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Chakrabarty K, Nayak D, Debnath J, Das D, Shetty R, Ghosh A. Retinal organoids in disease modeling and drug discovery: Opportunities and challenges. Surv Ophthalmol 2023:S0039-6257(23)00127-3. [PMID: 37778668 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Diseases leading to retinal cell loss can cause severe visual impairment and blindness. The lack of effective therapies to address retinal cell loss and the absence of intrinsic regeneration in the human retina leads to an irreversible pathological condition. Progress in recent years in the generation of human three-dimensional retinal organoids from pluripotent stem cells makes it possible to recreate the cytoarchitecture and associated cell-cell interactions of the human retina in remarkable detail. These human three-dimensional retinal organoid systems made of distinct retinal cell types and possessing contextual physiological responses allow the study of human retina development and retinal disease pathology in a way animal model and two-dimensional cell cultures were unable to achieve. We describe the derivation of retinal organoids from human pluripotent stem cells and their application for modeling retinal disease pathologies, while outlining the opportunities and challenges for its application in academia and industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koushik Chakrabarty
- GROW Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
| | - Divyani Nayak
- GROW Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Jayasree Debnath
- GROW Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Debashish Das
- Stem Cell Research Lab, GROW Lab, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Narayana Nethralaya, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Rohit Shetty
- Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Narayana Nethralaya Eye Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Arkasubhra Ghosh
- GROW Research Laboratory, Narayana Nethralaya Foundation, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
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2
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Kelley RA, Wu Z. Utilization of the retinal organoid model to evaluate the feasibility of genetic strategies to ameliorate retinal disease(s). Vision Res 2023; 210:108269. [PMID: 37295270 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2023.108269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Organoid models have quickly become a popular research tool to evaluate novel therapeutics on 3-D recapitulated tissue. This has enabled researchers to use physiologically relevant human tissue in vitro to augment the standard use of immortalized cells and animal models. Organoids can also provide a model when an engineered animal cannot recreate a specific disease phenotype. In particular, the retinal research field has taken advantage of this burgeoning technology to provide insight into inherited retinal disease(s) mechanisms and therapeutic intervention to ameliorate their effects. In this review we will discuss the use of both wild-type and patient-specific retinal organoids to further gene therapy research that could potentially prevent retinal disease(s) progression. Furthermore, we will discuss the pitfalls of current retinal organoid technology and present potential solutions that could overcome these hurdles in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan A Kelley
- PTC Therapeutics, 100 Corporate Ct #2400, South Plainfield, NJ 07080, USA.
| | - Zhijian Wu
- PTC Therapeutics, 100 Corporate Ct #2400, South Plainfield, NJ 07080, USA
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3
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Kang J, Gong J, Yang C, Lin X, Yan L, Gong Y, Xu H. Application of Human Stem Cell Derived Retinal Organoids in the Exploration of the Mechanisms of Early Retinal Development. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023:10.1007/s12015-023-10553-x. [PMID: 37269529 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10553-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The intricate neural circuit of retina extracts salient features of the natural world and forms bioelectric impulse as the origin of vision. The early development of retina is a highly complex and coordinated process in morphogenesis and neurogenesis. Increasing evidence indicates that stem cells derived human retinal organoids (hROs) in vitro faithfully recapitulates the embryonic developmental process of human retina no matter in the transcriptome, cellular biology and histomorphology. The emergence of hROs greatly deepens on the understanding of early development of human retina. Here, we reviewed the events of early retinal development both in animal embryos and hROs studies, which mainly comprises the formation of optic vesicle and optic cup shape, differentiation of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), photoreceptor cells (PRs) and its supportive retinal pigment epithelium cells (RPE). We also discussed the classic and frontier molecular pathways up to date to decipher the underlying mechanisms of early development of human retina and hROs. Finally, we summarized the application prospect, challenges and cutting-edge techniques of hROs for uncovering the principles and mechanisms of retinal development and related developmental disorder. hROs is a priori selection for studying human retinal development and function and may be a fundamental tool for unlocking the unknown insight into retinal development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Kang
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jing Gong
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Cao Yang
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xi Lin
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Lijuan Yan
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yu Gong
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Sciences Research Center, University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Haiwei Xu
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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4
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Xu P, Chen Z, Ma J, Shan Y, Wang Y, Xie B, Zheng D, Guo F, Song X, Gao G, Ye K, Liu Y, Pan G, Jiang B, Peng F, Zhong X. Biallelic CLCN2 mutations cause retinal degeneration by impairing retinal pigment epithelium phagocytosis and chloride channel function. Hum Genet 2023; 142:577-593. [PMID: 36964785 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-023-02531-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
