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Su G, Guo X, Xu L, Jin B, Tan Y, Zhou X, Wang W, Li X, Wang S, Li G. Isolation and characterization of rabbit limbal niche cells. Exp Eye Res 2024; 241:109838. [PMID: 38395213 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109838] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Limbal niche cells (LNCs) are one of the most important supporting cells for corneal epithelial stem cells (CES), however, research on LNCs has been mostly limited to humans and rats previously. To expand the research work into the rabbit animal model, one of the most often used animals in stem cell study, this study was carried out for the in vitro isolation and identification of rabbit LNCs. Rabbit LNCs were isolated by collagenase A digestion method and single cells were obtained, the cells were then seeded on 5% Matrigel-coated plastic surface and cultured in modified embryonic stem cell medium (MESCM). Three biological replicates of the isolating and characterization were recorded from New Zealand White rabbits aged from 2.5 months to 5 months. LNC markers (VIM/CD90/CD105/SCF/PDGFRβ) were analyzed using tyramide signal amplification (TSA) staining, immunohistochemical staining (IHC), western blotting (WB), and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). TSA staining suggested that VIM was highly expressed in rabbit limbus stroma, which was confirmed by WB, and P63α was expressed in the basal limbus epithelium. Pan-CK and CK12 were highly expressed in the central corneal epithelium but lightly expressed in the limbal epithelium. The WB result indicated that PDGFRβ and VIM expressions in rabbit-LNCs P4 were higher than in P1 and P7. In addition, rabbit corneal epithelium highly expressed Paired Box 6 (PAX6) and Epidermal growth factor-like domain 6(EGFL6). For the three repeat experiments, the cell expansion activity of rabbit-LNC was highest at P4. Rabbit-LNCs were passaged from P0 to P7, and the number of cell doublings (NCD) of P4 for the three repeat experiments was 2.816, 2.737, and 2.849. qPCR showed that high mRNA expression levels of VIM, CD90, CD105, SCF, and PDGFRβ in rabbit-LNCs P4. In conclusion, rabbit-LNCs could be successfully isolated by the collagenase A digestion method as used in human tissue. There were similar characteristics between rabbit and human LNCs (VIM+/CD90+/CD105+/SCF+/PAX6+/PDGFRβ+).
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanyu Su
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430030, China
| | - Xiaojie Guo
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430030, China
| | - Lingjuan Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430030, China
| | - Bihui Jin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430030, China
| | - Yongyao Tan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430030, China
| | - Xiao Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430030, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430030, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430030, China
| | - Shusheng Wang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology & Ophthalmology, 2000 Percival Stern Hall, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70118-5698, USA
| | - Guigang Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430030, China.
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Xiao Y, McGhee CNJ, Zhang J. Adult stem cells in the eye: Identification, characterisation, and therapeutic application in ocular regeneration - A review. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2024; 52:148-166. [PMID: 38214071 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.14309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Adult stem cells, present in various parts of the human body, are undifferentiated cells that can proliferate and differentiate to replace dying cells within tissues. Stem cells have specifically been identified in the cornea, trabecular meshwork, crystalline lens, iris, ciliary body, retina, choroid, sclera, conjunctiva, eyelid, lacrimal gland, and orbital fat. The identification of ocular stem cells broadens the potential therapeutic strategies for untreatable eye diseases. Currently, stem cell transplantation for corneal and conjunctival diseases remains the most common stem cell-based therapy in ocular clinical management. Lens epithelial stem cells have been applied in the treatment of paediatric cataracts. Several early-phase clinical trials for corneal and retinal regeneration using ocular stem cells are also underway. Extensive preclinical studies using ocular stem cells have been conducted, showing encouraging outcomes. Ocular stem cells currently demonstrate great promise in potential treatments of eye diseases. In this review, we focus on the identification, characterisation, and therapeutic application of adult stem cells in the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Xiao
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Charles N J McGhee
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Sun D, Shi WY, Dou SQ. Single-cell RNA sequencing in cornea research: Insights into limbal stem cells and their niche regulation. World J Stem Cells 2023; 15:466-475. [PMID: 37342216 PMCID: PMC10277966 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v15.i5.466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The corneal epithelium is composed of stratified squamous epithelial cells on the outer surface of the eye, which acts as a protective barrier and is critical for clear and stable vision. Its continuous renewal or wound healing depends on the proliferation and differentiation of limbal stem cells (LSCs), a cell population that resides at the limbus in a highly regulated niche. Dysfunction of LSCs or their niche can cause limbal stem cell deficiency, a disease that is manifested by failed epithelial wound healing or even blindness. Nevertheless, compared to stem cells in other tissues, little is known about the LSCs and their niche. With the advent of single-cell RNA sequencing, our understanding of LSC characteristics and their microenvironment has grown considerably. In this review, we summarized the current findings from single-cell studies in the field of cornea research and focused on important advancements driven by this technology, including the heterogeneity of the LSC population, novel LSC markers and regulation of the LSC niche, which will provide a reference for clinical issues such as corneal epithelial wound healing, ocular surface reconstruction and interventions for related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Sun
