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Mao M, Kuo YM, Yu AK, Labelle-Dumais C, Ou Y, Gould DB. TGFβ Signaling Dysregulation May Contribute to COL4A1-Related Glaucomatous Optic Nerve Damage. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:15. [PMID: 38717426 PMCID: PMC11090142 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.5.15] [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: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Mutations in the genes encoding type IV collagen alpha 1 (COL4A1) and alpha 2 (COL4A2) cause a multisystem disorder that includes ocular anterior segment dysgenesis (ASD) and glaucoma. We previously showed that transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling was elevated in developing anterior segments from Col4a1 mutant mice and that reducing TGFβ signaling ameliorated ASD, supporting a role for the TGFβ pathway in disease pathogenesis. Here, we tested whether altered TGFβ signaling also contributes to glaucoma-related phenotypes in Col4a1 mutant mice. Methods To test the role of TGFβ signaling in glaucoma-relevant phenotypes, we genetically reduced TGFβ signaling using mice with mutated Tgfbr2, which encodes the common receptor for all TGFβ ligands in Col4a1+/G1344D mice. We performed slit-lamp biomicroscopy and optical coherence tomography for qualitative and quantitative analyses of anterior and posterior ocular segments, histological analyses of ocular tissues and optic nerves, and intraocular pressure assessments using rebound tonometry. Results Col4a1+/G1344D mice showed defects of the ocular drainage structures, including iridocorneal adhesions, and phenotypes consistent with glaucomatous neurodegeneration, including thinning of the nerve fiber layer, retinal ganglion cell loss, optic nerve head excavation, and optic nerve degeneration. We found that reducing TGFβ receptor 2 (TGFBR2) was protective for ASD, ameliorated ocular drainage structure defects, and protected against glaucomatous neurodegeneration in Col4a1+/G1344D mice. Conclusions Our results suggest that elevated TGFβ signaling contributes to glaucomatous neurodegeneration in Col4a1 mutant mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao Mao
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Yien-Ming Kuo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Alfred K. Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Cassandre Labelle-Dumais
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Yvonne Ou
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Douglas B. Gould
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
- Department of Anatomy, Institute for Human Genetics, Cardiovascular Research Institute, and Bakar Aging Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
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2
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Chatzi D, Kyriakoudi SA, Dermitzakis I, Manthou ME, Meditskou S, Theotokis P. Clinical and Genetic Correlation in Neurocristopathies: Bridging a Precision Medicine Gap. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2223. [PMID: 38673496 PMCID: PMC11050951 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13082223] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurocristopathies (NCPs) encompass a spectrum of disorders arising from issues during the formation and migration of neural crest cells (NCCs). NCCs undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and upon key developmental gene deregulation, fetuses and neonates are prone to exhibit diverse manifestations depending on the affected area. These conditions are generally rare and often have a genetic basis, with many following Mendelian inheritance patterns, thus making them perfect candidates for precision medicine. Examples include cranial NCPs, like Goldenhar syndrome and Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome; cardiac-vagal NCPs, such as DiGeorge syndrome; truncal NCPs, like congenital central hypoventilation syndrome and Waardenburg syndrome; and enteric NCPs, such as Hirschsprung disease. Additionally, NCCs' migratory and differentiating nature makes their derivatives prone to tumors, with various cancer types categorized based on their NCC origin. Representative examples include schwannomas and pheochromocytomas. This review summarizes current knowledge of diseases arising from defects in NCCs' specification and highlights the potential of precision medicine to remedy a clinical phenotype by targeting the genotype, particularly important given that those affected are primarily infants and young children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Paschalis Theotokis
- Department of Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (D.C.); (S.A.K.); (I.D.); (M.E.M.); (S.M.)