CLCN2 encodes a two-pore homodimeric chloride channel protein (CLC-2) that is widely expressed in human tissues. The association between Clcn2 and the retina is well-established in mice, as loss-of-function of CLC-2 can cause retinopathy in mice; however, the ocular phenotypes caused by CLCN2 mutations in humans and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The present study aimed to define the ocular features and reveal the pathogenic mechanisms of CLCN2 variants associated with retinal degeneration in humans using an in vitro overexpression system, as well as patient-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and retinal organoids (ROs). A patient carrying the homozygous c.2257C > T (p.R753X) nonsense CLCN2 mutation was followed up for > 6 years. Ocular features were comprehensively characterized with multimodality imaging and functional examination. The patient presented with severe bilateral retinal degeneration with loss of photoreceptor and RPE. In vitro, mutant CLC-2 maintained the correct subcellular localization, but with reduced channel function compared to wild-type CLC-2 in HEK293T cells. Additionally, patient iPSC-derived RPE cells carrying the CLCN2 mutation exhibited dysfunctional ClC-2 chloride channels and outer segment phagocytosis. Notably, these functions were rescued following the repair of the CLCN2 mutation using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. However, this variant did not cause significant photoreceptor degeneration in patient-derived ROs, indicating that dysfunctional RPE is likely the primary cause of biallelic CLCN2 variant-mediated retinopathy. This study is the first to establish the confirmatory ocular features of human CLCN2-related retinal degeneration, and reveal a pathogenic mechanism associated with biallelic CLCN2 variants, providing new insights into the cause of inherited retinal dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Zhuolin Chen
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Jianchi Ma
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yongli Shan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Bingbing Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Dandan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Fuying Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Xiaojing Song
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Guanjie Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Ke Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yizhi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Guangjin Pan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Bin Jiang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Fuhua Peng
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
| | - Xiufeng Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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5
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Liu Q, Liu J, Higuchi A. hPSC-derived RPE transplantation for the treatment of macular degeneration. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 199:227-269. [PMID: 37678973 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
Macular degeneration (MD) is a group of diseases characterized by irreversible and progressive vision loss. Patients with MD suffer from severely impaired central vision, especially elderly people. Currently, only one type of MD, wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), can be treated with anti-vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF) drugs. Other types of MD remain difficult to treat. With the advent of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) and their differentiation into retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE), it is promising to treat patients with MD by transplantation of hPSC-derived RPE into the subretinal space. In this review, the current progress in hPSC-derived RPE transplantation for the treatment of patients with MD is described from bench to bedside, including hPSC differentiation into RPE and the characterization and usage of hPSC-derived RPE for transplantation into patients with MD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Jun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Akon Higuchi
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China; Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, Jhongli, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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6
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Li G, Liu S, Chen W, Jiang Z, Luo Y, Wang D, Zheng Y, Liu Y. Acellularized Uvea Hydrogel as Novel Injectable Platform for Cell-Based Delivering Treatment of Retinal Degeneration and Optimizing Retinal Organoids Inducible System. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2202114. [PMID: 36189847 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Replenishing the retina with retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells derived from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) has great promise for treating retinal degenerative diseases, but it is limited by poor cell survival and integration in vivo. Herein, porcine acellular sclera and uvea extracellular matrix (ECM) and their counterpart hydrogels are developed, and their effects on the biological behavior of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived RPE cells (hiPSC-RPE) and embryoid body (hiPSC-EB) differentiation are investigated. Both acellular ECM hydrogels have excellent biocompatibility and suitable biodegradability without evoking an obvious immune response. Most importantly, the decellularized uvea hydrogel-delivered cells' injection remarkably promotes the hiPSC-RPE cells' survival and integration in the subretinal space, rescues the photoreceptor cells' death and retinal gliosis, and restores vision in rats with retinal degeneration for a long duration. In addition, medium supplementation with decellularized uvea peptides promotes hiPSC-EBs onset morphogenesis and neural/retinal differentiation, forming layered retinal organoids. This study demonstrates that ECM hydrogel-delivered hiPSC-RPE cells' injection may be a useful approach for treating retinal degeneration disease, combined with an optimized retinal seeding cells' induction program, which has potential for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilan Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, #7 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510060, China.,Research Unit of Ocular Development and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Sheng Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, #7 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510060, China.,Guangzhou Laboratory, No. 9 XingDaoHuanBei Road, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, China
| | - Wenfei Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, #7 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Zhijian Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, #7 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yuanting Luo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, #7 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Dongliang Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, #7 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yingfeng Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, #7 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510060, China.,Research Unit of Ocular Development and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yizhi Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, #7 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510060, China.,Research Unit of Ocular Development and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