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, China
- Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Wei-Yun Shi
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, China
- Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250000, Shandong Province, China
- School of Ophthalmology, Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Sheng-Qian Dou
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, China
- Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, China
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Corneal Reconstruction with EGFP-Labelled Limbal Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Rabbit Model of Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065431. [PMID: 36982507 PMCID: PMC10051408 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Ocular surface reconstruction is essential for treating corneal epithelial defects and vision recovery. Stem cell-based therapy demonstrates promising results but requires further research to elucidate stem cell survival, growth, and differentiation after transplantation in vivo. This study examined the corneal reconstruction promoted by EGFP-labeled limbal mesenchymal stem cells (L-MSCs-EGFP) and their fate after transplantation. EGFP labeling allowed us to evaluate the migration and survival rates of the transferred cells. L-MSCs-EGFP seeded onto decellularized human amniotic membrane (dHAM) were transplanted into rabbits with a modeled limbal stem cell deficiency. The localization and viability of the transplanted cells in animal tissue were analyzed using histology, immunohistochemistry, and confocal microscopy up to 3 months after transplantation. EGFP-labeled cells remained viable for the first 14 days after transplantation. By the 90th day, epithelialization of the rabbit corneas reached 90%, but the presence of viable labeled cells was not observed within the newly formed epithelium. Although labeled cells demonstrated low survivability in host tissue, the squamous corneal-like epithelium was partially restored by the 30th day after transplantation of the tissue-engineered graft. Overall, this study paves the way for further optimization of transplantation conditions and studying the mechanisms of corneal tissue restoration.
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Verta R, Saccu G, Tanzi A, Grange C, Buono L, Fagoonee S, Deregibus MC, Camussi G, Scalabrin S, Nuzzi R, Bussolati B. Phenotypic and functional characterization of aqueous humor derived extracellular vesicles. Exp Eye Res 2023; 228:109393. [PMID: 36709863 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109393] [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: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are double membrane vesicles, abundant in all biological fluids. However, the characterization of EVs in aqueous humor (AH) is still limited. The aim of the present work was to characterize EVs isolated from AH (AH-EVs) in terms of surface markers of cellular origin and functional properties. We obtained AHs from patients with cataract undergoing surgical phacoemulsification and insertion of intraocular lenses (n = 10). Nanoparticle tracking analysis, electron microscopy, super resolution microscopy and bead-based cytofluorimetry were used to characterize EVs from AH. Subsequently, we investigated the effects of AH-EVs on viability, proliferation and wound healing of human immortalized keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells in vitro in comparison with the effect of mesenchymal stromal cell-EVs (MSC-EVs). AH-EVs had a mean size of around 100 nm and expressed the classical tetraspanins (CD9, CD63 and CD81). Super resolution microscopy revealed co-expression of CD9, CD63 and CD81. Moreover, cytofluorimetric analysis highlighted the expression of mesenchymal, stem, epithelial and endothelial markers. In the in vitro wound healing assay on HaCaT cells, AH-EVs induced a significantly faster wound repair, comparable to the effects of MSC-EVs, and promoted HaCaT cell viability and proliferation. We provide evidence, herein, of the possible AH-EV origin from stromal cells, limbal epithelial/stem cells, ciliary epithelium and corneal endothelium. In addition, we showed their in vitro proliferative and regenerative capacities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Verta
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Gabriele Saccu
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Adele Tanzi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Cristina Grange
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Lola Buono
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Sharmila Fagoonee
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council, Molecular Biotechnology Center, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Camussi
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Raffaele Nuzzi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Benedetta Bussolati
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Italy.
