (D.M.)
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6
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Zhang H, Konjusha D, Rafati N, Tararuk T, Hallböök F. Inhibition of high level E2F in a RB1 proficient MYCN overexpressing chicken retinoblastoma model normalizes neoplastic behaviour. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024; 47:209-227. [PMID: 37606819 PMCID: PMC10899388 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00863-0] [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] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Retinoblastoma, a childhood cancer, is most frequently caused by bi-allelic inactivation of RB1 gene. However, other oncogenic mutations such as MYCN amplification can induce retinoblastoma with proficient RB1. Previously, we established RB1-proficient MYCN-overexpressing retinoblastoma models both in human organoids and chicken. Here, we investigate the regulatory events in MYCN-induced retinoblastoma carcinogenesis based on the model in chicken. METHODS MYCN transformed retinal cells in culture were obtained from in vivo MYCN electroporated chicken embryo retina. The expression profiles were analysed by RNA sequencing. Chemical treatments, qRT-PCR, flow cytometry, immunohisto- and immunocytochemistry and western blot were applied to study the properties and function of these cells. RESULTS The expression profile of MYCN-transformed retinal cells in culture showed cone photoreceptor progenitor signature and robustly increased levels of E2Fs. This expression profile was consistently observed in long-term culture. Chemical treatments confirmed RB1 proficiency in these cells. The cells were insensitive to p53 activation but inhibition of E2f efficiently induced cell cycle arrest followed by apoptosis. CONCLUSION In conclusion, with proficient RB1, MYCN-induced high level of E2F expression dysregulates the cell cycle and contributes to retinoblastoma carcinogenesis. The increased level of E2f renders the cells to adopt a similar mechanistic phenotype to a RB1-deficient tumour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanzhao Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Dardan Konjusha
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Nima Rafati
- National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tatsiana Tararuk
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Finn Hallböök
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden.
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7
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Bombieri C, Corsi A, Trabetti E, Ruggiero A, Marchetto G, Vattemi G, Valenti MT, Zipeto D, Romanelli MG. Advanced Cellular Models for Rare Disease Study: Exploring Neural, Muscle and Skeletal Organoids. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1014. [PMID: 38256087 PMCID: PMC10815694 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021014] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Organoids are self-organized, three-dimensional structures derived from stem cells that can mimic the structure and physiology of human organs. Patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and 3D organoid model systems allow cells to be analyzed in a controlled environment to simulate the characteristics of a given disease by modeling the underlying pathophysiology. The recent development of 3D cell models has offered the scientific community an exceptionally valuable tool in the study of rare diseases, overcoming the limited availability of biological samples and the limitations of animal models. This review provides an overview of iPSC models and genetic engineering techniques used to develop organoids. In particular, some of the models applied to the study of rare neuronal, muscular and skeletal diseases are described. Furthermore, the limitations and potential of developing new therapeutic approaches are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Donato Zipeto
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (C.B.); (A.C.); (E.T.); (A.R.); (G.M.); (G.V.); (M.T.V.)
| | - Maria Grazia Romanelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (C.B.); (A.C.); (E.T.); (A.R.); (G.M.); (G.V.); (M.T.V.)
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8
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Watson A, Lako M. Retinal organoids provide unique insights into molecular signatures of inherited retinal disease throughout retinogenesis. J Anat 2023; 243:186-203. [PMID: 36177499 PMCID: PMC10335378 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13768] [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: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The demand for induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)-derived retinal organoid and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) models for the modelling of inherited retinopathies has increased significantly in the last decade. These models are comparable with foetal retinas up until the later stages of retinogenesis, expressing all of the key neuronal markers necessary for retinal function. These models have proven to be invaluable in the understanding of retinogenesis, particular in the context of patient-specific diseases. Inherited retinopathies are infamously described as clinically and phenotypically heterogeneous, such that developing gene/mutation-specific animal models in each instance of retinal disease is not financially or ethically feasible. Further to this, many animal models are insufficient in the study of disease pathogenesis due to anatomical differences and failure to recapitulate human disease phenotypes. In contrast, iPSC-derived retinal models provide a high throughput platform which is physiologically relevant for studying human health and disease. They also serve as a platform for drug screening, gene therapy approaches and in vitro toxicology of novel therapeutics in pre-clinical studies. One unique characteristic of stem cell-derived retinal models is the ability to mimic in vivo retinogenesis, providing unparalleled insights into the effects of pathogenic mutations in cells of the developing retina, in a highly accessible way. This review aims to give the reader an overview of iPSC-derived retinal organoids and/or RPE in the context of disease modelling of several inherited retinopathies including Retinitis Pigmentosa, Stargardt disease and Retinoblastoma. We describe the ability of each model to recapitulate in vivo disease phenotypes, validate previous findings from animal models and identify novel pathomechanisms that underpin individual IRDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avril Watson
- Biosciences InstituteNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - Majlinda Lako
- Biosciences InstituteNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
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9