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7
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Liang Y, Tan F, Sun X, Cui Z, Gu J, Mao S, Chan HF, Tang S, Chen J. Aberrant Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Derived from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells of a Retinitis Pigmentosa Patient with the PRPF6 Mutation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169049. [PMID: 36012314 PMCID: PMC9409096 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pre-mRNA processing factors (PRPFs) are vital components of the spliceosome and are involved in the physiological process necessary for pre-mRNA splicing to mature mRNA. As an important member, PRPF6 mutation resulting in autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP) is not common. Recently, we reported the establishment of an induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs; CSUASOi004-A) model by reprogramming the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of a PRPF6-related adRP patient, which could recapitulate a consistent disease-specific genotype. In this study, a disease model of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells was generated from the iPSCs of this patient to further investigate the underlying molecular and pathological mechanisms. The results showed the irregular morphology, disorganized apical microvilli and reduced expressions of RPE-specific genes in the patient’s iPSC-derived RPE cells. In addition, RPE cells carrying the PRPF6 mutation displayed a decrease in the phagocytosis of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled photoreceptor outer segments and exhibited impaired cell polarity and barrier function. This study will benefit the understanding of PRPF6-related RPE cells and future cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqin Liang
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410015, China
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha 410015, China
| | - Feng Tan
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410015, China
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha 410015, China
| | - Xihao Sun
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410015, China
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha 410015, China
| | - Zekai Cui
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410015, China
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha 410015, China
| | - Jianing Gu
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha 410015, China
| | | | - Hon Fai Chan
- Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Shibo Tang
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410015, China
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha 410015, China
- Correspondence: (S.T.); (J.C.); Tel.: +86-139-2510-0123 (S.T.); +86-186-7583-9029 (J.C.)
| | - Jiansu Chen
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410015, China
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha 410015, China
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Correspondence: (S.T.); (J.C.); Tel.: +86-139-2510-0123 (S.T.); +86-186-7583-9029 (J.C.)
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8
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Zhang S, Ye K, Gao G, Song X, Xu P, Zeng J, Xie B, Zheng D, He L, Ji J, Zhong X. Amniotic Membrane Enhances the Characteristics and Function of Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelium Sheets by Inhibiting the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Acta Biomater 2022; 151:183-196. [PMID: 35933105 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.07.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium (iRPE) is an attractive cell source for disease modeling and cell replacement therapy of retinal disorders with RPE defects. However, there are still challenges to develop appropriate culture conditions close to in vivo microenvironment to generate iRPE sheets, which mimic more faithfully the characteristics and functions of the human RPE cells. Here, we developed a simple, novel platform to construct authentic iRPE sheets using human amniotic membrane (hAM) as a natural scaffold. The decellularized hAM (dAM) provided a Bruch's membrane (BM)-like bioscaffold, supported the iRPE growth and enhanced the epithelial features, polarity distribution and functional features of iRPE cells. Importantly, RNA-seq analysis was performed to compare the transcriptomes of iRPE cells cultured on different substrates, which revealed the potential mechanism that dAM supported and promoted iRPE growth was the inhibition of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). The tissue-engineered iRPE sheets survived and kept monolayer when transplanted into the subretinal space of rabbits. All together, our results indicate that the dAM imitating the natural BM allows for engineering authentic human RPE sheets, which will provide valuable biomaterials for disease modeling, drug screening and cell replacement therapy of retinal degenerative diseases. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: : Engineered RPE sheets have a great advantage over RPE cell suspension for transplantation as they support RPE growth in an intact monolayer which RPE functions are dependent on. The substrates for RPE culture play a critical role to maintain the physiological functions of the RPE in stem cell therapies for patients with retinal degeneration. In this study, we constructed engineered iRPE sheets on the decellularized human amniotic membrane (dAM) scaffolds, which contributed to enhancing epithelial features, polarity distribution and functional features of iRPE. dAM exhibited the ability of anti-epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) to support iRPE growth. Furtherly, the results of transplanted in vivo demonstrated the feasibility of iRPE sheets in retina regenerative therapy. Engineering RPE sheets on dAM is a promising strategy to facilitate the development of iRPE replacement therapy and retinal disease modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ke Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guanjie Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojing Song
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingrong Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bingbing Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dandan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liwen He
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Jianping Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xiufeng Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China.
