1
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Burnight ER, Fenner BJ, Han IC, DeLuca AP, Whitmore SS, Bohrer LR, Andorf JL, Sohn EH, Mullins RF, Tucker BA, Stone EM. Demonstration of the pathogenicity of a common non-exomic mutation in ABCA4 using iPSC-derived retinal organoids and retrospective clinical data. Hum Mol Genet 2024; 33:1379-1390. [PMID: 37930186 PMCID: PMC11305681 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddad176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in ABCA4 are the most common cause of Mendelian retinal disease. Clinical evaluation of this gene is challenging because of its extreme allelic diversity, the large fraction of non-exomic mutations, and the wide range of associated disease. We used patient-derived retinal organoids as well as DNA samples and clinical data from a large cohort of patients with ABCA4-associated retinal disease to investigate the pathogenicity of a variant in ABCA4 (IVS30 + 1321 A>G) that occurs heterozygously in 2% of Europeans. We found that this variant causes mis-splicing of the gene in photoreceptor cells such that the resulting protein contains 36 incorrect amino acids followed by a premature stop. We also investigated the phenotype of 10 patients with compound genotypes that included this mutation. Their median age of first vision loss was 39 years, which is in the mildest quintile of a large cohort of patients with ABCA4 disease. We conclude that the IVS30 + 1321 A>G variant can cause disease when paired with a sufficiently deleterious opposing allele in a sufficiently permissive genetic background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin R Burnight
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Beau J Fenner
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Ian C Han
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Adam P DeLuca
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - S Scott Whitmore
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Laura R Bohrer
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Jeaneen L Andorf
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Elliott H Sohn
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Robert F Mullins
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Budd A Tucker
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Edwin M Stone
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
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2
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Jeong H, Lee D, Negishi K, Tsubota K, Kurihara T. Establishment of an in vitro choroid complex system for vascular response screening. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16129. [PMID: 38997397 PMCID: PMC11245503 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67069-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The choroid, a vascularized tissue situated between the retina and the sclera, plays a crucial role in maintaining ocular homeostasis. Despite its significance, research on choroidal abnormalities and the establishment of effective in vitro models have been limited. In this study, we developed an in vitro choroid model through the co-culture of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC)-derived endothelial cells (ECs) and mouse choroidal fibroblasts (msCFs) with hiPSC-derived retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells via a permeable membrane. This model, inclusive of ECs, CFs, and RPE cells, exhibited similarities with in vivo choroidal vessels, as confirmed through immunohistochemistry of extracellular matrix markers and vascular-related markers, as well as choroid angiogenesis sprouting assay analysis. The effectiveness of our in vitro model was demonstrated in assessing vascular changes induced by drugs targeting vasoregulation. Our model offers a valuable tool for gaining insights into the pathological mechanisms underlying choroid development and the progression of choroidal vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heonuk Jeong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Deokho Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kazuno Negishi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kazuo Tsubota
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan.
- Tsubota Laboratory, Inc, 304 Toshin Shinanomachi-Ekimae Bldg., 34 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-0016, Japan.
| | - Toshihide Kurihara
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan.
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan.
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3
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Cooke JA, Voigt AP, Collingwood MA, Stone NE, Whitmore SS, DeLuca AP, Burnight ER, Anfinson KR, Vakulskas CA, Reutzel AJ, Daggett HT, Andorf JL, Stone EM, Mullins RF, Tucker BA. Propensity of Patient-Derived iPSCs for Retinal Differentiation: Implications for Autologous Cell Replacement. Stem Cells Transl Med 2023; 12:365-378. [PMID: 37221451 PMCID: PMC10267581 DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szad028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Prior to use, newly generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) should be thoroughly validated. While excellent validation and release testing assays designed to evaluate potency, genetic integrity, and sterility exist, they do not have the ability to predict cell type-specific differentiation capacity. Selection of iPSC lines that have limited capacity to produce high-quality transplantable cells, places significant strain on valuable clinical manufacturing resources. The purpose of this study was to determine the degree and root cause of variability in retinal differentiation capacity between cGMP-derived patient iPSC lines. In turn, our goal was to develop a release testing assay that could be used to augment the widely used ScoreCard panel. IPSCs were generated from 15 patients (14-76 years old), differentiated into retinal organoids, and scored based on their retinal differentiation capacity. Despite significant differences in retinal differentiation propensity, RNA-sequencing revealed remarkable similarity between patient-derived iPSC lines prior to differentiation. At 7 days of differentiation, significant differences in gene expression could be detected. Ingenuity pathway analysis revealed perturbations in pathways associated with pluripotency and early cell fate commitment. For example, good and poor producers had noticeably different expressions of OCT4 and SOX2 effector genes. QPCR assays targeting genes identified via RNA sequencing were developed and validated in a masked fashion using iPSCs from 8 independent patients. A subset of 14 genes, which include the retinal cell fate markers RAX, LHX2, VSX2, and SIX6 (all elevated in the good producers), were found to be predictive of retinal differentiation propensity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Cooke
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Andrew P Voigt
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Nicholas E Stone
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - S Scott Whitmore
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Adam P DeLuca
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Erin R Burnight
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Kristin R Anfinson
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Austin J Reutzel
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Heather T Daggett
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jeaneen L Andorf
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Edwin M Stone
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Robert F Mullins
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Budd A Tucker
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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4
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Malek G, Campisi J, Kitazawa K, Webster C, Lakkaraju A, Skowronska-Krawczyk D. Does senescence play a role in age-related macular degeneration? Exp Eye Res 2022; 225:109254. [PMID: 36150544 PMCID: PMC10032649 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Advanced age is the most established risk factor for developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), one of the leading causes of visual impairment in the elderly, in Western and developed countries. Similarly, after middle age, there is an exponential increase in pathologic molecular and cellular events that can induce senescence, traditionally defined as an irreversible loss of the cells' ability to divide and most recently reported to also occur in select post-mitotic and terminally differentiated cells, such as neurons. Together these facts raise the question as to whether or not cellular senescence, may play a role in the development of AMD. A number of studies have reported the effect of ocular-relevant inducers of senescence using primarily in vitro models of poorly polarized, actively dividing retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell lines. However, in interpretating the data, the fidelity of these culture models to the RPE in vivo, must be considered. Fewer studies have explored the presence and/or impact of senescent cells in in vivo models that present with phenotypic features of AMD, leaving this an open field for further investigation. The goal of this review is to discuss current thoughts on the potential role of senescence in AMD development and progression, with consideration of the model systems used and their relevance to human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goldis Malek
- Duke Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Judith Campisi
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA; Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Koji Kitazawa
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Corey Webster
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA
| | - Aparna Lakkaraju
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Dorota Skowronska-Krawczyk
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Department of Ophthalmology, Center for Translational Vision Research, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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5
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Mulfaul K, Russell JF, Voigt AP, Stone EM, Tucker BA, Mullins RF. The Essential Role of the Choriocapillaris in Vision: Novel Insights from Imaging and Molecular Biology. Annu Rev Vis Sci 2022; 8:33-52. [PMID: 36108103 PMCID: PMC9668353 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-vision-100820-085958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