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3
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Lin Q, Wang X, Zhan X, Peng X, Wang Y, Zhou X. Genetic investigation in a four-generation Chinese family with congenital fibrosis of extraocular muscles and keratoconus. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28036. [PMID: 38524541 PMCID: PMC10958419 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Here, we have reported the genetic and clinical characteristics of four generations of a family patient from China with congenital fibrosis of extraocular muscles 1 (CFEOM1) and keratoconus (KC). The history of diseases, clinical observations, and blood samples of all family members were collected. A total of 100 healthy participants were recruited as normal controls. The whole exome sequencing of the genomic DNA and polymerase chain reaction were performed on samples obtained from the controls and their family members to verify the gene variants. The functional analyses of the variants were performed by using different software. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms were detected in the proband and other patients in his families, including a heterozygous missense variation, g.39726207C > T (c.2860C > T, p.R954W, rs121912585), in the third highly conserved coiled-coil domain of KIF21A, and a heterozygous missense variant, g.30664732A > C (c.136A > C, p.S46R, rs200111443) in TGFBR2. The variant p.R954W in KIF21A was predicted to be pathogenic using software, whereas p.S46R in TGFBR2 was predicted to be of uncertain significance (VUS). Thus, KC might have occurred in the proband and his daughter because of a combination of genetic mutations and involuntary eye rubbing induced by CFEOM1. This is the first case of concomitant KC in a family having CFEOM1. Thus, the study provides new information about patients with KC having CFEOM1. Furthermore, the study suggests that attention should be paid to the early detection and diagnosis of KC in patients with CFEOM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghong Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Shanghai Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Shanghai, 200000, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Laser and Autostereoscopic 3D for Vision Care (20DZ2255000), Shanghai, 200000, China
- Refractive Surgery Department, Bright Eye Hospital, Fuzhou, 350000, China
| | - Xuejun Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Shanghai Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Shanghai, 200000, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Laser and Autostereoscopic 3D for Vision Care (20DZ2255000), Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Xin Zhan
- Refractive Surgery Department, Bright Eye Hospital, Fuzhou, 350000, China
| | - Xiaoliao Peng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Shanghai Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Shanghai, 200000, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Laser and Autostereoscopic 3D for Vision Care (20DZ2255000), Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Refractive Surgery Department, Bright Eye Hospital, Fuzhou, 350000, China
| | - Xingtao Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Shanghai Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Shanghai, 200000, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Laser and Autostereoscopic 3D for Vision Care (20DZ2255000), Shanghai, 200000, China
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4
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Selvarajah K, Tan JJ, Shaharuddin B. Corneal Epithelial Development and the Role of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Regeneration. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 19:292-306. [PMID: 36915985 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x18666230313094121] [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: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Severe corneal disorders due to infective aetiologies, trauma, chemical injuries, and chronic cicatricial inflammations, are among vision-threatening pathologies leading to permanent corneal scarring. The whole cornea or lamellar corneal transplantation is often used as a last resort to restore vision. However, limited autologous tissue sources and potential adverse post-allotransplantation sequalae urge the need for more robust and strategic alternatives. Contemporary management using cultivated corneal epithelial transplantation has paved the way for utilizing stem cells as a regenerative potential. Humaninduced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can generate ectodermal progenitors and potentially be used for ocular surface regeneration. This review summarizes the process of corneal morphogenesis and the signaling pathways underlying the development of corneal epithelium, which is key to translating the maturation and differentiation process of hiPSCs in vitro. The current state of knowledge and methodology for driving efficient corneal epithelial cell differentiation from pluripotent stem cells are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komathi Selvarajah
- Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Asian Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology (AIMST) University, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Jun Jie Tan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Asian Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology (AIMST) University, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Bakiah Shaharuddin
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Asian Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology (AIMST) University, Kedah, Malaysia
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5
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Daruich A, Duncan M, Robert MP, Lagali N, Semina EV, Aberdam D, Ferrari S, Romano V, des Roziers CB, Benkortebi R, De Vergnes N, Polak M, Chiambaretta F, Nischal KK, Behar-Cohen F, Valleix S, Bremond-Gignac D. Congenital aniridia beyond black eyes: From phenotype and novel genetic mechanisms to innovative therapeutic approaches. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 95:101133. [PMID: 36280537 PMCID: PMC11062406 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Congenital PAX6-aniridia, initially characterized by the absence of the iris, has progressively been shown to be associated with other developmental ocular abnormalities and systemic features making congenital aniridia a complex syndromic disorder rather than a simple isolated disease of the iris. Moreover, foveal hypoplasia is now recognized as a more frequent feature than complete iris hypoplasia and a major visual prognosis determinant, reversing the classical clinical picture of this disease. Conversely, iris malformation is also a feature of various anterior segment dysgenesis disorders caused by PAX6-related developmental genes, adding a level of genetic complexity for accurate molecular diagnosis of aniridia. Therefore, the clinical recognition and differential genetic diagnosis of PAX6-related aniridia has been revealed to be much more challenging than initially thought, and still remains under-investigated. Here, we update specific clinical features of aniridia, with emphasis on their genotype correlations, as well as provide new knowledge regarding the PAX6 gene and its mutational spectrum, and highlight the beneficial utility of clinically implementing targeted Next-Generation Sequencing combined with Whole-Genome Sequencing to increase the genetic diagnostic yield of aniridia. We also present new molecular mechanisms underlying aniridia and aniridia-like phenotypes. Finally, we discuss the appropriate medical and surgical management of aniridic eyes, as well as innovative therapeutic options. Altogether, these combined clinical-genetic approaches will help to accelerate time to diagnosis, provide better determination of the disease prognosis and management, and confirm eligibility for future clinical trials or genetic-specific therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Daruich
- Ophthalmology Department, Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital, AP-HP, Paris Cité University, Paris, France; INSERM, UMRS1138, Team 17, From Physiopathology of Ocular Diseases to Clinical Development, Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
| | - Melinda Duncan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Matthieu P Robert
- Ophthalmology Department, Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital, AP-HP, Paris Cité University, Paris, France; Borelli Centre, UMR 9010, CNRS-SSA-ENS Paris Saclay-Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Neil Lagali
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Linköping University, 581 83, Linköping, Sweden; Department of Ophthalmology, Sørlandet Hospital Arendal, Arendal, Norway
| | - Elena V Semina
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Research Institute at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Daniel Aberdam
- INSERM, UMRS1138, Team 17, From Physiopathology of Ocular Diseases to Clinical Development, Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
| | - Stefano Ferrari
- Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto, Via Paccagnella 11, Venice, Italy
| | - Vito Romano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiolological Sciences, and Public Health, Ophthalmology Clinic, University of Brescia, Italy
| | - Cyril Burin des Roziers
- INSERM, UMRS1138, Team 17, From Physiopathology of Ocular Diseases to Clinical Development, Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France; Service de Médecine Génomique des Maladies de Système et d'Organe, APHP. Centre Université de Paris, Fédération de Génétique et de Médecine Génomique Hôpital Cochin, 27 rue du Fbg St-Jacques, 75679, Paris Cedex 14, France
| | - Rabia Benkortebi
- Ophthalmology Department, Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital, AP-HP, Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie De Vergnes
- Ophthalmology Department, Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital, AP-HP, Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Michel Polak
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Gynecology and Diabetology, Hôpital Universitaire Necker Enfants Malades, AP-HP, Paris Cité University, INSERM U1016, Institut IMAGINE, France
| | | | - Ken K Nischal
- Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Strabismus, and Adult Motility, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Eye Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Francine Behar-Cohen
- INSERM, UMRS1138, Team 17, From Physiopathology of Ocular Diseases to Clinical Development, Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Valleix
- INSERM, UMRS1138, Team 17, From Physiopathology of Ocular Diseases to Clinical Development, Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France; Service de Médecine Génomique des Maladies de Système et d'Organe, APHP. Centre Université de Paris, Fédération de Génétique et de Médecine Génomique Hôpital Cochin, 27 rue du Fbg St-Jacques, 75679, Paris Cedex 14, France
| | - Dominique Bremond-Gignac
- Ophthalmology Department, Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital, AP-HP, Paris Cité University, Paris, France; INSERM, UMRS1138, Team 17, From Physiopathology of Ocular Diseases to Clinical Development, Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.
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6
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Wang YC, Zolnik OB, Yasoda S, Yeh LK, Yuan Y, Kao W, Saika S, Liu CY. Transforming growth factor beta receptor 2 (Tgfbr2) deficiency in keratocytes results in corneal ectasia. Ocul Surf 2023; 29:557-565. [PMID: 37393064 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We hypothesized that Transforming growth factor beta receptor 2 (Tgfbr2) deletion in keratocyte (Tgfbr2kera-cko), the corneal stroma cell, can result in corneal thinning and generate a potential model for Cornea Ectasia (CE). METHODS Corneal thickness of Tgfbr2kera-cko and Tgfbr2Ctrl was examined with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) at post-natal (P) days 42 and 70, respectively. Histological H&E staining, transmission electron micrograph (TEM), and immunofluorescence staining (IFS) were harnessed to examine corneal cell morphology, proliferation, differentiation, and collagen fibrils. RESULTS Slit-Lamp revealed that corneas were transparent in both Tgfbr2kera-cko and Tgfbr2Ctrl, however, Tgfbr2kera-cko cornea was 33.5% and 42.9% thinner as compared with those of Tgfbr2Ctrl at P42 and P70, respectively. H&E and semithin section staining with toluidine blue-O confirmed that Tgfbr2kera-cko cornea has a thinner stroma. In contrast, the epithelium in Tgfbr2kera-cko was substantially thicker. The cell proliferation marker Ki67 expression level increased ∼9% in Tgfbr2kera-cko corneal epithelium as compared with that in Tgfbr2Ctrl, however, the Krt14 and Krt12 expression pattern was not obviously changed in Tgfbr2kera-cko corneal epithelium. It was noticed that Col1a1 expression was substantially reduced in Tgfbr2kera-cko as compared with that in Tgfbr2Ctrl. TEM showed that keratocytes were unhealthy and stromal collagen fibril density was significantly reduced in Tgfbr2kera-cko as compared with that in Tgfbr2Ctrl cornea. Moreover, mechanical eye-rubbing on Tgfbr2kera-cko resulted in corneal hydrops and edema. CONCLUSION Tgfbr2 in keratocytes is indispensable for the corneal stroma at postnatal homeostasis. The cornea phenotype manifested in these Tgfbr2kera-cko mice resembles corneal ectasia disease in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Chiao Wang
- Edith Crawley Vision Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, MO, USA; School of Optometry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.