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A Novel Technique of Amniotic Membrane Preparation Mimicking Limbal Epithelial Crypts Enhances the Number of Progenitor Cells upon Expansion. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050738. [PMID: 36899873 PMCID: PMC10001367 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050738] [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: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to investigate whether a novel technique of human amniotic membrane (HAM) preparation that mimics the crypts in the limbus enhances the number of progenitor cells cultured ex vivo. The HAMs were sutured on polyester membrane (1) standardly, to obtain a flat HAM surface, or (2) loosely, achieving the radial folding to mimic crypts in the limbus. Immunohistochemistry was used to demonstrate a higher number of cells positive for progenitor markers p63α (37.56 ± 3.34% vs. 62.53 ± 3.32%, p = 0.01) and SOX9 (35.53 ± 0.96% vs. 43.23 ± 2.32%, p = 0.04), proliferation marker Ki-67 (8.43 ± 0.38 % vs. 22.38 ± 1.95 %, p = 0.002) in the crypt-like HAMs vs. flat HAMs, while no difference was found for the quiescence marker CEBPD (22.99 ± 2.96% vs. 30.49 ± 3.33 %, p = 0.17). Most of the cells stained negative for the corneal epithelial differentiation marker KRT3/12, and some were positive for N-cadherin in the crypt-like structures, but there was no difference in staining for E-cadherin and CX43 in crypt-like HAMs vs. flat HAMs. This novel HAM preparation method enhanced the number of progenitor cells expanded in the crypt-like HAM compared to cultures on the conventional flat HAM.
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Effects of Exosomal microRNAs on Oral Mucosal Epithelial Cells Cocultured with Limbal Niche Cells. CONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING 2022; 2022:9794950. [PMID: 36072625 PMCID: PMC9398820 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9794950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Autologous cultivated oral mucosal epithelial transplantation (COMET) is an important method for the treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), but the appearance of peripheral corneal neovascularization after COMET has prevented its widespread use in clinical practice. Using limbal niche cells (LNCs) as feeders in the process of coculturing could inhibit the postoperative corneal neovascularization. However, the specific mechanism is still unclear. In this study, LNCs were used as feeder cells to alter the phenotype of cultured oral mucosal epithelial cells (COMECs) by mimicking the primitive limbal microenvironment. The high-throughput sequencing of COMECs cocultured with LNCs or 3T3 cells (named LNCs group and 3T3 groups) was performed, and differential miRNA expression was analyzed. A total of 99 known and 1 newly predicted miRNAs were significantly upregulated in the LNCs group, while 101 known and 8 newly predicted miRNAs were significantly downregulated. A total of 3000 target genes with the 60 most significantly differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted, and 7 upregulated and 7 downregulated miRNAs were ultimately screened. The supernatants obtained from both cocultures were found to be rich in exosomes, indicating that the intercellular communication between COMECs and LNCs or 3T3 cells was highly active. Furthermore, the expression levels of rno-miR-200-5p, rno-miR-204-5p, rno-miR-126a-3p, rno-miR-192-5p, rno-miR-211-5p, rno-miR-143-3p, and rno-miR-184 were significantly higher in the LNCs group compared to the 3T3 group, and the expression levels had a similar trend in exosomes. Meanwhile, sequencing of the cell lines revealed 7 miRNAs that were significantly downregulated in the LNCs group. Interestingly, in that case, rno-miR-23a-3p, rno-miR-379-5p, and rno-miR-127-5p were also significantly downregulated in the exosomes. In summary, this study suggested that signal transduction between cells mediated by exosomal miRNAs may be an important factor for the inhibition of angiogenesis by LNCs nourished COMECs.