The choriocapillaris, a dense capillary network located at the posterior pole of the eye, is essential for supporting normal vision, supplying nutrients, and removing waste products from photoreceptor cells and the retinal pigment epithelium. The anatomical location, heterogeneity, and homeostatic interactions with surrounding cell types make the choroid complex to study both in vivo and in vitro. Recent advances in single-cell RNA sequencing, in vivo imaging, and in vitro cell modeling are vastly improving our knowledge of the choroid and its role in normal health and in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Histologically, loss of endothelial cells (ECs) of the choriocapillaris occurs early in AMD concomitant with elevated formation of the membrane attack complex of complement. Advanced imaging has allowed us to visualize early choroidal blood flow changes in AMD in living patients, supporting histological findings of loss of choroidal ECs. Single-cell RNA sequencing is being used to characterize choroidal cell types transcriptionally and discover their altered patterns of gene expression in aging and disease. Advances in induced pluripotent stem cell protocols and 3D cultures will allow us to closely mimic the in vivo microenvironment of the choroid in vitro to better understand the mechanism leading to choriocapillaris loss in AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Mulfaul
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and the Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA;
| | - Jonathan F Russell
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and the Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA;
| | - Andrew P Voigt
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and the Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA;
| | - Edwin M Stone
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and the Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA;
| | - Budd A Tucker
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and the Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA;
| | - Robert F Mullins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and the Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA;
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6
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Molins B, Mesquida M, Adan A. Bioengineering approaches for modelling retinal pathologies of the outer blood-retinal barrier. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022:101097. [PMID: 35840488 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Alterations of the junctional complex of the outer blood-retinal barrier (oBRB), which is integrated by the close interaction of the retinal pigment epithelium, the Bruch's membrane, and the choriocapillaris, contribute to the loss of neuronal signalling and subsequent vision impairment in several retinal inflammatory disorders such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Reductionist approaches into the mechanisms that underlie such diseases have been hindered by the absence of adequate in vitro models using human cells to provide the 3D dynamic architecture that enables expression of the in vivo phenotype of the oBRB. Conventional in vitro cell models are based on 2D monolayer cellular cultures, unable to properly recapitulate the complexity of living systems. The main drawbacks of conventional oBRB models also emerge from the cell sourcing, the lack of an appropriate Bruch's membrane analogue, and the lack of choroidal microvasculature with flow. In the last years, the advent of organ-on-a-chip, bioengineering, and stem cell technologies is providing more advanced 3D models with flow, multicellularity, and external control over microenvironmental properties. By incorporating additional biological complexity, organ-on-a-chip devices can mirror physiologically relevant properties of the native tissue while offering additional set ups to model and study disease. In this review we first examine the current understanding of oBRB biology as a functional unit, highlighting the coordinated contribution of the different components to barrier function in health and disease. Then we describe recent advances in the use of pluripotent stem cells-derived retinal cells, Bruch's membrane analogues, and co-culture techniques to recapitulate the oBRB. We finally discuss current advances and challenges of oBRB-on-a-chip technologies for disease modelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Molins
- Group of Ocular Inflammation: Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), C/ Sabino de Arana 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Marina Mesquida
- Group of Ocular Inflammation: Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), C/ Sabino de Arana 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alfredo Adan
- Group of Ocular Inflammation: Clinical and Experimental Studies, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Agustí Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), C/ Sabino de Arana 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; Instituto Clínic de Oftalmología, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, C/ Sabino de Arana 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
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7
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Lin C, Shen Z, Li Y, Gu S, Lu Y, Deng H, Ye D, Ding Q. Single-cell transcriptomic landscapes of a rare human laryngeal chondrosarcoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2021; 148:783-792. [PMID: 34931260 PMCID: PMC8688141 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-021-03883-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Propose
Laryngeal chondrosarcoma is a rare non-epithelial malignant tumor. At present, the cell type composition and molecular mechanism of laryngeal chondrosarcoma have not been systematically studied.
Methods
This study focused on the histopathological and imaging features of a rare primary laryngeal chondrosarcoma in a 74-year-old male. The tumor and its paracancerous cartilage tissue were single-cell sequenced and analyzed and a total of 5455 single cells were obtained. Immunohistochemical levels were also verified.
Results
In total five cell types were identified, including chondrocytes, myeloid cells, fibroblasts, lymphocytes, and endothelial cells. We carried out further subgroup analysis, focusing on the classification and differentiation of chondrocytes, functional enrichment analysis, and cellular communication analysis of all cell types, and explored the tumor microenvironment (TME) of laryngeal chondrosarcoma. Immunohistochemistry revealed the SLAMF9 gene was specifically expressed in non-immune cells of chondrosarcoma, but was barely expressed in the normal cartilage tissues adjacent to chondrosarcomas.
Conclusion
This single-cell sequencing approach provides clues for deciphering the potential mechanisms of tumor heterogeneity and TME composition in laryngeal chondrosarcoma, and represents an important step towards the treatment of laryngeal chondrosarcoma.
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Ewald ML, Chen YH, Lee AP, Hughes CCW. The vascular niche in next generation microphysiological systems. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:3244-3262. [PMID: 34396383 PMCID: PMC8635227 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00530h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, microphysiological system (MPS, also known as, organ-on-a-chip or tissue chip) platforms have emerged with great promise to improve the predictive capacity of preclinical modeling thereby reducing the high attrition rates when drugs move into trials. While their designs can vary quite significantly, in general MPS are bioengineered in vitro microenvironments that recapitulate key functional units of human organs, and that have broad applications in human physiology, pathophysiology, and clinical pharmacology. A critical next step in the evolution of MPS devices is the widespread incorporation of functional vasculature within tissues. The vasculature itself is a major organ that carries nutrients, immune cells, signaling molecules and therapeutics to all other organs. It also plays critical roles in inducing and maintaining tissue identity through expression of angiocrine factors, and in providing tissue-specific milieus (i.e., the vascular niche) that can support the survival and function of stem cells. Thus, organs are patterned, maintained and supported by the vasculature, which in turn receives signals that drive tissue specific gene expression. In this review, we will discuss published vascularized MPS platforms and present considerations for next-generation devices looking to incorporate this critical constituent. Finally, we will highlight the organ-patterning processes governed by the vasculature, and how the incorporation of a vascular niche within MPS platforms will establish a unique opportunity to study stem cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makena L Ewald
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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9
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Nguyen J, Lin YY, Gerecht S. The next generation of endothelial differentiation: Tissue-specific ECs. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 28:1188-1204. [PMID: 34081899 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) sense and respond to fluid flow and regulate immune cell trafficking in all organs. Despite sharing the same mesodermal origin, ECs exhibit heterogeneous tissue-specific characteristics. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) can potentially be harnessed to capture this heterogeneity and further elucidate endothelium behavior to satisfy the need for increased accuracy and breadth of disease models and therapeutics. Here, we review current strategies for hPSC differentiation to blood vascular ECs and their maturation into continuous, fenestrated, and sinusoidal tissues. We then discuss the contribution of hPSC-derived ECs to recent advances in organoid development and organ-on-chip approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Nguyen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Physical Sciences-Oncology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Ying-Yu Lin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Physical Sciences-Oncology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Sharon Gerecht
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Physical Sciences-Oncology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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10