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Cerna-Chavez R, Rozanska A, Poretti GL, Benvenisty N, Parulekar M, Lako M. Retinal pigment epithelium exhibits gene expression and phagocytic activity alterations when exposed to retinoblastoma chemotherapeutics. Exp Eye Res 2023; 233:109542. [PMID: 37331647 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109542] [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: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Retinoblastoma (Rb) is a rare malignant disorder affecting the developing retina of children under the age of five. Chemotherapeutic agents used for treating Rb have been associated with defects of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), such as hyperplasia, gliosis, and mottling. Herein, we have developed two pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-RPE models to assess the cytotoxicity of known Rb chemotherapeutics such as Melphalan, Topotecan and TW-37. Our findings demonstrate that these drugs alter the RPE by decreasing the monolayer barrier's trans-epithelial resistance and affecting the cells' phagocytic activity. Transcriptional analyses demonstrate an altered expression of genes involved in melanin and retinol processing, tight junction and apical-basal polarity pathways in both models. When applied within the clinical range, none of the drug treatments caused significant cytotoxic effects, changes to the apical-basal polarity, tight junction network or cell cycle. Together, our results demonstrate that although the most commonly used Rb chemotherapeutic drugs do not cause cytotoxicity in RPE, their application in vitro leads to compromised phagocytosis and strength of the barrier function, in addition to changes in gene expression that could alter the visual cycle in vivo. Our data demonstrate that widely used Rb chemotherapeutic drugs can have a deleterious impact on RPE cells and thus great care has to be exercised with regard to their delivery so the adjacent healthy RPE is not damaged during the course of tumor eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nissim Benvenisty
- The Azrieli Center for Stem Cells and Genetic Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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10
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Srimongkol A, Laosillapacharoen N, Saengwimol D, Chaitankar V, Rojanaporn D, Thanomchard T, Borwornpinyo S, Hongeng S, Kaewkhaw R. Sunitinib efficacy with minimal toxicity in patient-derived retinoblastoma organoids. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2023; 42:39. [PMID: 36726110 PMCID: PMC9890748 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02608-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrence of retinoblastoma (RB) following chemoreduction is common and is often managed with local (intra-arterial/intravitreal) chemotherapy. However, some tumors are resistant to even local administration of maximum feasible drug dosages, or effective tumor control and globe preservation may be achieved at the cost of vision loss due to drug-induced retinal toxicity. The aim of this study was to identify drugs with improved antitumor activity and more favorable retinal toxicity profiles via screening of potentially repurposable FDA-approved drugs in patient-derived tumor organoids. METHODS Genomic profiling of five RB organoids and the corresponding parental tissues was performed. RB organoids were screened with 133 FDA-approved drugs, and candidate drugs were selected based on cytotoxicity and potency. RNA sequencing was conducted to generate a drug signature from RB organoids, and the effects of drugs on cell cycle progression and proliferative tumor cone restriction were examined. Drug toxicity was assessed with human embryonic stem cell-derived normal retinal organoids. The efficacy/toxicity profiles of candidate drugs were compared with those of drugs in clinical use. RESULTS RB organoids maintained the genomic features of the parental tumors. Sunitinib was identified as highly cytotoxic against both classical RB1-deficient and novel MYCN-amplified RB organoids and inhibited proliferation while inducing differentiation in RB. Sunitinib was a more effective suppressor of proliferative tumor cones in RB organoids and had lower toxicity in normal retinal organoids than either melphalan or topotecan. CONCLUSION The efficacy and retinal toxicity profiles of sunitinib suggest that it could potentially be repurposed for local chemotherapy of RB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atthapol Srimongkol
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Research Center, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 10400 Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Natanan Laosillapacharoen
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Program in Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 10400 Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Duangporn Saengwimol
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Research Center, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 10400 Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Vijender Chaitankar
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165Biodata Mining and Discovery Section, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Duangnate Rojanaporn
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 10400 Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thanastha Thanomchard
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Ramathibodi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 10400 Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Suparerk Borwornpinyo
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Excellent Center for Drug Discovery, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, 10400 Bangkok, Thailand ,grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, 10400 Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Suradej Hongeng
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 10400 Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rossukon Kaewkhaw
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Program in Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 10400 Bangkok, Thailand ,grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 10540 Samut Prakan, Thailand
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11
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Cheng L, Kuehn MH. Human Retinal Organoids in Therapeutic Discovery: A Review of Applications. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2023; 281:157-187. [PMID: 37608005 DOI: 10.1007/164_2023_691] [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] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs)- and induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs)-derived retinal organoids (ROs) are three-dimensional laminar structures that recapitulate the developmental trajectory of the human retina. The ROs provide a fascinating tool for basic science research, eye disease modeling, treatment development, and biobanking for tissue/cell replacement. Here we review the previous studies that paved the way for RO technology, the two most widely accepted, standardized protocols to generate ROs, and the utilization of ROs in medical discovery. This review is conducted from the perspective of basic science research, transplantation for regenerative medicine, disease modeling, and therapeutic development for drug screening and gene therapy. ROs have opened avenues for new technologies such as assembloids, coculture with other organoids, vasculature or immune cells, microfluidic devices (organ-on-chip), extracellular vesicles for drug delivery, biomaterial engineering, advanced imaging techniques, and artificial intelligence (AI). Nevertheless, some shortcomings of ROs currently limit their translation for medical applications and pose a challenge for future research. Despite these limitations, ROs are a powerful tool for functional studies and therapeutic strategies for retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Cheng
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA.
- Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - Markus H Kuehn
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Romani A, Zauli E, Zauli G, AlMesfer S, Al-Swailem S, Voltan R. MDM2 inhibitors-mediated disruption of mitochondrial metabolism: A novel therapeutic strategy for retinoblastoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1000677. [PMID: 36338723 PMCID: PMC9632280 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1000677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
MDM2 is the principal inhibitor of p53, and MDM2 inhibitors can disrupt the physical interaction between MDM2 and p53. The half-life of p53 is very short in normal cells and tissues, and an uncontrolled increase in p53 levels has potential harmful effects. It has been shown that p53 is frequently mutated in most cancers; however, p53 mutations are rare in retinoblastoma. Therefore, therapeutic strategies aimed at increasing the expression levels of wild-type p53 are attractive. In this minireview, we discuss the potential use of nutlin-3, the prototype small molecule inhibitor that disrupts the MDM2-p53 interaction, for the treatment of retinoblastoma. Although p53 has pleiotropic biological effects, the functions of p53 depend on its sub-cellular localization. In the nucleus, p53 induces the transcription of a vast array of genes, while in mitochondria, p53 regulates mitochondrial metabolism. This review also discusses the relative contribution of p53-mediated gene transcription and mitochondrial perturbation for retinoblastoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Romani
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences and Laboratorio per le Tecnologie delle Terapie Avanzate (LTTA) Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enrico Zauli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh AlMesfer
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samar Al-Swailem
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rebecca Voltan
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences and Laboratorio per le Tecnologie delle Terapie Avanzate (LTTA) Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- *Correspondence: Rebecca Voltan,
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Zhao H, Collet C, Peng D, Sinha UK, Lin DC. Investigation of early neoplastic transformation and premalignant biology using genetically engineered organoid models. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:5309-5315. [PMID: 36212534 PMCID: PMC9513696 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Organoid modeling is a powerful, robust and efficient technology faithfully preserving physiological and pathological characteristics of tissues of origin. Recently, substantial advances have been made in applying genetically engineered organoid models to study early tumorigenesis and premalignant biology. These efforts promise to identify novel avenues for early cancer detection, intervention and prevention. Here, we highlight significant advancements in the functional characterization of early genomic and epigenomic events during neoplastic evolution using organoid modeling, discuss the application of the lineage-tracing methodology in organoids to study cancer cells-of-origin, and review future opportunities for further development and improvement of organoid modeling of cancer precursors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Zhao
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, and Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Casey Collet
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, and Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Dongzi Peng
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, and Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Uttam K. Sinha
- Department of Otolaryngology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - De-Chen Lin
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, and Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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Genomic and Epigenomic Characterization of Tumor Organoid Models. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14174090. [PMID: 36077628 PMCID: PMC9454968 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The patient-derived organoid (PDO) model is a versatile and dynamic tool for investigating individual genomic and epigenomic properties of cancer. PDOs preserve key (epi-)genomic features and maintain physiological and pathological characteristics, resembling patient tumor specimens. Coupled with the next-generation sequencing technology, PDOs can be used to accurately map (epi-)genomic alterations of “living” cancer specimens. Additionally, organoid modeling of matched normal and malignant tissues from the same patient serves as an adequate and valid platform to interrogate cancer-specific features. Because of these advantages, research on PDOs is rapidly growing for the investigation of genotype–phenotype association and precision oncology. Abstract Tumor organoid modeling has been recognized as a state-of-the-art system for in vitro research on cancer biology and precision oncology. Organoid culture technologies offer distinctive advantages, including faithful maintenance of physiological and pathological characteristics of human disease, self-organization into three-dimensional multicellular structures, and preservation of genomic and epigenomic landscapes of the originating tumor. These features effectively position organoid modeling between traditional cell line cultures in two dimensions and in vivo animal models as a valid, versatile, and robust system for cancer research. Here, we review recent advances in genomic and epigenomic characterization of tumor organoids and the novel findings obtained, highlight significant progressions achieved in organoid modeling of gene–drug interactions and genotype–phenotype associations, and offer perspectives on future opportunities for organoid modeling in basic and clinical cancer research.
