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Suanno G, Genna VG, Maurizi E, Dieh AA, Griffith M, Ferrari G. Cell therapy in the cornea: The emerging role of microenvironment. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 102:101275. [PMID: 38797320 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The cornea is an ideal testing field for cell therapies. Its highly ordered structure, where specific cell populations are sequestered in different layers, together with its accessibility, has allowed the development of the first stem cell-based therapy approved by the European Medicine Agency. Today, different techniques have been proposed for autologous and allogeneic limbal and non-limbal cell transplantation. Cell replacement has also been attempted in cases of endothelial cell decompensation as it occurs in Fuchs dystrophy: injection of cultivated allogeneic endothelial cells is now in advanced phases of clinical development. Recently, stromal substitutes have been developed with excellent integration capability and transparency. Finally, cell-derived products, such as exosomes obtained from different sources, have been investigated for the treatment of severe corneal diseases with encouraging results. Optimization of the success rate of cell therapies obviously requires high-quality cultured cells/products, but the role of the surrounding microenvironment is equally important to allow engraftment of transplanted cells, to preserve their functions and, ultimately, lead to restoration of tissue integrity and transparency of the cornea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Suanno
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Eye Repair Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Eleonora Maurizi
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine ''S. Ferrari'', University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Anas Abu Dieh
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - May Griffith
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Giulio Ferrari
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Eye Repair Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
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Lu Z, Lin H, Li J, Feng Y. Deciphering the molecular symphony: Unraveling endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in corneal endothelial cells. Exp Eye Res 2024; 240:109795. [PMID: 38253308 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109795] [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: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the molecular complexity of this phenomenon provides innovative targets for maintaining phenotypic integrity during in vitro expansion, thereby advancing corneal endothelial tissue engineering. In this study, we established an in vitro model to simulate endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in corneal endothelial cells. Through RNA sequencing, we identified 452 upregulated and 163 downregulated genes, resulting in a total of 615 differentially expressed genes. Key pathways enriched by GO and KEGG analysis include extracellular matrix (ECM) regulation and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Potential hub proteins such as THBS1, ITGA5, COL1A1, and SNAI1/2 were also identified, and their dynamic changes at different time points (0, 2, 12, 24 h) were monitored. Uncovering these key pathways and genes may deepen our understanding of the mechanisms underlying EndMT in corneal endothelial cells, providing valuable insights for optimizing in vitro cultivation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoxiang Lu
- Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Haimiao Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jinming Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Feng
- Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
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Thomasy SM, Leonard BC, Greiner MA, Skeie JM, Raghunathan VK. Squishy matters - Corneal mechanobiology in health and disease. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 99:101234. [PMID: 38176611 PMCID: PMC11193890 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2023.101234] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
The cornea, as a dynamic and responsive tissue, constantly interacts with mechanical forces in order to maintain its structural integrity, barrier function, transparency and refractive power. Cells within the cornea sense and respond to various mechanical forces that fundamentally regulate their morphology and fate in development, homeostasis and pathophysiology. Corneal cells also dynamically regulate their extracellular matrix (ECM) with ensuing cell-ECM crosstalk as the matrix serves as a dynamic signaling reservoir providing biophysical and biochemical cues to corneal cells. Here we provide an overview of mechanotransduction signaling pathways then delve into the recent advances in corneal mechanobiology, focusing on the interplay between mechanical forces and responses of the corneal epithelial, stromal, and endothelial cells. We also identify species-specific differences in corneal biomechanics and mechanotransduction to facilitate identification of optimal animal models to study corneal wound healing, disease, and novel therapeutic interventions. Finally, we identify key knowledge gaps and therapeutic opportunities in corneal mechanobiology that are pressing for the research community to address especially pertinent within the domains of limbal stem cell deficiency, keratoconus and Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy. By furthering our understanding corneal mechanobiology, we can contextualize discoveries regarding corneal diseases as well as innovative treatments for them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Thomasy
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, United States; Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, School of Medicine, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, United States; California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, United States.