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de Jong S, Gagliardi G, Garanto A, de Breuk A, Lechanteur YTE, Katti S, van den Heuvel LP, Volokhina EB, den Hollander AI. Implications of genetic variation in the complement system in age-related macular degeneration. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 84:100952. [PMID: 33610747 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.100952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the main cause of vision loss among the elderly in the Western world. While AMD is a multifactorial disease, the complement system was identified as one of the main pathways contributing to disease risk. The strong link between the complement system and AMD was demonstrated by genetic associations, and by elevated complement activation in local eye tissue and in the systemic circulation of AMD patients. Several complement inhibitors have been and are being explored in clinical trials, but thus far with limited success, leaving the majority of AMD patients without treatment options to date. This indicates that there is still a gap of knowledge regarding the functional implications of the complement system in AMD pathogenesis and how to bring these towards clinical translation. Many different experimental set-ups and disease models have been used to study complement activation in vivo and in vitro, and recently emerging patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells and genome-editing techniques open new opportunities to study AMD disease mechanisms and test new therapeutic strategies in the future. In this review we provide an extensive overview of methods employed to understand the molecular processes of complement activation in AMD pathogenesis. We discuss the findings, advantages and challenges of each approach and conclude with an outlook on how recent, exciting developments can fill in current knowledge gaps and can aid in the development of effective complement-targeting therapeutic strategies in AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah de Jong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Giuliana Gagliardi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Alejandro Garanto
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Pediatrics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Anita de Breuk
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Yara T E Lechanteur
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Suresh Katti
- Gemini Therapeutics Inc., Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Lambert P van den Heuvel
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Elena B Volokhina
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Anneke I den Hollander
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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11
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Ahmad Mulyadi Lai HI, Chou SJ, Chien Y, Tsai PH, Chien CS, Hsu CC, Jheng YC, Wang ML, Chiou SH, Chou YB, Hwang DK, Lin TC, Chen SJ, Yang YP. Expression of Endogenous Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Organoids. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1320. [PMID: 33525682 PMCID: PMC7865454 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) was identified as the main host cell receptor for the entry of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its subsequent infection. In some coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, it has been reported that the nervous tissues and the eyes were also affected. However, evidence supporting that the retina is a target tissue for SARS-CoV-2 infection is still lacking. This present study aimed to investigate whether ACE2 expression plays a role in human retinal neurons during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived retinal organoids and monolayer cultures derived from dissociated retinal organoids were generated. To validate the potential entry of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the retina, we showed that hiPSC-derived retinal organoids and monolayer cultures endogenously express ACE2 and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) on the mRNA level. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed the protein expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in retinal organoids and monolayer cultures. Furthermore, using the SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus spike protein with GFP expression system, we found that retinal organoids and monolayer cultures can potentially be infected by the SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus. Collectively, our findings highlighted the potential of iPSC-derived retinal organoids as the models for ACE2 receptor-based SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henkie Isahwan Ahmad Mulyadi Lai
- Institute of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (H.I.A.M.L.); (S.-J.C.); (P.-H.T.); (C.-S.C.); (S.-H.C.)
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Faculty of Health Sciences, University Selangor, Shah Alam 40000, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Shih-Jie Chou
- Institute of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (H.I.A.M.L.); (S.-J.C.); (P.-H.T.); (C.-S.C.); (S.-H.C.)
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (Y.C.); (Y.-C.J.); (M.-L.W.)
| | - Yueh Chien
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (Y.C.); (Y.-C.J.); (M.-L.W.)
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (C.-C.H.); (Y.-B.C.); (D.-K.H.)
| | - Ping-Hsing Tsai
- Institute of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (H.I.A.M.L.); (S.-J.C.); (P.-H.T.); (C.-S.C.); (S.-H.C.)
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (Y.C.); (Y.-C.J.); (M.-L.W.)
| | - Chian-Shiu Chien
- Institute of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (H.I.A.M.L.); (S.-J.C.); (P.-H.T.); (C.-S.C.); (S.-H.C.)
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (Y.C.); (Y.-C.J.); (M.-L.W.)
| | - Chih-Chien Hsu
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (C.-C.H.); (Y.-B.C.); (D.-K.H.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chun Jheng
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (Y.C.); (Y.-C.J.); (M.-L.W.)
- Department of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11217, Taiwan
| | - Mong-Lien Wang
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (Y.C.); (Y.-C.J.); (M.-L.W.)
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (C.-C.H.); (Y.-B.C.); (D.-K.H.)
- Institute of Food Safety and Health Risk Assessment, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11217, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hwa Chiou
- Institute of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (H.I.A.M.L.); (S.-J.C.); (P.-H.T.); (C.-S.C.); (S.-H.C.)
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (Y.C.); (Y.-C.J.); (M.-L.W.)
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (C.-C.H.); (Y.-B.C.); (D.-K.H.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Bai Chou
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (C.-C.H.); (Y.-B.C.); (D.-K.H.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan
| | - De-Kuang Hwang
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (C.-C.H.); (Y.-B.C.); (D.-K.H.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Chi Lin
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (C.-C.H.); (Y.-B.C.); (D.-K.H.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Jen Chen
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (C.-C.H.); (Y.-B.C.); (D.-K.H.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ping Yang
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (Y.C.); (Y.-C.J.); (M.-L.W.)
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (C.-C.H.); (Y.-B.C.); (D.-K.H.)
- Institute of Food Safety and Health Risk Assessment, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11217, Taiwan
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12
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Single-cell RNA sequencing in vision research: Insights into human retinal health and disease. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 83:100934. [PMID: 33383180 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Gene expression provides valuable insight into cell function. As such, vision researchers have frequently employed gene expression studies to better understand retinal physiology and disease. With the advent of single-cell RNA sequencing, expression experiments provide an unparalleled resolution of information. Instead of studying aggregated gene expression across all cells in a heterogenous tissue, single-cell technology maps RNA to an individual cell, which facilitates grouping of retinal and choroidal cell types for further study. Single-cell RNA sequencing has been quickly adopted by both basic and translational vision researchers, and single-cell level gene expression has been studied in the visual systems of animal models, retinal organoids, and primary human retina, RPE, and choroid. These experiments have generated detailed atlases of gene expression and identified new retinal cell types. Likewise, single-cell RNA sequencing investigations have characterized how gene expression changes in the setting of many retinal diseases, including how choroidal endothelial cells are altered in age-related macular degeneration. In addition, this technology has allowed vision researchers to discover drivers of retinal development and model rare retinal diseases with induced pluripotent stem cells. In this review, we will overview the growing number of single-cell RNA sequencing studies in the field of vision research. We will summarize experimental considerations for designing single-cell RNA sequencing experiments and highlight important advancements in retinal, RPE, choroidal, and retinal organoid biology driven by this technology. Finally, we generalize these findings to genes involved in retinal degeneration and outline the future of single-cell expression experiments in studying retinal disease.
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13
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Kaye R, Chandra S, Sheth J, Boon CJF, Sivaprasad S, Lotery A. Central serous chorioretinopathy: An update on risk factors, pathophysiology and imaging modalities. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 79:100865. [PMID: 32407978 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a common form of vision loss, typically seen in working-age men. The pathophysiology behind CSC still eludes us, however significant advances have been made in understanding this disease over the last decade using information from genetic and cell-based studies and imaging modalities. This review aims to give an overview of the current pathophysiology hypotheses surrounding CSC in addition to future directions in cellular work from human induced pluripotent stem cell derived choroidal endothelial cells from CSC patients. Furthermore, this review will provide the reader with an update on the clinical aspects of CSC including risk factors, diagnostic challenges and findings from multimodal imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Kaye
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, United Kingdom
| | - Shruti Chandra
- NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, 162, City Road, London, EC1V 2PD, United Kingdom
| | - Jay Sheth
- Surya Eye Institute and Research Center, Mumbai, India
| | - Camiel J F Boon
- Leiden University Medical Centre, Department of Ophthalmology, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, the Netherlands; Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Department of Ophthalmology, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sobha Sivaprasad
- NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, 162, City Road, London, EC1V 2PD, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Lotery
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD, United Kingdom.