| | | | - Shingo Yasoda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Lung-Kun Yeh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yong Yuan
- Edith Crawley Vision Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Winston Kao
- Edith Crawley Vision Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Shizuya Saika
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Chia-Yang Liu
- Edith Crawley Vision Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA; School of Optometry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
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Mao M, Labelle-Dumais C, Tufa SF, Keene DR, Gould DB. Elevated TGFβ signaling contributes to ocular anterior segment dysgenesis in Col4a1 mutant mice. Matrix Biol 2022; 110:151-173. [PMID: 35525525 PMCID: PMC10410753 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2022.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Ocular anterior segment dysgenesis (ASD) refers to a collection of developmental disorders affecting the anterior structures of the eye. Although a number of genes have been implicated in the etiology of ASD, the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms remain unclear. Mutations in genes encoding collagen type IV alpha 1 (COL4A1) and alpha 2 (COL4A2) cause Gould syndrome, a multi-system disorder that often includes ocular manifestations such as ASD and glaucoma. COL4A1 and COL4A2 are abundant basement membrane proteins that provide structural support to tissues and modulate signaling through interactions with other extracellular matrix proteins, growth factors, and cell surface receptors. In this study, we used a combination of histological, molecular, genetic and pharmacological approaches to demonstrate that altered TGFβ signaling contributes to ASD in mouse models of Gould syndrome. We show that TGFβ signaling was elevated in anterior segments from Col4a1 mutant mice and that genetically reducing TGFβ signaling partially prevented ASD. Notably, we identified distinct roles for TGFβ1 and TGFβ2 in ocular defects observed in Col4a1 mutant mice. Importantly, we show that pharmacologically promoting type IV collagen secretion or reducing TGFβ signaling ameliorated ocular pathology in Col4a1 mutant mice. Overall, our findings demonstrate that altered TGFβ signaling contributes to COL4A1-related ocular dysgenesis and implicate this pathway as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of Gould syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao Mao
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
| | - Cassandre Labelle-Dumais
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
| | - Sara F Tufa
- Shriners Children's, Micro-Imaging Center, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Douglas R Keene
- Shriners Children's, Micro-Imaging Center, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Douglas B Gould
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States; Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States; Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States; Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States; Bakar Aging Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States.