| | - Brian C Leonard
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, United States; Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, School of Medicine, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Mark A Greiner
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States; Iowa Lions Eye Bank, Coralville, IA, United States
| | - Jessica M Skeie
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States; Iowa Lions Eye Bank, Coralville, IA, United States
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Kilic-Toprak E, Cort-Donmez A, Toprak I. Effects of Autologous Serum and Platelet-Rich Plasma on Human Corneal Endothelial Cell Regeneration: A Comparative Study. Eye Contact Lens 2024; 50:106-111. [PMID: 38019585 DOI: 10.1097/icl.0000000000001056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the effects of autologous serum (AS) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on human corneal endothelial cell (HCEC) proliferation and apoptosis in comparison to Y-27632 as the commonly studied Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) inhibitor. METHODS The human corneal endothelial primary cell line was used for this study. As the treatment groups, HCECs were incubated with AS, PRP, and Y-27632, whereas the control group received no treatment. Cell proliferation (measured by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine [BrdU] incorporation) and apoptosis (based on the caspase-3 level) were compared between the control, Y-27632, AS, and PRP groups. RESULTS In the Y-27632, AS, and PRP groups, the ratios of BrdU-incorporated cells were significantly higher (115±0.2%, 125±0.2%, 122±0.4% at 24 hr, and 138±2.4%, 160±0.2%, 142±0.2% at 48 hr, respectively) than in the control group (100±18.4% at 24 hr, 100±1.1% at 48 hr) ( P <0.05 for all). Furthermore, AS provided a higher HCEC proliferation ratio compared with the Y-27632 group at 24 and 48 hr ( P <0.05 for all). Caspase-3 was significantly lower in the AS group (60.3±3.3%) than in the control (100±2.3%), Y-27632 (101.9±5.2%), and PRP (101±6.8%) groups ( P <0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study demonstrated for the first time that AS and PRP promoted HCEC proliferation and AS significantly decreased apoptosis in HCECs. A superior effect on HCEC proliferation was also observed with AS compared with Y-27632. Future "autologous" regenerative therapeutic options for corneal endothelial failure may involve the utilization of AS and PRP owing to their accessibility, simplicity in preparation, immunologic compatibility, and donor-free nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emine Kilic-Toprak
- Departments of Physiology (E.K.-T.), Biochemistry (A.C.-D.), and Ophthalmology (I.T.), Faculty of Medicine, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
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Tsedilina TR, Sharova E, Iakovets V, Skorodumova LO. Systematic review of SLC4A11, ZEB1, LOXHD1, and AGBL1 variants in the development of Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1153122. [PMID: 37441688 PMCID: PMC10333596 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1153122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The pathogenic role of variants in TCF4 and COL8A2 in causing Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is not controversial and has been confirmed by numerous studies. The causal role of other genes, SLC4A11, ZEB1, LOXHD1, and AGBL1, which have been reported to be associated with FECD, is more complicated and less obvious. We performed a systematic review of the variants in the above-mentioned genes in FECD cases, taking into account the currently available population frequency information, transcriptomic data, and the results of functional studies to assess their pathogenicity. Methods Search for articles published in 2005-2022 was performed manually between July 2022 and February 2023. We searched for original research articles in peer-reviewed journals, written in English. Variants in the genes of interest identified in patients with FECD were extracted for the analysis. We classified each presented variant by pathogenicity status according to the ACMG criteria implemented in the Varsome tool. Diagnosis, segregation data, presence of affected relatives, functional analysis results, and gene expression in the corneal endothelium were taken into account. Data on the expression of genes of interest in the corneal endothelium were extracted from articles in which transcriptome analysis was performed. The identification of at least one variant in a gene classified as pathogenic or significantly associated with FECD was required to confirm the causal role of the gene in FECD. Results The analysis included 34 articles with 102 unique ZEB1 variants, 20 articles with 64 SLC4A11 variants, six articles with 26 LOXHD1 variants, and five articles with four AGBL1 variants. Pathogenic status was confirmed for seven SLC4A11 variants found in FECD. No variants in ZEB1, LOXHD1, and AGBL1 genes were classified as pathogenic for FECD. According to the transcriptome data, AGBL1 and LOXHD1 were not expressed in the corneal endothelium. Functional evidence for the association of LOXHD1, and AGBL1 with FECD was conflicting. Conclusion Our analysis confirmed the causal role of SLC4A11 variants in the development of FECD. The causal role of ZEB1, LOXHD1, and AGBL1 variants in FECD has not been confirmed. Further evidence from familial cases and functional analysis is needed to confirm their causal roles in FECD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Romanovna Tsedilina