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Zhao Q, Han Z, Wang J, Han Z. Development and investigational new drug application of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells products in China. Stem Cells Transl Med 2021; 10 Suppl 2:S18-S30. [PMID: 34724720 PMCID: PMC8560202 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.21-0083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have broad application prospects for regenerative medicine due to their self-renewal, high plasticity, ability for differentiation, and immune response and modulation. Interest in turning MSCs into clinical applications has never been higher than at present. Many biotech companies have invested great effort from development of clinical grade MSC product to investigational new drug (IND) enabling studies. Therefore, the growing demand for publication of MSC regulation in China necessitates various discussions in accessible professional journals. The National Medical Products Administration has implemented regulations on the clinical application of MSCs therapy. The regulations for MSCs products as drug have been updated in recent years in China. This review will look over the whole procedure in allogeneic MSC development, including regulations, guidance, processes, quality management, pre-IND meeting, and IND application for obtaining an approval to start clinical trials in China. The review focused on process and regulatory challenges in the development of MSCs products, with the goal of providing strategies to meet regulatory demands. This article describes a path for scientists, biotech companies, and clinical trial investigators toward the successful development of MSC-based therapeutic product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinjun Zhao
- National Engineering Research Center of Cell ProductsAmCellGene Engineering Co. LtdTianjinPeople's Republic of China
- Beijing Engineering Lab for Perinatal Stem CellsBeijing Health & Biotech Co. LtdBeijingPeople's Republic of China
| | - Zhibo Han
- National Engineering Research Center of Cell ProductsAmCellGene Engineering Co. LtdTianjinPeople's Republic of China
- Beijing Engineering Lab for Perinatal Stem CellsBeijing Health & Biotech Co. LtdBeijingPeople's Republic of China
| | - Jialun Wang
- Beijing Engineering Lab for Perinatal Stem CellsBeijing Health & Biotech Co. LtdBeijingPeople's Republic of China
| | - Zhongchao Han
- National Engineering Research Center of Cell ProductsAmCellGene Engineering Co. LtdTianjinPeople's Republic of China
- Beijing Engineering Lab for Perinatal Stem CellsBeijing Health & Biotech Co. LtdBeijingPeople's Republic of China
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Goals and Challenges of Stem Cell-Based Therapy for Corneal Blindness Due to Limbal Deficiency. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13091483. [PMID: 34575560 PMCID: PMC8466237 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13091483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal failure is a highly prevalent cause of blindness. One special cause of corneal failure occurs due to malfunction or destruction of the limbal stem cell niche, upon which the superficial cornea depends for homeostatic maintenance and wound healing. Failure of the limbal niche is referred to as limbal stem cell deficiency. As the corneal epithelial stem cell niche is easily accessible, limbal stem cell-based therapy and regenerative medicine applied to the ocular surface are among the most highly advanced forms of this novel approach to disease therapy. However, the challenges are still great, including the development of cell-based products and understanding how they work in the patient's eye. Advances are being made at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels to alter disease processes and to reduce or eliminate blindness. Efforts must be coordinated from the most basic research to the most clinically oriented projects so that cell-based therapies can become an integrated part of the therapeutic armamentarium to fight corneal blindness. We undoubtedly are progressing along the right path because cell-based therapy for eye diseases is one of the most successful examples of global regenerative medicine.