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14
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Mulfaul K, Giacalone JC, Voigt AP, Riker MJ, Ochoa D, Han IC, Stone EM, Mullins RF, Tucker BA. Stepwise differentiation and functional characterization of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived choroidal endothelial cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:409. [PMID: 32967716 PMCID: PMC7510078 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-01903-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endothelial cells (ECs) are essential regulators of the vasculature, lining arteries, veins, and capillary beds. While all ECs share a number of structural and molecular features, heterogeneity exists depending on their resident tissue. ECs lining the choriocapillaris in the human eye are lost early in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common and devastating form of vision loss. In order to study the mechanisms leading to choroidal endothelial cell (CEC) loss and to develop reagents for repairing the choroid, a reproducible in vitro model, which closely mimic CECs, is needed. While a number of protocols have been published to direct induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into ECs, the goal of this study was to develop methods to differentiate iPSCs into ECs resembling those found in the human choriocapillaris specifically. METHODS We transduced human iPSCs with a CDH5p-GFP-ZEO lentiviral vector and selected for transduced iPSCs using blasticidin. We generated embryoid bodies (EBs) from expanded iPSC colonies and transitioned from mTESR™1 to EC media. One day post-EB formation, we induced mesoderm fate commitment via addition of BMP-4, activin A, and FGF-2. On day 5, EBs were adhered to Matrigel-coated plates in EC media containing vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) to promote CEC differentiation. On day 14, we selected for CECs using either zeocin resistance or anti-CD31 MACS beads. We expanded CECs post-selection and performed immunocytochemical analysis of CD31, carbonic anhydrase IV (CA4), and RGCC; tube formation assays; and transmission electron microscopy to access vascular function. RESULTS We report a detailed protocol whereby we direct iPSC differentiation toward mesoderm and utilize CTGF to specify CECs. The CDH5p-GFP-ZEO lentiviral vector facilitated the selection of iPSC-derived ECs that label with antibodies directed against CD31, CA4, and RGCC; form vascular tubes in vitro; and migrate into empty choroidal vessels. CECs selected using either antibiotic selection or CD31 MACS beads showed similar characteristics, thereby making this protocol easily reproducible with or without lentiviral vectors. CONCLUSION ECs generated following this protocol exhibit functional and biochemical characteristics of CECs. This protocol will be useful for developing in vitro models toward understanding the mechanisms of CEC loss early in AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Mulfaul
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Joseph C Giacalone
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Andrew P Voigt
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Megan J Riker
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Dalyz Ochoa
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Ian C Han
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Edwin M Stone
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Robert F Mullins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Budd A Tucker
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
- Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
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15
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Lehmann GL, Hanke-Gogokhia C, Hu Y, Bareja R, Salfati Z, Ginsberg M, Nolan DJ, Mendez-Huergo SP, Dalotto-Moreno T, Wojcinski A, Ochoa F, Zeng S, Cerliani JP, Panagis L, Zager PJ, Mullins RF, Ogura S, Lutty GA, Bang J, Zippin JH, Romano C, Rabinovich GA, Elemento O, Joyner AL, Rafii S, Rodriguez-Boulan E, Benedicto I. Single-cell profiling reveals an endothelium-mediated immunomodulatory pathway in the eye choroid. J Exp Med 2020; 217:e20190730. [PMID: 32196081 PMCID: PMC7971135 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20190730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The activity and survival of retinal photoreceptors depend on support functions performed by the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and on oxygen and nutrients delivered by blood vessels in the underlying choroid. By combining single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing, we categorized mouse RPE/choroid cell types and characterized the tissue-specific transcriptomic features of choroidal endothelial cells. We found that choroidal endothelium adjacent to the RPE expresses high levels of Indian Hedgehog and identified its downstream target as stromal GLI1+ mesenchymal stem cell-like cells. In vivo genetic impairment of Hedgehog signaling induced significant loss of choroidal mast cells, as well as an altered inflammatory response and exacerbated visual function defects after retinal damage. Our studies reveal the cellular and molecular landscape of adult RPE/choroid and uncover a Hedgehog-regulated choroidal immunomodulatory signaling circuit. These results open new avenues for the study and treatment of retinal vascular diseases and choroid-related inflammatory blinding disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo L. Lehmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, Margaret Dyson Vision Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY
| | - Christin Hanke-Gogokhia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Margaret Dyson Vision Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Yang Hu
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Rohan Bareja
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Zelda Salfati
- Department of Ophthalmology, Margaret Dyson Vision Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
| | | | | | - Santiago P. Mendez-Huergo
- Laboratorio de Inmunopatología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tomas Dalotto-Moreno
- Laboratorio de Inmunopatología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alexandre Wojcinski
- Developmental Biology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | | | - Shemin Zeng
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research and Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Juan P. Cerliani
- Laboratorio de Inmunopatología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Patrick J. Zager
- Department of Ophthalmology, Margaret Dyson Vision Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Robert F. Mullins
- The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research and Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Shuntaro Ogura
- Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD
| | - Gerard A. Lutty
- Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jakyung Bang
- Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY
| | - Jonathan H. Zippin
- Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY
| | | | - Gabriel A. Rabinovich
- Laboratorio de Inmunopatología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Olivier Elemento
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Alexandra L. Joyner
- Developmental Biology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Shahin Rafii
- Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Department of Medicine, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Enrique Rodriguez-Boulan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Margaret Dyson Vision Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Ignacio Benedicto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Margaret Dyson Vision Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
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16
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Sohn EH, Flamme-Wiese MJ, Whitmore SS, Workalemahu G, Marneros AG, Boese EA, Kwon YH, Wang K, Abramoff MD, Tucker BA, Stone EM, Mullins RF. Choriocapillaris Degeneration in Geographic Atrophy. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2019; 189:1473-1480. [PMID: 31051169 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2019.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is characterized by degeneration of the choriocapillaris, the vascular supply of retinal photoreceptor cells. We assessed vascular loss during disease progression in the choriocapillaris and larger vessels in the deeper choroid. Human donor maculae from controls (n = 99), early AMD (n = 35), or clinically diagnosed with geographic atrophy (GA; n = 9, collected from outside the zone of retinal pigment epithelium degeneration) were evaluated using Ulex europaeus agglutinin-I labeling to discriminate between vessels with intact endothelial cells and ghost vessels. Morphometric analyses of choriocapillaris density (cross-sectional area of capillary lumens divided by length) and of vascular lumen/stroma ratio in the outer choroid were performed. Choriocapillaris loss was observed in early AMD (Bonferroni-corrected P = 0.024) with greater loss in GA (Bonferroni-corrected P < 10-9), even in areas of intact retinal pigment epithelium. In contrast, changes in lumen/stroma ratio in the outer choroid were not found to differ between controls and AMD or GA eyes (P > 0.05), suggesting choriocapillaris changes are more prevalent in AMD than those in the outer choroid. In addition, vascular endothelial growth factor-A levels were negatively correlated with choriocapillaris vascular density. These findings support the concept that choroidal vascular degeneration, predominantly in the microvasculature, contributes to dry AMD progression. Addressing capillary loss in AMD remains an important translational target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliott H Sohn
- Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Miles J Flamme-Wiese
- Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - S Scott Whitmore
- Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Grefachew Workalemahu
- Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Alexander G Marneros
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Erin A Boese
- Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Young H Kwon
- Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Kai Wang
- Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; Department of Biostatistics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Michael D Abramoff
- Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Budd A Tucker
- Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Edwin M Stone
- Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Robert F Mullins
- Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.