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Young TL, Whisenhunt KN, LaMartina SM, Hewitt AW, Mackey DA, Tompson SW. Sonic Hedgehog Intron Variant Associated With an Unusual Pediatric Cortical Cataract. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:25. [PMID: 35749127 PMCID: PMC9234370 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.6.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To identify the genetic basis of an unusual pediatric cortical cataract demonstrating autosomal dominant inheritance in a large European–Australian pedigree. Methods DNA from four affected individuals were exome sequenced utilizing a NimbleGen SeqCap EZ Exome V3 kit and HiSeq 2500. DNA from 12 affected and four unaffected individuals were genotyped using Human OmniExpress-24 BeadChips. Multipoint linkage and haplotyping were performed (Superlink-Online SNP). DNA from one affected individual and his unaffected father were whole-genome sequenced on a HiSeq X Ten system. Rare small insertions/deletions and single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) were identified in the disease-linked region (Golden Helix SVS). Combined Annotation Dependent Depletion (CADD) analysis predicted variant deleteriousness. Putative enhancer function and variant effects were determined using the Dual-Glo Luciferase Assay system. Results Linkage mapping identified a 6.23-centimorgan support interval at chromosome 7q36. A co-segregating haplotype refined the critical region to 6.03 Mbp containing 21 protein-coding genes. Whole-genome sequencing uncovered 114 noncoding variants from which CADD predicted one was highly deleterious, a novel substitution within intron-1 of the sonic hedgehog signaling molecule (SHH) gene. ENCODE data suggested this site was a putative enhancer, subsequently confirmed by luciferase reporter assays with variant-associated gene overexpression. Conclusions In a large pedigree, we have identified a SHH intron variant that co-segregates with an unusual pediatric cortical cataract phenotype. SHH is important for lens formation, and mutations in its receptor (PTCH1) cause syndromic cataract. Our data implicate increased function of an enhancer important for SHH expression primarily within developing eye tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terri L Young
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Kristina N Whisenhunt
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Sarah M LaMartina
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Alex W Hewitt
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Lions Eye Institute, Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Eye Department, Royal Hobart Hospital, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - David A Mackey
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Lions Eye Institute, Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Eye Department, Royal Hobart Hospital, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Stuart W Tompson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
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Shen L, Pan L, Ju C, Wu X. The role of Wnt/β-catenin pathway for skin-derived precursors differentiating into corneal endothelial cell-like cells. Exp Eye Res 2022; 218:109008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Fox SC, Widen SA, Asai-Coakwell M, Havrylov S, Benson M, Prichard LB, Baddam P, Graf D, Lehmann OJ, Waskiewicz AJ. BMP3 is a novel locus involved in the causality of ocular coloboma. Hum Genet 2022; 141:1385-1407. [PMID: 35089417 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-022-02430-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Coloboma, a congenital disorder characterized by gaps in ocular tissues, is caused when the choroid fissure fails to close during embryonic development. Several loci have been associated with coloboma, but these represent less than 40% of those that are involved with this disease. Here, we describe a novel coloboma-causing locus, BMP3. Whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing of patients with coloboma identified three variants in BMP3, two of which are predicted to be disease causing. Consistent with this, bmp3 mutant zebrafish have aberrant fissure closure. bmp3 is expressed in the ventral head mesenchyme and regulates phosphorylated Smad3 in a population of cells adjacent to the choroid fissure. Furthermore, mutations in bmp3 sensitize embryos to Smad3 inhibitor treatment resulting in open choroid fissures. Micro CT scans and Alcian blue staining of zebrafish demonstrate that mutations in bmp3 cause midface hypoplasia, suggesting that bmp3 regulates cranial neural crest cells. Consistent with this, we see active Smad3 in a population of periocular neural crest cells, and bmp3 mutant zebrafish have reduced neural crest cells in the choroid fissure. Taken together, these data suggest that Bmp3 controls Smad3 phosphorylation in neural crest cells to regulate early craniofacial and ocular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina C Fox
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, 11455 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada.,Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sonya A Widen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, 11455 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada.,Vienna BioCenter, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna, Austria.,Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Mika Asai-Coakwell
- Department of Animal and Poultry and Animal Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Serhiy Havrylov
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Matthew Benson
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lisa B Prichard
- Department of Biological Sciences, MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Pranidhi Baddam
- Department of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Daniel Graf
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Ordan J Lehmann
- Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Andrew J Waskiewicz
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, 11455 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada. .,Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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11
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Latta L, Figueiredo FC, Ashery-Padan R, Collinson JM, Daniels J, Ferrari S, Szentmáry N, Solá S, Shalom-Feuerstein R, Lako M, Xapelli S, Aberdam D, Lagali N. Pathophysiology of aniridia-associated keratopathy: Developmental aspects and unanswered questions. Ocul Surf 2021; 22:245-266. [PMID: 34520870 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Aniridia, a rare congenital disease, is often characterized by a progressive, pronounced limbal insufficiency and ocular surface pathology termed aniridia-associated keratopathy (AAK). Due to the characteristics of AAK and its bilateral nature, clinical management is challenging and complicated by the multiple coexisting ocular and systemic morbidities in aniridia. Although it is primarily assumed that AAK originates from a congenital limbal stem cell deficiency, in recent years AAK and its pathogenesis has been questioned in the light of new evidence and a refined understanding of ocular development and the biology of limbal stem cells (LSCs) and their niche. Here, by consolidating and comparing the latest clinical and preclinical evidence, we discuss key unanswered questions regarding ocular developmental aspects crucial to AAK. We also highlight hypotheses on the potential role of LSCs and the ocular surface microenvironment in AAK. The insights thus gained lead to a greater appreciation for the role of developmental and cellular processes in the emergence of AAK. They also highlight areas for future research to enable a deeper understanding of aniridia, and thereby the potential to develop new treatments for this rare but blinding ocular surface disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Latta
- Dr. Rolf. M. Schwiete Center for Limbal Stem Cell and Aniridia Research, Saarland University, Homburg, Saar, Germany; Department of Ophthalmology, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Saar, Germany.