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9
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von der Emde L, Vaisband M, Hasenauer J, Bourauel L, Bermond K, Saßmannshausen M, Heintzmann R, Holz FG, Curcio CA, Sloan KR, Ach T. Histologic Cell Shape Descriptors for the Retinal Pigment Epithelium in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Comparison to Unaffected Eyes. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2022; 11:19. [PMID: 35984669 PMCID: PMC9419462 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.11.8.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Phenotype alterations of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) are a main characteristic of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Individual RPE cell shape descriptors may help to delineate healthy from AMD-affected cells in early disease stages. Methods Twenty-two human RPE flatmounts (7 eyes with AMD [early, 3; geographic atrophy, 1; neovascular, 3); 15 unaffected eyes [8 aged ≤51 years; 7 aged >80 years)] were imaged at the fovea, perifovea, and near periphery (predefined sample locations) using a laser-scanning confocal fluorescence microscope. RPE cell boundaries were manually marked with computer assistance. For each cell, 11 shape descriptors were calculated and correlated with donor age, cell autofluorescence (AF) intensity, and retinal location. Statistical analysis was performed using an ensemble classifier based on logistic regression. Results In AMD, RPE was altered at all locations (most pronounced at the fovea), with area, solidity, and form factor being the most discriminatory descriptors. In the unaffected macula, aging had no significant effect on cell shape factors; however, with increasing distance to the fovea, area, solidity, and convexity increased while form factor decreased. Reduced AF in AMD was significantly associated with decreased roundness and solidity. Conclusions AMD results in an altered RPE with enlarged and deformed cells that could precede clinically visible lesions and thus serve as early biomarkers for AMD onset. Our data may also help guide the interpretation of RPE morphology in in vivo studies utilizing high-resolution single-cell imaging. Translational Relevance Our histologic RPE cell shape data have the ability to identify robust biomarkers for the early detection of AMD-affected cells, which also could serve as a basis for automated segmentation of RPE sheets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon von der Emde
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marc Vaisband
- University of Bonn, Life & Medical Sciences Institute, Bonn, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine III with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Oncologic Center; Salzburg Cancer Research Institute-Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR); Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Austria
| | - Jan Hasenauer
- University of Bonn, Life & Medical Sciences Institute, Bonn, Germany.,Helmholtz Center Munich- German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Computational Biology, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Leonie Bourauel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Katharina Bermond
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ludwigshafen Hospital, Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | | | - Rainer Heintzmann
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Jena, Germany.,Institute of Physical Chemistry and Abbe Center of Photonics, Friedrich-Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Frank G Holz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christine A Curcio
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Kenneth R Sloan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Thomas Ach
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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10
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Isla-Magrané H, Veiga A, García-Arumí J, Duarri A. Multiocular organoids from human induced pluripotent stem cells displayed retinal, corneal, and retinal pigment epithelium lineages. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:581. [PMID: 34809716 PMCID: PMC8607587 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02651-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, great efforts have been made to design protocols for obtaining ocular cells from human stem cells to model diseases or for regenerative purposes. Current protocols generally focus on isolating retinal cells, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), or corneal cells and fail to recapitulate the complexity of the tissue during eye development. Here, the generation of more advanced in vitro multiocular organoids from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) is demonstrated. METHODS A 2-step method was established to first obtain self-organized multizone ocular progenitor cells (mzOPCs) from 2D hiPSC cultures within three weeks. Then, after the cells were manually isolated and grown in suspension, 3D multiocular organoids were generated to model important cellular features of developing eyes. RESULTS In the 2D culture, self-formed mzOPCs spanned the neuroectoderm, surface ectoderm, neural crest, and RPE, mimicking early stages of eye development. After lifting, mzOPCs developed into different 3D multiocular organoids composed of multiple cell lineages including RPE, retina, and cornea, and interactions between the different cell types and regions of the eye system were observed. Within these organoids, the retinal regions exhibited correct layering and contained all major retinal cell subtypes as well as retinal morphological cues, whereas the corneal regions closely resembled the transparent ocular-surface epithelium and contained of corneal, limbal, and conjunctival epithelial cells. The arrangement of RPE cells also formed organoids composed of polarized pigmented epithelial cells at the surface that were completely filled with collagen matrix. CONCLUSIONS This approach clearly demonstrated the advantages of the combined 2D-3D construction tissue model as it provided a more ocular native-like cellular environment than that of previous models. In this complex preparations, multiocular organoids may be used to model the crosstalk between different cell types in eye development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Isla-Magrané
- Ophthalmology Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Veiga
- Regenerative Medicine Program IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José García-Arumí
- Ophthalmology Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Anna Duarri
- Ophthalmology Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Spain.