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17
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Scruggs BA, Jiao C, Cranston CM, Kaalberg E, Wang K, Russell SR, Wiley LA, Mullins RF, Stone EM, Tucker BA, Sohn EH. Optimizing Donor Cellular Dissociation and Subretinal Injection Parameters for Stem Cell-Based Treatments. Stem Cells Transl Med 2019; 8:797-809. [PMID: 31004408 PMCID: PMC6646699 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.18-0210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Subretinal delivery of stem cell‐derived retinal cells as a strategy to treat retinal degenerative blindness holds great promise. Currently, two clinical trials are underway in which human fetal retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) are being delivered to patients by intravitreal or subretinal injection to preserve or restore vision, respectively. With the advent of the induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC), and in turn three‐dimensional derivation of retinal tissue, it is now possible to generate autologous RPCs for cell replacement. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of commonly used cell isolation and surgical manipulation strategies on donor cell viability. iPSC‐RPCs were subjected to various conditions, including different dissociation and isolation methods, injection cannula sizes, and preinjection storage temperatures and times. The effects of commonly used surgical techniques on both host and donor cell viability were evaluated in Yucatan mini‐pigs (n = 61 eyes). We found a significant increase in cell viability when papain was used for RPC isolation. In addition, a significant decrease in cell viability was detected when using the 41G cannula compared with 31G and at storage times of 4 hours compared with 30 minutes. Although 96.4% of all eyes demonstrated spontaneous retinal reattachment following injection, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) abnormalities were seen more frequently in eyes receiving injections via a 31G cannula; interestingly, eyes that received cell suspensions were relatively protected against such RPE changes. These findings indicate that optimization of donor cell isolation and delivery parameters should be considered when developing a subretinal cell replacement strategy. stem cells translational medicine2019;8:797&809
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittni A Scruggs
- University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Chunhua Jiao
- University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Cathryn M Cranston
- University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Emily Kaalberg
- University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Stephen R Russell
- University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Luke A Wiley
- University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Robert F Mullins
- University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Edwin M Stone
- University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Budd A Tucker
- University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Elliott H Sohn
- University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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18
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Anand-Apte B, Chao JR, Singh R, Stöhr H. Sorsby fundus dystrophy: Insights from the past and looking to the future. J Neurosci Res 2019; 97:88-97. [PMID: 30129971 PMCID: PMC6241301 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Sorsby fundus dystrophy (SFD), an autosomal dominant, fully penetrant, degenerative disease of the macula, is manifested by symptoms of night blindness or sudden loss of visual acuity, usually in the third to fourth decades of life due to choroidal neovascularization (CNV). SFD is caused by specific mutations in the Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-3, (TIMP3) gene. The predominant histo-pathological feature in the eyes of patients with SFD are confluent 20-30 m thick, amorphous deposits found between the basement membrane of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the inner collagenous layer of Bruch's membrane. SFD is a rare disease but it has generated significant interest because it closely resembles the exudative or "wet" form of the more common age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In addition, in both SFD and AMD donor eyes, sub-retinal deposits have been shown to accumulate TIMP3 protein. Understanding the molecular functions of wild-type and mutant TIMP3 will provide significant insights into the patho-physiology of SFD and perhaps AMD. This review summarizes the current knowledge on TIMP3 and how mutations in TIMP3 cause SFD to provide insights into how we can study this disease going forward. Findings from these studies could have potential therapeutic implications for both SFD and AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bela Anand-Apte
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute,
Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland Ohio; Department of Ophthalmology and
Department of Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Lerner
College of Medicine, Cleveland, OH,
| | - Jennifer R. Chao
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington,
Seattle, WA 98109,
| | - Ruchira Singh
- Department of Ophthalmology (Flaum Eye Institute) and
Biomedical Genetics, 3Center for Visual Science, UR Stem Cell and Regenerative
Medicine Institute University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA, ruchira
| | - Heidi Stöhr
- Institute of Human Genetics, Universität
Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany,
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19
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Cohen-Tayar Y, Cohen H, Mitiagin Y, Abravanel Z, Levy C, Idelson M, Reubinoff B, Itzkovitz S, Raviv S, Kaestner KH, Blinder P, Elkon R, Ashery-Padan R. Pax6 regulation of Sox9 in the mouse retinal pigmented epithelium controls its timely differentiation and choroid vasculature development. Development 2018; 145:dev.163691. [PMID: 29986868 DOI: 10.1242/dev.163691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The synchronized differentiation of neuronal and vascular tissues is crucial for normal organ development and function, although there is limited information about the mechanisms regulating the coordinated development of these tissues. The choroid vasculature of the eye serves as the main blood supply to the metabolically active photoreceptors, and develops together with the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE). Here, we describe a novel regulatory relationship between the RPE transcription factors Pax6 and Sox9 that controls the timing of RPE differentiation and the adjacent choroid maturation. We used a novel machine learning algorithm tool to analyze high resolution imaging of the choroid in Pax6 and Sox9 conditional mutant mice. Additional unbiased transcriptomic analyses in mutant mice and RPE cells generated from human embryonic stem cells, as well as chromatin immunoprecipitation and high-throughput analyses, revealed secreted factors that are regulated by Pax6 and Sox9. These factors might be involved in choroid development and in the pathogenesis of the common blinding disease: age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamit Cohen-Tayar
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neurosciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Hadar Cohen
- Department of Particle Physics, Raymond and Beverly Sackler School of Physics and Astronomy, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Yulia Mitiagin
- Department of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics school, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Zohar Abravanel
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neurosciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Carmit Levy
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neurosciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Masha Idelson
- The Hadassah Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Center, The Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy and The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, 9112001 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Benjamin Reubinoff
- The Hadassah Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Center, The Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy and The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, 9112001 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shalev Itzkovitz
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science 76100, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shaul Raviv
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neurosciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Klaus H Kaestner
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 12-126 Smilow Center for Translational Research, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6145, USA
| | - Pablo Blinder
- Department of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics school, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.,Sagol School for Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Ran Elkon
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neurosciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel .,Sagol School for Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Ruth Ashery-Padan
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neurosciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel .,Sagol School for Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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20
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Burnight ER, Giacalone JC, Cooke JA, Thompson JR, Bohrer LR, Chirco KR, Drack AV, Fingert JH, Worthington KS, Wiley LA, Mullins RF, Stone EM, Tucker BA. CRISPR-Cas9 genome engineering: Treating inherited retinal degeneration. Prog Retin Eye Res 2018; 65:28-49. [PMID: 29578069 PMCID: PMC8210531 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2018.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Gene correction is a valuable strategy for treating inherited retinal degenerative diseases, a major cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Single gene defects cause the majority of these retinal dystrophies. Gene augmentation holds great promise if delivered early in the course of the disease, however, many patients carry mutations in genes too large to be packaged into adeno-associated viral vectors and some, when overexpressed via heterologous promoters, induce retinal toxicity. In addition to the aforementioned challenges, some patients have sustained significant photoreceptor cell loss at the time of diagnosis, rendering gene replacement therapy insufficient to treat the disease. These patients will require cell replacement to restore useful vision. Fortunately, the advent of induced pluripotent stem cell and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technologies affords researchers and clinicians a powerful means by which to develop strategies to treat patients with inherited retinal dystrophies. In this review we will discuss the current developments in CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in vivo in animal models and in vitro in patient-derived cells to study and treat inherited retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin R Burnight
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Joseph C Giacalone
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Jessica A Cooke
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Jessica R Thompson
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Laura R Bohrer
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Kathleen R Chirco
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Arlene V Drack
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - John H Fingert
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Kristan S Worthington
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States; Department of Biochemical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Luke A Wiley
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Robert F Mullins
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Edwin M Stone
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Budd A Tucker
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States.