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Derivation and Characterization of EGFP-Labeled Rabbit Limbal Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Potential for Research in Regenerative Ophthalmology. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9091134. [PMID: 34572321 PMCID: PMC8465718 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of cell-based approaches to the treatment of various cornea pathologies, including limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), is an area of current interest in regenerative biomedicine. In this context, the shortage of donor material is urgent, and limbal mesenchymal stem cells (L-MSCs) may become a promising cell source for the development of these novel approaches, being established mainly within the rabbit model. In this study, we obtained and characterized rabbit L-MSCs and modified them with lentiviral transduction to express the green fluorescent protein EGFP (L-MSCs-EGFP). L-MSCs and L-MSCs-EGFP express not only stem cell markers specific for mesenchymal stem cells but also ABCG2, ABCB5, ALDH3A1, PAX6, and p63a specific for limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs), as well as various cytokeratins (3/12, 15, 19). L-MSCs-EGFP have been proven to differentiate into adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic directions, as well as to transdifferentiate into epithelial cells. The possibility of using L-MSCs-EGFP to study the biocompatibility of various scaffolds developed to treat corneal pathologies was demonstrated. L-MSCs-EGFP may become a useful tool for studying regenerative processes occurring during the treatment of various corneal pathologies, including LSCD, with the use of cell-based technologies.
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Xiao YT, Qu JY, Xie HT, Zhang MC, Zhao XY. A Comparison of Methods for Isolation of Limbal Niche Cells: Maintenance of Limbal Epithelial Stem/Progenitor Cells. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 61:16. [PMID: 33320169 PMCID: PMC7745628 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.14.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Limbal niche cells (LNCs) play a vital role in the maintenance of limbal epithelial stem/progenitor cells (LESCs). Four methods have been reported to isolate and expand LNCs: digestion by collagenase alone (C-LNC), collagenase following dispase removal of the limbal epithelium (DC-LNC), dissection of dispase-isolated limbal epithelial sheets (D-LNC), and explant cultures of limbal stromal tissues (Ex-LNC). This study aimed to isolate LNCs using those four methods and to compare their capacity to maintain LESCs. Methods LNCs were isolated from the rat corneal limbus by the following methods: C-LNC, DC-LNC, D-LNC, and Ex-LNC. Quantitative real-time PCR and immunofluorescence staining were used to analyze the expression of embryonic stem cell (ESC) markers. The ability to maintain LESCs was assessed on the basis of colony-forming capacity and the expression of progenitor, proliferation, and differentiation markers in three-dimensional (3D) Matrigel and Transwell systems. Notch signaling of LESCs supported by different LNCs in Transwell inserts was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. Results DC-LNCs exhibited lower expression of CK12 during isolation and expansion. Among P4-expanded LNCs, DC-LNCs expressed significantly higher levels of Sox2, Oct4, Nanog, and N-cadherin than C-LNCs, D-LNCs, and Ex-LNCs. Compared with other LNCs, DC-LNCs were more effective in maintaining LESCs with higher holoclone-forming efficiency, greater expression of ΔNp63α and Ki67, and lower expression of CK12. DC-LNCs were also more capable of downregulating Notch signaling of LESCs. Conclusions DC-LNCs were more effective in expressing ESC markers and maintaining LESCs compared to other LNCs. This study identifies an optimal method for the isolation of LNCs in tissue engineering and ocular surface reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Xiao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Yu Qu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua-Tao Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Chang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin-Yue Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
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Reddy LVK, Murugan D, Mullick M, Begum Moghal ET, Sen D. Recent Approaches for Angiogenesis in Search of Successful Tissue Engineering and Regeneration. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 15:111-134. [PMID: 31682212 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x14666191104151928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis plays a central role in human physiology from reproduction and fetal development to wound healing and tissue repair/regeneration. Clinically relevant therapies are needed for promoting angiogenesis in order to supply oxygen and nutrients after transplantation, thus relieving the symptoms of ischemia. Increase in angiogenesis can lead to the restoration of damaged tissues, thereby leading the way for successful tissue regeneration. Tissue regeneration is a broad field that has shown the convergence of various interdisciplinary fields, wherein living cells in conjugation with biomaterials have been tried and tested on to the human body. Although there is a prevalence of various approaches that hypothesize enhanced tissue regeneration via angiogenesis, none of them have been successful in gaining clinical relevance. Hence, the current review summarizes the recent cell-based and cell free (exosomes, extracellular vesicles, micro-RNAs) therapies, gene and biomaterial-based approaches that have been used for angiogenesis-mediated tissue regeneration and have been applied in treating disease models like ischemic heart, brain stroke, bone defects and corneal defects. This review also puts forward a concise report of the pre-clinical and clinical studies that have been performed so far; thereby presenting the credible impact of the development of biomaterials and their 3D concepts in the field of tissue engineering and regeneration, which would lead to the probable ways for heralding the successful future of angiogenesis-mediated approaches in the greater perspective of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lekkala Vinod Kumar Reddy
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Laboratory, Centre for Biomaterials, Cellular and Molecular Theranostics, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Durai Murugan
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Laboratory, Centre for Biomaterials, Cellular and Molecular Theranostics, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Madhubanti Mullick
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Laboratory, Centre for Biomaterials, Cellular and Molecular Theranostics, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Erfath Thanjeem Begum Moghal
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Laboratory, Centre for Biomaterials, Cellular and Molecular Theranostics, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Dwaipayan Sen
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Laboratory, Centre for Biomaterials, Cellular and Molecular Theranostics, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India.,University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
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Wang W, Li S, Xu L, Jiang M, Li X, Zhang Y, Tighe S, Zhu Y, Li G. Differential Gene Expression between Limbal Niche Progenitors and Bone Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Int J Med Sci 2020; 17:549-557. [PMID: 32174786 PMCID: PMC7053302 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.40881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To compare the difference in gene expression between human limbal niche cells (LNC) and bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSC). Methods: LNC were isolated by collagenase and expanded in modified embryonic stem cell medium (MESCM) on a Matrigel coated plastic plate. Cell diameters were measured with Image J software. Relative gene expression levels between LNC and BMMSC were compared using Affymetrix Human Primer View Gene Expression Array. A subset of differentially expressed genes was verified by RT-qPCR. The protein level of LAMA1 and COL4A1 was confirmed by Western blot and immunostaining. Results: The average diameter of LNC was 10.2±2.4 μm, which was significantly smaller than that of BMMSC (14 ±3.4 μm) (p<0.0001). Expression of 20,432 genes was examined by Gene Expression Array, among which expression of 349 genes in LNC was 10-fold or higher than that of BMMSC and expression of 8 genes in LNC was 100-fold or higher than that of BMMSC, while expression of 3 genes in BMMSC was 100-fold higher than that of LNC. GO analysis and pathway analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in the extracellular matrix receptor interaction pathway and Wnt signaling pathway. In addition, RT-qPCR results demonstrated that the expression of CD73, CD90, CD105, PDGFRβ, Vimentin, SCF, KIT (CD117), COL14A1, LAMA2, THBS2, FZD1, BMP2 and CXCL12 genes in LNC were at least 2 folds higher than BMMSC. The protein level of LAMA1 was higher but the protein level of COL4A1 was lower in LNC than that in BMMSC. Conclusion: LNC exhibit differential gene expression from BMMSC in the extracellular matrix (ECM) receptor interaction pathway and Wnt signaling pathway, suggesting that LNC have their unique signaling pathways to support limbal stem cell niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430030, China
| | - Shen Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430030, China
| | - Lingjuan Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430030, China
| | - Menglin Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430030, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430030, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Tissue Tech Inc, Miami, Florida, 33126 USA
| | - Sean Tighe
- Tissue Tech Inc, Miami, Florida, 33126 USA
| | | | - Guigang Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430030, China