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MYCN induces cell-specific tumorigenic growth in RB1-proficient human retinal organoid and chicken retina models of retinoblastoma. Oncogenesis 2022; 11:34. [PMID: 35729105 PMCID: PMC9213451 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-022-00409-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinoblastoma is a rare, intraocular paediatric cancer that originates in the neural retina and is most frequently caused by bi-allelic loss of RB1 gene function. Other oncogenic mutations, such as amplification and increased expression of the MYCN gene, have been found even with proficient RB1 function. In this study, we investigated whether MYCN over-expression can drive carcinogenesis independently of RB1 loss-of-function mutations. The aim was to elucidate the events that result in carcinogenesis and identify the cancer cell-of-origin. We used the chicken retina, a well-established model for studying retinal neurogenesis, and established human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal organoids as model systems. We over-expressed MYCN by electroporation of piggyBac genome-integrating expression vectors. We found that over-expression of MYCN induced tumorigenic growth with high frequency in RB1-proficient chicken retinas and human organoids. In both systems, the tumorigenic cells expressed markers for undifferentiated cone photoreceptor/horizontal cell progenitors. The over-expression resulted in metastatic retinoblastoma within 7–9 weeks in chicken. Cells expressing MYCN could be grown in vitro and, when orthotopically injected, formed tumours that infiltrated the sclera and optic nerve and expressed markers for cone progenitors. Investigation of the tumour cell phenotype determined that the potential for neoplastic growth was embryonic stage-dependent and featured a cell-specific resistance to apoptosis in the cone/horizontal cell lineage, but not in ganglion or amacrine cells. We conclude that MYCN over-expression is sufficient to drive tumorigenesis and that a cell-specific resistance to apoptosis in the cone/horizontal cell lineage mediates the cancer phenotype. ![]()
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RB1-Negative Retinal Organoids Display Proliferation of Cone Photoreceptors and Loss of Retinal Differentiation. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092166. [PMID: 35565295 PMCID: PMC9105736 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Retinoblastoma is a tumor of the eye’s retina, which is the very specialized tissue responsible for vision. In 98% of cases, the tumor is caused by inactivation of the RB1 gene. Due to lack of material and models, the understanding of RB1 mutations in tumor development is still unsatisfactory. We aimed to establish a human laboratory model for retinoblastoma. While differentiating stem cells with a mutation in RB1 into retina, we observed reduced differentiation potential but enhanced proliferation—general hallmarks of tumor development. The gene expression signature in the model resembled that of tumor material. This approach now enables research on retinoblastoma and probably therapy in the correct tissue, the human retina. Abstract Retinoblastoma is a tumor of the eye in children under the age of five caused by biallelic inactivation of the RB1 tumor suppressor gene in maturing retinal cells. Cancer models are essential for understanding tumor development and in preclinical research. Because of the complex organization of the human retina, such models were challenging to develop for retinoblastoma. Here, we present an organoid model based on differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into neural retina after inactivation of RB1 by CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis. Wildtype and RB1 heterozygous mutant retinal organoids were indistinguishable with respect to morphology, temporal development of retinal cell types and global mRNA expression. However, loss of pRB resulted in spatially disorganized organoids and aberrant differentiation, indicated by disintegration of organoids beyond day 130 of differentiation and depletion of most retinal cell types. Only cone photoreceptors were abundant and continued to proliferate, supporting these as candidate cells-of-origin for retinoblastoma. Transcriptome analysis of RB1 knockout organoids and primary retinoblastoma revealed gain of a retinoblastoma expression signature in the organoids, characterized by upregulation of RBL1 (p107), MDM2, DEK, SYK and HELLS. In addition, genes related to immune response and extracellular matrix were specifically upregulated in RB1-negative organoids. In vitro retinal organoids therefore display some features associated with retinoblastoma and, so far, represent the only valid human cancer model for the development of this disease.
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