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11
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Li J, Chen Y, Ouyang S, Ma J, Sun H, Luo L, Chen S, Liu Y. Generation and Staging of Human Retinal Organoids Based on Self-Formed Ectodermal Autonomous Multi-Zone System. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:732382. [PMID: 34631711 PMCID: PMC8493070 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.732382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Methods for stem cell-derived, three-dimensional retinal organoids induction have been established and shown great potential for retinal development modeling and drug screening. Herein, we reported an exogenous-factors-free and robust method to generate retinal organoids based on “self-formed ectodermal autonomous multi-zone” (SEAM) system, a two-dimensional induction scheme that can synchronously generate multiple ocular cell lineages. Characterized by distinct morphological changes, the differentiation of the obtained retinal organoids could be staged into the early and late differentiation phases. During the early differentiation stage, retinal ganglion cells, cone photoreceptor cells (PRs), amacrine cells, and horizontal cells developed; whereas rod PRs, bipolar cells, and Müller glial cells were generated in the late differentiation phase, resembling early-phase and late-phase retinogenesis in vivo. Additionally, we modified the maintenance strategy for the retinal organoids and successfully promoted their long-term survival. Using 3D immunofluorescence image reconstruction and transmission electron microscopy, the substantial mature PRs with outer segment, inner segment and ribbon synapse were demonstrated. Besides, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) was induced with distinct boundary and the formation of ciliary margin was observed by co-suspending retina organoids with the zone containing RPE. The obtained RPE could be expanded and displayed similar marker expression, ultrastructural feature and functional phagocytosis to native RPE. Thus, this research described a simple and robust system which enabled generation of retina organoids with substantial mature PRs, RPE and the ciliary margin without the need of exogenous factors, providing a new platform for research of retinogenesis and retinal translational application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yijia Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuai Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingyu Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lixia Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yizhi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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12
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Yang R, Yang S, Li K, Luo Z, Xian B, Tang J, Ye M, Lu S, Zhang H, Ge J. Carbon Nanotube Polymer Scaffolds as a Conductive Alternative for the Construction of Retinal Sheet Tissue. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:3167-3175. [PMID: 34375091 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
With the great success of graphene in the biomedical field, carbon nanotubes have attracted increasing attention for different applications in ophthalmology. Here, we report a novel retinal sheet composed of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) that can enhance retinal cell therapy. By tuning our CNTs to regulate the mechanical characteristics of retina sheets, we were able to improve the in vitro viability of retinal ganglion cells derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells incorporated into CNTs. Engrafted retinal ganglion cells displayed signs of regenerating processes along the optic nerve. Compared with PLGA scaffolds, CNT-PLGA retinal sheet tissue has excellent electrical conductivity, biocompatibility, and biodegradation. This new biomaterial offers new insight into retinal injury, repair, and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runcai Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Sijing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Hangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, China
| | - Kaijing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Ziming Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Bikun Xian
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Jiaqi Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Meifang Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Shoutao Lu
- National United Engineering Laboratory for Biomedical Material Modification,
Branden Industrial Park, Dezhou, Shandong 251100, China
| | - Haijun Zhang
- National United Engineering Laboratory for Biomedical Material Modification,
Branden Industrial Park, Dezhou, Shandong 251100, China
| | - Jian Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
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13
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Wagstaff EL, Heredero Berzal A, Boon CJF, Quinn PMJ, ten Asbroek ALMA, Bergen AA. The Role of Small Molecules and Their Effect on the Molecular Mechanisms of Early Retinal Organoid Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7081. [PMID: 34209272 PMCID: PMC8268497 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Early in vivo embryonic retinal development is a well-documented and evolutionary conserved process. The specification towards eye development is temporally controlled by consecutive activation or inhibition of multiple key signaling pathways, such as the Wnt and hedgehog signaling pathways. Recently, with the use of retinal organoids, researchers aim to manipulate these pathways to achieve better human representative models for retinal development and disease. To achieve this, a plethora of different small molecules and signaling factors have been used at various time points and concentrations in retinal organoid differentiations, with varying success. Additions differ from protocol to protocol, but their usefulness or efficiency has not yet been systematically reviewed. Interestingly, many of these small molecules affect the same and/or multiple pathways, leading to reduced reproducibility and high variability between studies. In this review, we make an inventory of the key signaling pathways involved in early retinogenesis and their effect on the development of the early retina in vitro. Further, we provide a comprehensive overview of the small molecules and signaling factors that are added to retinal organoid differentiation protocols, documenting the molecular and functional effects of these additions. Lastly, we comparatively evaluate several of these factors using our established retinal organoid methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellie L. Wagstaff
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Andrea Heredero Berzal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.H.B.); (C.J.F.B.)
| | - Camiel J. F. Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.H.B.); (C.J.F.B.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter M. J. Quinn
- Jonas Children’s Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology & Cell Biology, Institute of Human Nutrition, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center—New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA;
| | | | - Arthur A. Bergen
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.H.B.); (C.J.F.B.)
