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Harkin J, Peña KH, Gomes C, Hernandez M, Lavekar SS, So K, Lentsch K, Feder EM, Morrow S, Huang KC, Tutrow KD, Morris A, Zhang C, Meyer JS. A highly reproducible and efficient method for retinal organoid differentiation from human pluripotent stem cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2317285121. [PMID: 38870053 PMCID: PMC11194494 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2317285121] [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: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived retinal organoids are three-dimensional cellular aggregates that differentiate and self-organize to closely mimic the spatial and temporal patterning of the developing human retina. Retinal organoid models serve as reliable tools for studying human retinogenesis, yet limitations in the efficiency and reproducibility of current retinal organoid differentiation protocols have reduced the use of these models for more high-throughput applications such as disease modeling and drug screening. To address these shortcomings, the current study aimed to standardize prior differentiation protocols to yield a highly reproducible and efficient method for generating retinal organoids. Results demonstrated that through regulation of organoid size and shape using quick reaggregation methods, retinal organoids were highly reproducible compared to more traditional methods. Additionally, the timed activation of BMP signaling within developing cells generated pure populations of retinal organoids at 100% efficiency from multiple widely used cell lines, with the default forebrain fate resulting from the inhibition of BMP signaling. Furthermore, given the ability to direct retinal or forebrain fates at complete purity, mRNA-seq analyses were then utilized to identify some of the earliest transcriptional changes that occur during the specification of these two lineages from a common progenitor. These improved methods also yielded retinal organoids with expedited differentiation timelines when compared to traditional methods. Taken together, the results of this study demonstrate the development of a highly reproducible and minimally variable method for generating retinal organoids suitable for analyzing the earliest stages of human retinal cell fate specification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Harkin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
| | - Kiersten H. Peña
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN46202
| | - Cátia Gomes
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
| | - Melody Hernandez
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
| | - Sailee S. Lavekar
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN46202
| | - Kaman So
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
| | - Kelly Lentsch
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN46202
| | - Elyse M. Feder
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
| | - Sarah Morrow
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
| | - Kang-Chieh Huang
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN46202
| | - Kaylee D. Tutrow
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
| | - Ann Morris
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY40506
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
| | - Jason S. Meyer
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
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Wendland RJ, Tucker BA, Worthington KS. Influence of Substrate Stiffness on iPSC-Derived Retinal Pigmented Epithelial Cells. Stem Cells Transl Med 2024; 13:582-592. [PMID: 38560893 PMCID: PMC11165161 DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szae022] [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: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases are a major cause of blindness involving the dysfunction of photoreceptors, retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE), or both. A promising treatment approach involves replacing these cells via surgical transplantation, and previous work has shown that cell delivery scaffolds are vital to ensure sufficient cell survival. Thus, identifying scaffold properties that are conducive to cell viability and maturation (such as suitable material and mechanical properties) is critical to ensuring a successful treatment approach. In this study, we investigated the effect of scaffold stiffness on human RPE attachment, survival, and differentiation, comparing immortalized (ARPE-19) and stem cell-derived RPE (iRPE) cells. Polydimethylsiloxane was used as a model polymer substrate, and varying stiffness (~12 to 800 kPa) was achieved by modulating the cross-link-to-base ratio. Post-attachment changes in gene and protein expression were assessed using qPCR and immunocytochemistry. We found that while ARPE-19 and iRPE exhibited significant differences in morphology and expression of RPE markers, substrate stiffness did not have a substantial impact on cell growth or maturation for either cell type. These results highlight the differences in expression between immortalized and iPSC-derived RPE cells, and also suggest that stiffnesses in this range (~12-800 kPa) may not result in significant differences in RPE growth and maturation, an important consideration in scaffold design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rion J Wendland
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Budd A Tucker
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Kristan S Worthington
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Ashworth KE, Weisbrod J, Ballios BG. Inherited Retinal Diseases and Retinal Organoids as Preclinical Cell Models for Inherited Retinal Disease Research. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:705. [PMID: 38927641 PMCID: PMC11203130 DOI: 10.3390/genes15060705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a large group of genetically and clinically diverse blinding eye conditions that result in progressive and irreversible photoreceptor degeneration and vision loss. To date, no cures have been found, although strides toward treatments for specific IRDs have been made in recent years. To accelerate treatment discovery, retinal organoids provide an ideal human IRD model. This review aims to give background on the development and importance of retinal organoids for the human-based in vitro study of the retina and human retinogenesis and retinal pathologies. From there, we explore retinal pathologies in the context of IRDs and the current landscape of IRD treatment discovery. We discuss the usefulness of retinal organoids in this context (as a patient-derived cell model for IRDs) to precisely understand the pathogenesis and potential mechanisms behind a specific IRD-causing variant of interest. Finally, we discuss the importance and promise of retinal organoids in treatment discovery for IRDs, now and in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen E. Ashworth