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21
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Wagoner MD, Bohrer LR, Aldrich BT, Greiner MA, Mullins RF, Worthington KS, Tucker BA, Wiley LA. Feeder-free differentiation of cells exhibiting characteristics of corneal endothelium from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Biol Open 2018; 7:bio032102. [PMID: 29685994 PMCID: PMC5992532 DOI: 10.1242/bio.032102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to devise a strategy for the derivation of corneal endothelial cells (CEnCs) from adult fibroblast-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). IPSCs were generated from an adult human with normal ocular history via expression of OCT4, SOX2, KLF4 and c-MYC Neural crest cells (NCCs) were differentiated from iPSCs via addition of CHIR99021 and SB4315542. NCCs were driven toward a CEnC fate via addition of B27, PDGF-BB and DKK-2 to CEnC media. Differentiation of NCCs and CEnCs was evaluated via rt-PCR, morphological and immunocytochemical analysis. At 17 days post-NCC induction, there were notable changes in cell morphology and upregulation of the neural crest lineage transcripts PAX3, SOX9, TFAP2A, SOX10 and p75NTR and the proteins p75/NGFR and SOX10. Exposure of NCCs to B27, PDGF-BB and DKK-2 induced a shift in morphology from a spindle-shaped neural phenotype to a tightly-packed hexagonal appearance and increased expression of the transcripts ATP1A1, COL8A1, COL8A2, AQP1 and CDH2 and the proteins ZO-1, N-Cad, AQP-1 and Na+/K+ATPase. Replacement of NCC media with CEnC media on day 3, 5 or 8 reduced the differentiation time needed to yield CEnCs. IPSC-derived CEnCs could be used for evaluation of cornea endothelial disease pathophysiology and for testing of novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Wagoner
- Cornea Research Unit, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Laura R Bohrer
- Cornea Research Unit, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Benjamin T Aldrich
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Iowa Lions Eye Bank, Coralville, IA 52241, USA
| | - Mark A Greiner
- Cornea Research Unit, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Iowa Lions Eye Bank, Coralville, IA 52241, USA
| | - Robert F Mullins
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Kristan S Worthington
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Budd A Tucker
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Luke A Wiley
- Cornea Research Unit, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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22
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Cellular regeneration strategies for macular degeneration: past, present and future. Eye (Lond) 2018; 32:946-971. [PMID: 29503449 PMCID: PMC5944658 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-018-0061-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite considerable effort and significant therapeutic advances, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains the commonest cause of blindness in the developed world. Progressive late-stage AMD with outer retinal degeneration currently has no proven treatment. There has been significant interest in the possibility that cellular treatments may slow or reverse visual loss in AMD. A number of modes of action have been suggested, including cell replacement and rescue, as well as immune modulation to delay the neurodegenerative process. Their appeal in this enigmatic disease relate to their generic, non-pathway-specific effects. The outer retina in particular has been at the forefront of developments in cellular regenerative therapies being surgically accessible, easily observable, as well as having a relatively simple architecture. Both the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptors have been considered for replacement therapies as both sheets and cell suspensions. Studies using autologous RPE, and to a lesser extent, foetal retina, have shown proof of principle. A wide variety of cell sources have been proposed with pluripotent stem cell-derived cells currently holding the centre stage. Recent early-phase trials using these cells for RPE replacement have met safety endpoints and hinted at possible efficacy. Animal studies have confirmed the promise that photoreceptor replacement, even in a completely degenerated outer retina may restore some vision. Many challenges, however, remain, not least of which include avoiding immune rejection, ensuring long-term cellular survival and maximising effect. This review provides an overview of progress made, ongoing studies and challenges ahead.
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23
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Hanna J, Yücel YH, Zhou X, Mathieu E, Paczka-Giorgi LA, Gupta N. Progressive loss of retinal blood vessels in a live model of retinitis pigmentosa. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2017; 53:391-401. [PMID: 30119795 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjo.2017.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess retinal blood vessels in a live retinitis pigmentosa (RP) model with rd1 mutation and green fluorescent protein (GFP) expressed in vascular endothelium. METHODS Homozygous (hm) Tie2-GFP mice with rd1 mutation and known retinal degeneration were crossed with wild-type CD1 mice to generate control heterozygous (ht) Tie2-GFP mice. The retinas of 16 live hm mice were evaluated at 2 weeks and 3, 5, and 8 months of age, and compared with age-matched control ht and CD1 mice by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (cSLO). Fluorescence intensity was measured and compared between strains at 3, 5, and 8 months. In vivo findings were validated by immunostaining with collagen IV and isolectin histopathology. RESULTS All hm Tie2-GFP mice showed progressive outer retinal degeneration by OCT. Loss of small branches of blood vessels and then larger main vessels was seen by cSLO. Retinal tissue and vessels were preserved in control ht mice. At all ages, measurements of fluorescence intensity were reduced in hm compared with ht mice (p < 0.001). In all strains, intensity at 8 months was reduced compared with 3 months (p < 0.001) and 5 months (p = 0.021). Histopathological studies confirmed in vivo findings and revealed a pattern of blood vessel regression in the deep plexus, followed by intermediate and superficial retinal plexuses. CONCLUSIONS This is the first evidence of progressive loss of retinal blood vessels in a live mouse model of RP. These findings may be highly relevant to understanding retinal degeneration in RP to prevent blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Hanna
- Keenan Research Centre at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Yeni H Yücel
- Keenan Research Centre at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont; Ophthalmic Pathology Laboratory, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Xun Zhou
- Keenan Research Centre at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont
| | - Emily Mathieu
- Keenan Research Centre at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Luz A Paczka-Giorgi
- Keenan Research Centre at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont
| | - Neeru Gupta
- Keenan Research Centre at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.