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN-KNAW), 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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14
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Fathi M, Ross CT, Hosseinzadeh Z. Functional 3-Dimensional Retinal Organoids: Technological Progress and Existing Challenges. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:668857. [PMID: 33958988 PMCID: PMC8095320 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.668857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell scientists have developed methods for the self-formation of artificial organs, often referred to as organoids. Organoids can be used as model systems for research in multiple biological disciplines. Yoshiki Sasai’s innovation for deriving mammalian retinal tissue from in vitro stem cells has had a large impact on the study of the biology of vision. New developments in retinal organoid technology provide avenues for in vitro models of human retinal diseases, studies of pathological mechanisms, and development of therapies for retinal degeneration, including electronic retinal implants and gene therapy. Moreover, these innovations have played key roles in establishing models for large-scale drug screening, studying the stages of retinal development, and providing a human model for personalized therapeutic approaches, like cell transplants to replace degenerated retinal cells. Here, we first discuss the importance of human retinal organoids to the biomedical sciences. Then, we review various functional features of retinal organoids that have been developed. Finally, we highlight the current limitations of retinal organoid technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meimanat Fathi
- Department of Cell Techniques and Applied Stem Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Center for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BBZ), University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Physiology and Pathophysiology of the Retina Group, Department of Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration, Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Cody T Ross
- Department of Human Behavior, Ecology and Culture, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Zohreh Hosseinzadeh
- Physiology and Pathophysiology of the Retina Group, Department of Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration, Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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15
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Manafi N, Shokri F, Achberger K, Hirayama M, Mohammadi MH, Noorizadeh F, Hong J, Liebau S, Tsuji T, Quinn PMJ, Mashaghi A. Organoids and organ chips in ophthalmology. Ocul Surf 2020; 19:1-15. [PMID: 33220469 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2020.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances have driven the development of stem cell-derived, self-organizing, three-dimensional miniature organs, termed organoids, which mimic different eye tissues including the retina, cornea, and lens. Organoids and engineered microfluidic organ-on-chips (organ chips) are transformative technologies that show promise in simulating the architectural and functional complexity of native organs. Accordingly, they enable exploration of facets of human disease and development not accurately recapitulated by animal models. Together, these technologies will increase our understanding of the basic physiology of different eye structures, enable us to interrogate unknown aspects of ophthalmic disease pathogenesis, and serve as clinically-relevant surrogates for the evaluation of ocular therapeutics. Both the burden and prevalence of monogenic and multifactorial ophthalmic diseases, which can cause visual impairment or blindness, in the human population warrants a paradigm shift towards organoids and organ chips that can provide sensitive, quantitative, and scalable phenotypic assays. In this article, we review the current situation of organoids and organ chips in ophthalmology and discuss how they can be leveraged for translational applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navid Manafi
- Medical Systems Biophysics and Bioengineering, The Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, 2333CC, Leiden, the Netherlands; Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W2, Canada
| | - Fereshteh Shokri
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kevin Achberger
- Institute of Neuroanatomy & Developmental Biology (INDB), Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Österbergstrasse 3, 72074, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Masatoshi Hirayama
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Dental College Ichikawa General Hospital, Chiba, 272-8513, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Melika Haji Mohammadi
- Medical Systems Biophysics and Bioengineering, The Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, 2333CC, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Jiaxu Hong
- Medical Systems Biophysics and Bioengineering, The Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, 2333CC, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye, and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, China; Key NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Myopia, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai, China
| | - Stefan Liebau
- Institute of Neuroanatomy & Developmental Biology (INDB), Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Österbergstrasse 3, 72074, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Takashi Tsuji
- Laboratory for Organ Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan; Organ Technologies Inc., Minato, Tokyo, 105-0001, Japan
| | - Peter M J Quinn
- Jonas Children's Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology & Cell Biology, Institute of Human Nutrition, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University. New York, NY, USA; Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center - New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Alireza Mashaghi
- Medical Systems Biophysics and Bioengineering, The Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, 2333CC, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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16