- Laboratory of Human Molecular Genetics, Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena Sharova
- Laboratory of Human Molecular Genetics, Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
| | - Valeriia Iakovets
- Laboratory of Human Molecular Genetics, Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Liubov Olegovna Skorodumova
- Laboratory of Human Molecular Genetics, Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
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Aouimeur I, Sagnial T, Coulomb L, Maurin C, Thomas J, Forestier P, Ninotta S, Perrache C, Forest F, Gain P, Thuret G, He Z. Investigating the Role of TGF-β Signaling Pathways in Human Corneal Endothelial Cell Primary Culture. Cells 2023; 12:1624. [PMID: 37371094 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121624] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal endothelial diseases are the leading cause of corneal transplantation. The global shortage of donor corneas has resulted in the investigation of alternative methods, such as cell therapy and tissue-engineered endothelial keratoplasty (TEEK), using primary cultures of human corneal endothelial cells (hCECs). The main challenge is optimizing the hCEC culture process to increase the endothelial cell density (ECD) and overall yield while preventing endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). Fetal bovine serum (FBS) is necessary for hCEC expansion but contains TGF-βs, which have been shown to be detrimental to hCECs. Therefore, we investigated various TGF-β signaling pathways using inhibitors to improve hCEC culture. Initially, we confirmed that TGF-β1, 2, and 3 induced EndMT on confluent hCECs without FBS. Using this TGF-β-induced EndMT model, we validated NCAM as a reliable biomarker to assess EndMT. We then demonstrated that, in a culture medium containing 8% FBS for hCEC expansion, TGF-β1 and 3, but not 2, significantly reduced the ECD and caused EndMT. TGF-β receptor inhibition had an anti-EndMT effect. Inhibition of the ROCK pathway, notably that of the P38 MAPK pathway, increased the ECD, while inhibition of the ERK pathway decreased the ECD. In conclusion, the presence of TGF-β1 and 3 in 8% FBS leads to a reduction in ECD and induces EndMT. The use of SB431542 or LY2109761 may prevent EndMT, while Y27632 or Ripasudil, and SB203580 or SB202190, can increase the ECD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inès Aouimeur
- Laboratory of Biology, Engineering and Imaging for Ophthalmology (BiiO), EA2521, Faculty of Medicine, Jean Monnet University, 42270 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Tomy Sagnial
- Laboratory of Biology, Engineering and Imaging for Ophthalmology (BiiO), EA2521, Faculty of Medicine, Jean Monnet University, 42270 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Louise Coulomb
- Laboratory of Biology, Engineering and Imaging for Ophthalmology (BiiO), EA2521, Faculty of Medicine, Jean Monnet University, 42270 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Corantin Maurin
- Laboratory of Biology, Engineering and Imaging for Ophthalmology (BiiO), EA2521, Faculty of Medicine, Jean Monnet University, 42270 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Justin Thomas
- Laboratory of Biology, Engineering and Imaging for Ophthalmology (BiiO), EA2521, Faculty of Medicine, Jean Monnet University, 42270 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Pierre Forestier
- Laboratory of Biology, Engineering and Imaging for Ophthalmology (BiiO), EA2521, Faculty of Medicine, Jean Monnet University, 42270 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Sandrine Ninotta
- Laboratory of Biology, Engineering and Imaging for Ophthalmology (BiiO), EA2521, Faculty of Medicine, Jean Monnet University, 42270 Saint-Etienne, France
- Eye Bank, Etablissement Français du Sang (EFS) Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, 42023 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Chantal Perrache
- Laboratory of Biology, Engineering and Imaging for Ophthalmology (BiiO), EA2521, Faculty of Medicine, Jean Monnet University, 42270 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Fabien Forest
- Laboratory of Biology, Engineering and Imaging for Ophthalmology (BiiO), EA2521, Faculty of Medicine, Jean Monnet University, 42270 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Philippe Gain
- Laboratory of Biology, Engineering and Imaging for Ophthalmology (BiiO), EA2521, Faculty of Medicine, Jean Monnet University, 42270 Saint-Etienne, France
- Ophthalmology Department, University Hospital Center, 42055 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Gilles Thuret
- Laboratory of Biology, Engineering and Imaging for Ophthalmology (BiiO), EA2521, Faculty of Medicine, Jean Monnet University, 42270 Saint-Etienne, France
- Ophthalmology Department, University Hospital Center, 42055 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Zhiguo He
- Laboratory of Biology, Engineering and Imaging for Ophthalmology (BiiO), EA2521, Faculty of Medicine, Jean Monnet University, 42270 Saint-Etienne, France
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