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24
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Wiley LA, Anfinson KR, Cranston CM, Kaalberg EE, Collins MM, Mullins RF, Stone EM, Tucker BA. Generation of Xeno-Free, cGMP-Compliant Patient-Specific iPSCs from Skin Biopsy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 42:4A.12.1-4A.12.14. [PMID: 28806854 DOI: 10.1002/cpsc.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This unit describes protocols for the generation of clinical-grade patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived retinal cells from patients with inherited retinal degenerative blindness. Specifically, we describe how, using xeno-free reagents in an ISO class 5 environment, one can isolate and culture dermal fibroblasts, generate iPSCs, and derive autologous retinal cells via 3-D differentiation. The universal methods described herein for the isolation of dermal fibroblasts and generation of iPSCs can be employed regardless of disease, tissue, or cell type of interest. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke A Wiley
- Stephen A. Wynn, Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Kristin R Anfinson
- Stephen A. Wynn, Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Cathryn M Cranston
- Stephen A. Wynn, Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Emily E Kaalberg
- Stephen A. Wynn, Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Malia M Collins
- Stephen A. Wynn, Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Robert F Mullins
- Stephen A. Wynn, Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Edwin M Stone
- Stephen A. Wynn, Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Budd A Tucker
- Stephen A. Wynn, Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
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25
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Chirco KR, Worthington KS, Flamme-Wiese MJ, Riker MJ, Andrade JD, Ueberheide BM, Stone EM, Tucker BA, Mullins RF. Preparation and evaluation of human choroid extracellular matrix scaffolds for the study of cell replacement strategies. Acta Biomater 2017; 57:293-303. [PMID: 28483697 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Revised: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) of the choriocapillaris are one of the first cell types lost during age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and cell replacement therapy is currently a very promising option for patients with advanced AMD. We sought to develop a reliable method for the production of human choroidal extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds, which will allow for the study of choroidal EC (CEC) replacement strategies in an environment that closely resembles the native tissue. Human RPE/choroid tissue was treated sequentially with Triton X-100, SDS, and DNase to remove all native cells. While all cells were successfully removed from the tissue, collagen IV, elastin, and laminin remained, with preserved architecture of the acellular vascular tubes. The ECM scaffolds were then co-cultured with exogenous ECs to determine if the tissue can support cell growth and allow EC reintegration into the decellularized choroidal vasculature. Both monkey and human ECs took up residence in the choriocapillary tubes of the decellularized tissue. Together, these data suggest that our decellularization methods are sufficient to remove all cellular material yet gentle enough to preserve tissue structure and allow for the optimization of cell replacement strategies. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a devastating disease affecting more than 600 million people worldwide. Endothelial cells of the choriocapillaris (CECs) are among the first cell types lost in early AMD, and cell replacement therapy is currently the most promising option for restoring vision in patients with advanced AMD. In order to study CEC replacement strategies we have generated a 3D choroid scaffold using a novel decellularization method in human RPE/choroid tissue. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing decellularization of human RPE/choroid, as well as recellularization of a choroid scaffold with CECs. This work will aid in our development and optimization of cell replacement strategies using a tissue scaffold that is similar to the in vivo environment.
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26
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Bracha P, Moore NA, Ciulla TA. Induced pluripotent stem cell-based therapy for age-related macular degeneration. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2017; 17:1113-1126. [PMID: 28664762 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2017.1346079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In age-related macular degeneration (AMD), stem cells could possibly replace or regenerate disrupted pathologic retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and produce supportive growth factors and cytokines such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived RPE was first subretinally transplanted in a neovascular AMD patient in 2014. Areas covered: Induced PSCs are derived from the introduction of transcription factors to adult cells under specific cell culture conditions, followed by differentiation into RPE cells. Induced PSC-derived RPE cells exhibit ion transport, membrane potential, polarized VEGF secretion and gene expression that is similar to native RPE. Despite having similar in vitro function, morphology, immunostaining and microscopic analysis, it remains to be seen if iPSC-derived RPE can replicate the myriad of in vivo functions, including immunomodulatory effects, of native RPE cells. Historically, adjuvant RPE transplantation during CNV resections were technically difficult and complicated by immune rejection. Autologous iPSCs are hypothesized to reduce the risk of immune rejection, but their production is time-consuming and expensive. Alternatively, allogenic transplantation using human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched iPSCs, similar to HLA-matched organ transplantation, is currently being investigated. Expert opinion: Challenges to successful transplantation with iPSCs include surgical technique, a pathologic subretinal microenvironment, possible immune rejection, and complications of immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Bracha
- a Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology , Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis , IN , USA
| | - Nicholas A Moore
- a Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology , Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis , IN , USA
| | - Thomas A Ciulla
- a Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology , Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis , IN , USA.,b Retina Service , Midwest Eye Institute , Indianapolis , IN , USA
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27
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Songstad AE, Worthington KS, Chirco KR, Giacalone JC, Whitmore SS, Anfinson KR, Ochoa D, Cranston CM, Riker MJ, Neiman M, Stone EM, Mullins RF, Tucker BA. Connective Tissue Growth Factor Promotes Efficient Generation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Choroidal Endothelium. Stem Cells Transl Med 2017; 6:1533-1546. [PMID: 28474838 PMCID: PMC5689757 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.16-0399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness in the Western world. Although, the majority of stem cell research to date has focused on production of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) and photoreceptor cells for the purpose of evaluating disease pathophysiology and cell replacement, there is strong evidence that the choroidal endothelial cells (CECs) that form the choriocapillaris vessels are the first to be lost in this disease. As such, to accurately evaluate disease pathophysiology and develop an effective treatment, production of patient‐specific, stem cell‐derived CECs will be required. In this study, we report for the first time a stepwise differentiation protocol suitable for generating human iPSC‐derived CEC‐like cells. RNA‐seq analysis of the monkey CEC line, RF/6A, combined with two statistical screens allowed us to develop media comprised of various protein combinations. In both screens, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) was identified as the key component required for driving CEC development. A second factor tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐related weak inducer of apoptosis receptor was also found to promote iPSC to CEC differentiation by inducing endogenous CTGF secretion. CTGF‐driven iPSC‐derived CEC‐like cells formed capillary tube‐like vascular networks, and expressed the EC‐specific markers CD31, ICAM1, PLVAP, vWF, and the CEC‐restricted marker CA4. In combination with RPE and photoreceptor cells, patient‐specific iPSC derived CEC‐like cells will enable scientists to accurately evaluate AMD pathophysiology and develop effective cell replacement therapies. Stem Cells Translational Medicine2017;6:1533–1546
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison E Songstad
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Wynn Institute for vision research
| | | | - Kathleen R Chirco
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Wynn Institute for vision research
| | - Joseph C Giacalone
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Wynn Institute for vision research
| | - S Scott Whitmore
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Wynn Institute for vision research
| | - Kristin R Anfinson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Wynn Institute for vision research
| | - Dalyz Ochoa
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Wynn Institute for vision research
| | - Cathryn M Cranston
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Wynn Institute for vision research
| | - Megan J Riker
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Wynn Institute for vision research
| | - Maurine Neiman
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Edwin M Stone
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Wynn Institute for vision research
| | - Robert F Mullins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Wynn Institute for vision research
| | - Budd A Tucker
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Wynn Institute for vision research
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28