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Gao G, He L, Liu S, Zheng D, Song X, Zhang W, Yu M, Luo G, Zhong X. Establishment of a Rapid Lesion-Controllable Retinal Degeneration Monkey Model for Preclinical Stem Cell Therapy. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112468. [PMID: 33202702 PMCID: PMC7696075 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Retinal degenerative disorders (RDs) are the main cause of blindness without curable treatment. Our previous studies have demonstrated that human-induced pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into retinal organoids with all subtypes of retina, which provides huge promise for treating these diseases. Before these methods can be realized, RD animal models are required to evaluate the safety and efficacy of stem cell therapy and to develop the surgical tools and procedures for cell transplantation in patients. This study involved the development of a monkey model of RD with controllable lesion sites, which can be rapidly prepared for the study of preclinical stem cell therapy among other applications. Methods: Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in three doses was delivered into the monkey eye by subretinal injection (SI), and normal saline was applied as control. Structural and functional changes of the retinas were evaluated via multimodal imaging techniques and multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) before and after the treatment. Histological examination was performed to identify the target layer of the affected retina. The health status of monkeys was monitored during the experiment. Results: Well-defined lesions with various degrees of retinal degeneration were induced at the posterior pole of retina as early as 7 days after SNP SI. The damage of SNP was dose dependent. In general, 0.05 mM SNP caused mild structural changes in the retina; 0.1 mM SNP led to the loss of outer retinal layers, including the outer plexiform layer (OPL), outer nuclear layer (ONL), and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE); while 0.2 mM SNP impacted the entire layer of the retina and choroid. MfERG showed reduced amplitude in the damaged region. The structural and functional damages were not recovered at 7-month follow-up. Conclusion: A rapidly induced lesion site-controllable retinal degeneration monkey model was established by the subretinal administration of SNP, of which the optimal dose is 0.1 mM. This monkey model mimics the histological changes of advanced RDs and provides a valuable platform for preclinical assessment of stem cell therapy for RDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanjie Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China; (G.G.); (L.H.); (S.L.); (D.Z.); (X.S.); (W.Z.); (G.L.)
| | - Liwen He
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China; (G.G.); (L.H.); (S.L.); (D.Z.); (X.S.); (W.Z.); (G.L.)
| | - Shengxu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China; (G.G.); (L.H.); (S.L.); (D.Z.); (X.S.); (W.Z.); (G.L.)
| | - Dandan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China; (G.G.); (L.H.); (S.L.); (D.Z.); (X.S.); (W.Z.); (G.L.)
| | - Xiaojing Song
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China; (G.G.); (L.H.); (S.L.); (D.Z.); (X.S.); (W.Z.); (G.L.)
| | - Wenxin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China; (G.G.); (L.H.); (S.L.); (D.Z.); (X.S.); (W.Z.); (G.L.)
| | - Minzhong Yu
- Electrophysiology Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44101, USA;
| | - Guangwei Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China; (G.G.); (L.H.); (S.L.); (D.Z.); (X.S.); (W.Z.); (G.L.)
| | - Xiufeng Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China; (G.G.); (L.H.); (S.L.); (D.Z.); (X.S.); (W.Z.); (G.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-137-6070-5252
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17
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Li G, Gao G, Wang P, Song X, Xu P, Xie B, Zhou T, Pan G, Peng F, Zhang Q, Ge J, Zhong X. Generation and Characterization of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Retinal Organoids From a Leber's Congenital Amaurosis Patient With Novel RPE65 Mutations. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:212. [PMID: 31572124 PMCID: PMC6749091 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
RPE65-associated Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) is one of highly heterogeneous, early onset, severe retinal dystrophies with at least 130 gene mutation sites identified. Their pathogenicity has not been directly clarified due to lack of diseased cells. Here, we generated human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) from one putative LCA patient carrying two novel RPE65 mutations with c.200T>G (p.L67R) and c.430T>C (p.Y144H), named RPE65-hiPSCs, which were confirmed to contain the same mutations. The RPE65-hiPSCs presented typical morphological features with normal karyotype, expressed pluripotency markers, and developed teratoma in NOD-SCID mice. Moreover, the patient hiPSCs were able to differentiate toward retinal lineage fate and self-form retinal organoids with layered neural retina. All major retinal cell types including photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells were also acquired overtime. Compared to healthy control, RPE cells from patient iPSCs had lower expression of RPE65, but similar phagocytic activity and VEGF secretion level. This study provided the valuable patient specific, disease targeted retinal organoids containing photoreceptor and RPE cells, which would facilitate the study of personalized pathogenic mechanisms of disease, drug screening, and cell replacement therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guanjie Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Panfeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojing Song
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bingbing Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tiancheng Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guangjin Pan
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fuhua Peng