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Mardani M, Tiraihi T, Bathaie SZ, Mirnajafi-Zadeh J. Comparison of the proteome patterns of adipose-derived stem cells with those treated with selegiline using a two dimensional gel electrophoresis analysis. Biotech Histochem 2019; 95:176-185. [PMID: 31589072 DOI: 10.1080/10520295.2019.1656345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) are multipotent and can transdifferentiate into neural stem cells. We investigated the transdifferentiation of ADSCs to neural phenotype (NP) cells using selegiline and two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE). The perinephric and inguinal fat of rats was collected and used to isolate ADSCs that were characterized by immunophenotyping using flow cytometry. The ADSCs were differentiated into osteogenic and lipogenic cells. The NP cells were generated using 10-9 mM selegiline and characterized by immunocytochemical staining of nestin and neurofilament 68 (NF-68), and by qRT-PCR of nestin, neurod1 and NF68. Total protein of ADSCs and NP cells was extracted and their proteome patterns were examined using 2-DE. ADSCs carried CD73, CD44 and CD90 cell markers, but not CD34. ADSCs were differentiated into osteocyte and adipocyte lineages. The differentiated NP cells expressed nestin, neuro d1 and NF-68. The proteome pattern of ADSCs was compared with that of NP cells and eight spots showed more than a two fold increase in protein expression. The molecular weights and isoelectric points of these highly expressed proteins were estimated using Melanie software. We compared these results with those of the mouse proteomic database using the protein isoelectric point database, and the functions of the eight proteins in differentiation of NP cells were predicted using the UniProt database. The probable identities of the proteins that showed higher expression in NP cells included cholinesterase, GFRa2, protein kinase C (PKC-eta) and RING finger protein 121. The sequences of the proteins identified from mouse database were aligned by comparing them with similar proteins in rat database using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST). The E values of all aligned proteins were zero, which indicates consistency of the matched protein. These proteins participate in differentiation of the neuron and their overexpression causes ADSCs transdifferentiation into NP cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mardani
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - T Tiraihi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Z Bathaie
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - J Mirnajafi-Zadeh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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15
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Novoseletskaya ES, Grigorieva OA, Efimenko AY, Kalinina NI. Extracellular Matrix in the Regulation of Stem Cell Differentiation. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2019; 84:232-240. [DOI: 10.1134/s0006297919030052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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16
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Zhu Q, Zhang Y, Tighe S, Liu Y, Zhu Y, Hu M. Human Trabecular Meshwork Progenitors. Int J Med Sci 2019; 16:704-710. [PMID: 31217738 PMCID: PMC6566744 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.32089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Trabecular meshwork (TM) cells are a group of progenitors that have the ability to become adipocytes, chondrocytes and endothelial cells. Therefore, those adult corneal progenitors may be used as an effective therapy for trabecular meshwork diseases such as glaucoma, corneal endothelial dysfunctions such as blindness due to corneal endothelial dysfunction, and similar diseases. In order to promote the understanding of human trabecular meshwork progenitors, this article reviews human trabecular meshwork progenitor therapy and discusses its potential applications for curing human eye blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (the Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province); Yunnan Eye Institute; Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province for the Prevention and Treatment of ophthalmology (2017DG008); Provincial Innovation Team for Cataract and Ocular Fundus Disease, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province (2017HC010); Expert Workstation of Yao Ke (2017IC064), Kunming 650021, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Tissue Tech, Inc., Ocular Surface Center, and Ocular Surface Research & Education Foundation, Miami, FL, 33173 USA
| | - Sean Tighe
- Tissue Tech, Inc., Ocular Surface Center, and Ocular Surface Research & Education Foundation, Miami, FL, 33173 USA
| | - Yongsong Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yan' An Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Yingting Zhu
- Tissue Tech, Inc., Ocular Surface Center, and Ocular Surface Research & Education Foundation, Miami, FL, 33173 USA
| | - Min Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (the Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province); Yunnan Eye Institute; Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province for the Prevention and Treatment of ophthalmology (2017DG008); Provincial Innovation Team for Cataract and Ocular Fundus Disease, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province (2017HC010); Expert Workstation of Yao Ke (2017IC064), Kunming 650021, China
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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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