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Sharma TP, Wiley LA, Whitmore SS, Anfinson KR, Cranston CM, Oppedal DJ, Daggett HT, Mullins RF, Tucker BA, Stone EM. Patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells to evaluate the pathophysiology of TRNT1-associated Retinitis pigmentosa. Stem Cell Res 2017; 21:58-70. [PMID: 28390992 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2017.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Revised: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a heterogeneous group of monogenic disorders characterized by progressive death of the light-sensing photoreceptor cells of the outer neural retina. We recently identified novel hypomorphic mutations in the tRNA Nucleotidyl Transferase, CCA-Adding 1 (TRNT1) gene that cause early-onset RP. To model this disease in vitro, we generated patient-specific iPSCs and iPSC-derived retinal organoids from dermal fibroblasts of patients with molecularly confirmed TRNT1-associated RP. Pluripotency was confirmed using rt-PCR, immunocytochemistry, and a TaqMan Scorecard Assay. Mutations in TRNT1 caused reduced levels of full-length TRNT1 protein and expression of a truncated smaller protein in both patient-specific iPSCs and iPSC-derived retinal organoids. Patient-specific iPSCs and iPSC-derived retinal organoids exhibited a deficit in autophagy, as evidenced by aberrant accumulation of LC3-II and elevated levels of oxidative stress. Autologous stem cell-based disease modeling will provide a platform for testing multiple avenues of treatment in patients suffering from TRNT1-associated RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasneem P Sharma
- Stephen A Wynn Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| | - Luke A Wiley
- Stephen A Wynn Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| | - S Scott Whitmore
- Stephen A Wynn Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| | - Kristin R Anfinson
- Stephen A Wynn Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| | - Cathryn M Cranston
- Stephen A Wynn Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| | - Douglas J Oppedal
- Stephen A Wynn Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| | - Heather T Daggett
- Stephen A Wynn Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| | - Robert F Mullins
- Stephen A Wynn Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| | - Budd A Tucker
- Stephen A Wynn Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| | - Edwin M Stone
- Stephen A Wynn Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
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29
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Spencer C, Abend S, McHugh KJ, Saint-Geniez M. Identification of a synergistic interaction between endothelial cells and retinal pigment epithelium. J Cell Mol Med 2017; 21:2542-2552. [PMID: 28402065 PMCID: PMC5618686 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium located between the neurosensory retina and the choroidal vasculature is critical for the function and maintenance of both the photoreceptors and underlying capillary endothelium. While the trophic role of retinal pigment epithelium on choroidal endothelial cells is well recognized, the existence of a reciprocal regulatory function of endothelial cells on retinal pigment epithelium cells remained to be fully characterized. Using a physiological long‐term co‐culture system, we determined the effect of retinal pigment epithelium‐endothelial cell heterotypic interactions on cell survival, behaviour and matrix deposition. Human retinal pigment epithelium and endothelial cells were cultured on opposite sides of polyester transwells for up to 4 weeks in low serum conditions. Cell viability was quantified using a trypan blue assay. Cellular morphology was evaluated by H&E staining, S.E.M. and immunohistochemistry. Retinal pigment epithelium phagocytic function was examined using a fluorescent bead assay. Gene expression analysis was performed on both retinal pigment epithelium and endothelial cells by quantitative PCR. Quantification of extracellular matrix deposition was performed on decellularized transwells stained for collagen IV, fibronectin and fibrillin. Our results showed that presence of endothelial cells significantly improves retinal pigment epithelium maturation and function as indicated by the induction of visual cycle‐associated genes, accumulation of a Bruch's membrane‐like matrix and increase in retinal pigment epithelium phagocytic activity. Co‐culture conditions led to increased expression of anti‐angiogenic growth factors and receptors in both retinal pigment epithelium and endothelial cells compared to monoculture. Tube‐formation assays confirmed that co‐culture with retinal pigment epithelium significantly decreased the angiogenic phenotype of endothelial cells. These findings provide evidence of critical interdependent interactions between retinal pigment epithelium and endothelial cell involved in the maintenance of retinal homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie Spencer
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass. Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stephanie Abend
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kevin J McHugh
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass. Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Magali Saint-Geniez
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Mass. Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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30
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Aghaizu ND, Kruczek K, Gonzalez-Cordero A, Ali RR, Pearson RA. Pluripotent stem cells and their utility in treating photoreceptor degenerations. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2017; 231:191-223. [PMID: 28554397 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2017.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration and inherited retinal degenerations represent the leading causes of blindness in industrialized countries. Despite different initiating causes, they share a common final pathophysiology, the loss of the light sensitive photoreceptors. Replacement by transplantation may offer a potential treatment strategy for both patient populations. The last decade has seen remarkable progress in our ability to generate retinal cell types, including photoreceptors, from a variety of murine and human pluripotent stem cell sources. Driven in large part by the requirement for renewable cell sources, stem cells have emerged not only as a promising source of replacement photoreceptors but also to provide in vitro systems with which to study retinal development and disease processes and to test therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kamil Kruczek
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Robin R Ali
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
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31
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Chirco KR, Sohn EH, Stone EM, Tucker BA, Mullins RF. Structural and molecular changes in the aging choroid: implications for age-related macular degeneration. Eye (Lond) 2017; 31:10-25. [PMID: 27716746 PMCID: PMC5233940 DOI: 10.1038/eye.2016.216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a devastating disease-causing vision loss in millions of people around the world. In advanced stages of disease, death of photoreceptor cells, retinal pigment epithelial cells, and choroidal endothelial cells (CECs) are common. Loss of endothelial cells of the choriocapillaris is one of the earliest detectable events in AMD, and, because the outer retina relies on the choriocapillaris for metabolic support, this loss may be the trigger for progression to more advanced stages. Here we highlight evidence for loss of CECs, including changes to vascular density within the choriocapillaris, altered abundance of CEC markers, and changes to overall thickness of the choroid. Furthermore, we review the key components and functions of the choroid, as well as Bruch's membrane, both of which are vital for healthy vision. We discuss changes to the structure and molecular composition of these tissues, many of which develop with age and may contribute to AMD pathogenesis. For example, a crucial event that occurs in the aging choriocapillaris is accumulation of the membrane attack complex, which may result in complement-mediated CEC lysis, and may be a primary cause for AMD-associated choriocapillaris degeneration. The actions of elevated monomeric C-reactive protein in the choriocapillaris in at-risk individuals may also contribute to the inflammatory environment in the choroid and promote disease progression. Finally, we discuss the progress that has been made in the development of AMD therapies, with a focus on cell replacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- K R Chirco
- The Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - E H Sohn
- The Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - E M Stone
- The Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - B A Tucker
- The Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - R F Mullins
- The Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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32
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Chirco KR, Whitmore SS, Wang K, Potempa LA, Halder JA, Stone EM, Tucker BA, Mullins RF. Monomeric C-reactive protein and inflammation in age-related macular degeneration. J Pathol 2016; 240:173-83. [PMID: 27376713 DOI: 10.1002/path.4766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a devastating disease characterized by central vision loss in elderly individuals. Previous studies have suggested a link between elevated levels of total C-reactive protein (CRP) in the choroid, CFH genotype, and AMD status; however, the structural form of CRP present in the choroid, its relationship to CFH genotype, and its functional consequences have not been assessed. In this report, we studied genotyped human donor eyes (n = 60) and found that eyes homozygous for the high-risk CFH (Y402H) allele had elevated monomeric CRP (mCRP) within the choriocapillaris and Bruch's membrane, compared to those with the low-risk genotype. Treatment of choroidal endothelial cells in vitro with mCRP increased migration rate and monolayer permeability compared to treatment with pentameric CRP (pCRP) or medium alone. Organ cultures treated with mCRP exhibited dramatically altered expression of inflammatory genes as assessed by RNA sequencing, including ICAM-1 and CA4, both of which were confirmed at the protein level. Our data indicate that mCRP is the more abundant form of CRP in human choroid, and that mCRP levels are elevated in individuals with the high-risk CFH genotype. Moreover, pro-inflammatory mCRP significantly affects endothelial cell phenotypes in vitro and ex vivo, suggesting a role for mCRP in choroidal vascular dysfunction in AMD. Copyright © 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen R Chirco
- The Stephen A Wynn Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - S Scott Whitmore
- The Stephen A Wynn Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Kai Wang
- The Stephen A Wynn Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | | | - Jennifer A Halder
- The Stephen A Wynn Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Edwin M Stone
- The Stephen A Wynn Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Budd A Tucker
- The Stephen A Wynn Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Robert F Mullins
- The Stephen A Wynn Institute for Vision Research, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA. .,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.
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