- Department of Neurology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingjiong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiufeng Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Eremeev AV, Volovikov EA, Shuvalova LD, Davidenko AV, Khomyakova EA, Bogomiakova ME, Lebedeva OS, Zubkova OA, Lagarkova MA. "Necessity Is the Mother of Invention" or Inexpensive, Reliable, and Reproducible Protocol for Generating Organoids. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2019; 84:321-328. [PMID: 31221070 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297919030143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Organoids are three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures that replicate some of the key features of morphology, spatial architecture, and functions of a particular organ. Organoids can be generated from both adult and pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), and complex organoids can also be obtained by combining different types of cells, including differentiated cells. The ability of pluripotent cells to self-organize into organotypic structures containing several cell subtypes specific for a particular organ was used for creating organoids of the brain, eye, kidney, intestine, and other organs. Despite the advantages of using PSCs for obtaining organoids, an essential shortcoming that prevents their widespread use has been a low yield when they are obtained from a PSC monolayer culture and a large variation in size. This leads to great heterogeneity on further differentiation. In this article, we describe our own protocol for generating standardized organoids, with emphasis on a method for generating brain organoids, which allows scaling-up experiments and makes their cultivation less expensive and easier.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Eremeev
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine (FRCC PCM), Federal Medical Biological Agency of Russia (FMBA), Moscow, 119435, Russia.
| | - E A Volovikov
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine (FRCC PCM), Federal Medical Biological Agency of Russia (FMBA), Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - L D Shuvalova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine (FRCC PCM), Federal Medical Biological Agency of Russia (FMBA), Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - A V Davidenko
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine (FRCC PCM), Federal Medical Biological Agency of Russia (FMBA), Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - E A Khomyakova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine (FRCC PCM), Federal Medical Biological Agency of Russia (FMBA), Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - M E Bogomiakova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine (FRCC PCM), Federal Medical Biological Agency of Russia (FMBA), Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - O S Lebedeva
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine (FRCC PCM), Federal Medical Biological Agency of Russia (FMBA), Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - O A Zubkova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine (FRCC PCM), Federal Medical Biological Agency of Russia (FMBA), Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - M A Lagarkova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine (FRCC PCM), Federal Medical Biological Agency of Russia (FMBA), Moscow, 119435, Russia.
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Quinn PM, Buck TM, Mulder AA, Ohonin C, Alves CH, Vos RM, Bialecka M, van Herwaarden T, van Dijk EHC, Talib M, Freund C, Mikkers HMM, Hoeben RC, Goumans MJ, Boon CJF, Koster AJ, Chuva de Sousa Lopes SM, Jost CR, Wijnholds J. Human iPSC-Derived Retinas Recapitulate the Fetal CRB1 CRB2 Complex Formation and Demonstrate that Photoreceptors and Müller Glia Are Targets of AAV5. Stem Cell Reports 2019; 12:906-919. [PMID: 30956116 PMCID: PMC6522954 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human retinal organoids from induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can be used to confirm the localization of proteins in retinal cell types and to test transduction and expression patterns of gene therapy vectors. Here, we compared the onset of CRB protein expression in human fetal retina with human iPSC-derived retinal organoids. We show that CRB2 protein precedes the expression of CRB1 in the developing human retina. Our data suggest the presence of CRB1 and CRB2 in human photoreceptors and Müller glial cells. Thus the fetal CRB complex formation is replicated in hiPSC-derived retina. CRB1 patient iPSC retinal organoids showed disruptions at the outer limiting membrane as found in Crb1 mutant mice. Furthermore, AAV serotype 5 (AAV5) is potent in infecting human Müller glial cells and photoreceptors in hiPSC-derived retinas and retinal explants. Our data suggest that human photoreceptors can be efficiently transduced by AAVs in the presence of photoreceptor segments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M Quinn
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Thilo M Buck
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Aat A Mulder
- Department of Cell & Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Charlotte Ohonin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - C Henrique Alves
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rogier M Vos
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Monika Bialecka
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tessa van Herwaarden
- Department of Cell & Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Elon H C van Dijk
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mays Talib
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Christian Freund
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Harald M M Mikkers
- Department of Cell & Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rob C Hoeben
- Department of Cell & Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marie-José Goumans
- Department of Cell & Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Camiel J F Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1000 AE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Abraham J Koster
- Department of Cell & Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Carolina R Jost
- Department of Cell & Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Wijnholds
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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