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3H2, Canada;
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada;
| | - Jessica Weisbrod
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada;
| | - Brian G. Ballios
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3H2, Canada;
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada;
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3A9, Canada
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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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Giacalone JC, Parkinson DH, Balikov DA, Rajesh CR. AMD and Stem Cell-Based Therapies. Int Ophthalmol Clin 2024; 64:21-33. [PMID: 38146879 PMCID: PMC10783850 DOI: 10.1097/iio.0000000000000510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a prevalent and complex disease leading to severe vision loss. Stem cells offer promising prospects for AMD treatment as they can be differentiated into critical retinal cell types that could replace lost host retinal cells or provide trophic support to promote host retinal cell survival. However, challenges such as immune rejection, concerns regarding tumorigenicity, and genomic integrity must be addressed. Clinical trials with stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelial cells have shown preliminary safety in treating dry AMD, but improvements in manufacturing and surgical techniques cell delivery are needed. Late-stage AMD poses additional hurdles, possibly requiring multi-layered grafts. Advancements in automation technologies and gene correction strategies show potential to enhance iPSC-based therapies. Stem cell-based treatments offer hope for AMD management, but further research and optimization are essential for successful clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph C. Giacalone
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, W.K. Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - David H. Parkinson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, W.K. Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Daniel A. Balikov
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, W.K. Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - C. Rao Rajesh
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, W.K. Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Center for RNA Biomedicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Division of Ophthalmology, Surgical Service, Veterans Administration Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Sanjurjo-Soriano C, Jimenez-Medina C, Erkilic N, Cappellino L, Lefevre A, Nagel-Wolfrum K, Wolfrum U, Van Wijk E, Roux AF, Meunier I, Kalatzis V. USH2A variants causing retinitis pigmentosa or Usher syndrome provoke differential retinal phenotypes in disease-specific organoids. HGG ADVANCES 2023; 4:100229. [PMID: 37654703 PMCID: PMC10465966 DOI: 10.1016/j.xhgg.2023.100229] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an emblematic clinical and genetic heterogeneity associated with inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). The most common form is retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a rod-cone dystrophy caused by pathogenic variants in over 80 different genes. Further complexifying diagnosis, different variants in individual RP genes can also alter the clinical phenotype. USH2A is the most prevalent gene for autosomal-recessive RP and one of the most challenging because of its large size and, hence, large number of variants. Moreover, USH2A variants give rise to non-syndromic and syndromic RP, known as Usher syndrome (USH) type 2, which is associated with vision and hearing loss. The lack of a clear genotype-phenotype correlation or prognostic models renders diagnosis highly challenging. We report here a long-awaited differential non-syndromic RP and USH phenotype in three human disease-specific models: fibroblasts, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and mature iPSC-derived retinal organoids. Moreover, we identified distinct retinal phenotypes in organoids from multiple RP and USH individuals, which were validated by isogenic-corrected controls. Non-syndromic RP organoids showed compromised photoreceptor differentiation, whereas USH organoids showed a striking and unexpected cone phenotype. Furthermore, complementary clinical investigations identified macular atrophy in a high proportion of USH compared with RP individuals, further validating our observations that USH2A variants differentially affect cones. Overall, identification of distinct non-syndromic RP and USH phenotypes in multiple models provides valuable and robust readouts for testing the pathogenicity of USH2A variants as well as the efficacy of therapeutic approaches in complementary cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Sanjurjo-Soriano
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Carla Jimenez-Medina
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Nejla Erkilic
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Luisina Cappellino
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Arnaud Lefevre
- National Reference Centre for Inherited Sensory Diseases, University of Montpellier, CHU, Montpellier, France
| | - Kerstin Nagel-Wolfrum
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Molecular Cell Biology, and Photoreceptor Cell Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Neurobiology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Uwe Wolfrum
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Molecular Cell Biology, and Photoreceptor Cell Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Erwin Van Wijk
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hearing, & Genes, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Anne-Françoise Roux
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, University of Montpellier, CHU, Montpellier, France
| | - Isabelle Meunier
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
- National Reference Centre for Inherited Sensory Diseases, University of Montpellier, CHU, Montpellier, France
| | - Vasiliki Kalatzis
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM), University of Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
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