| | - F C Figueiredo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - R Ashery-Padan
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - J M Collinson
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, United Kingdom
| | - J Daniels
- Cells for Sight, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - S Ferrari
- The Veneto Eye Bank Foundation, Venice, Italy
| | - N Szentmáry
- Dr. Rolf. M. Schwiete Center for Limbal Stem Cell and Aniridia Research, Saarland University, Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | - S Solá
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - R Shalom-Feuerstein
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - M Lako
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - S Xapelli
- Instituto Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - D Aberdam
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM U1138, Team 17, France; Université de Paris, 75006, Paris, France.
| | - N Lagali
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Department of Ophthalmology, Sørlandet Hospital Arendal, Arendal, Norway.
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12
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Sun B, Bikkuzin T, Li X, Shi Y, Zhang H. Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells-Derived Corneal Endothelial-Like Cells Promote Corneal Transparency in a Rabbit Model of Bullous Keratopathy. Stem Cells Dev 2021; 30:856-864. [PMID: 34128390 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2020.0205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The corneal endothelium (CE) is vital for the cornea to maintain its transparency. However, CE dysfunction occurs due to aging, intraocular surgery, trauma, dystrophy, etc. Corneal transplantation is the only method to clinically treat CE dysfunction; however, this treatment strategy faces the disadvantages of a global cornea shortage, graft failure, and severe side effects. There is a recognized need for a substitute for the CE. Stem cells are becoming increasingly common for the treatment of human diseases. In fact, several studies have documented the induction of corneal endothelial-like cells (CECs) from stem cells, but an ideal procedure has not yet been established. Thus, this study aimed at exploring a more efficient and robust differentiation method. We used a modified approach to differentiate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into CECs. After the identification of differentiated CECs, the CECs were injected into the anterior chambers of the eyes of a rabbit model of bullous keratopathy. The rabbits were maintained in the eye-down position to ensure that the cells attached to the cornea. The results showed that corneal edema was alleviated in the rabbits injected with CECs compared with that in the rabbits belonging to the control group. This study extends the ability to differentiate iPSCs into CECs and provides a potential strategy for the treatment of reduced visual acuity caused by CE deficiency in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoqi Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Timur Bikkuzin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bashkir State Medical University, Ufa, Russia
| | - Xuran Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yan Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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13
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Regenerative capacity of the corneal transition zone for endothelial cell therapy. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:523. [PMID: 33276809 PMCID: PMC7716425 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-02046-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The corneal endothelium located on the posterior corneal surface is responsible for regulating stromal hydration. This is contributed by a monolayer of corneal endothelial cells (CECs), which are metabolically active in a continuous fluid-coupled efflux of ions from the corneal stroma into the aqueous humor, preventing stromal over-hydration and preserving the orderly arrangement of stromal collagen fibrils, which is essential for corneal transparency. Mature CECs do not have regenerative capacity and cell loss due to aging and diseases results in irreversible stromal edema and a loss of corneal clarity. The current gold standard of treatment for this worldwide blindness caused by corneal endothelial failure is the corneal transplantation using cadaveric donor corneas. The top indication is Fuchs corneal endothelial dystrophy/degeneration, which represents 39% of all corneal transplants performed. However, the global shortage of transplantable donor corneas has restricted the treatment outcomes, hence instigating a need to research for alternative therapies. One such avenue is the CEC regeneration from endothelial progenitors, which have been identified in the peripheral endothelium and the adjacent transition zone. This review examines the evidence supporting the existence of endothelial progenitors in the posterior limbus and summarizes the existing knowledge on the microanatomy of the transitional zone. We give an overview of the isolation and ex vivo propagation of human endothelial progenitors in the transition zone, and their growth and differentiation capacity to the corneal endothelium. Transplanting these bioengineered constructs into in vivo models of corneal endothelial degeneration will prove the efficacy and viability, and the long-term maintenance of functional endothelium. This will develop a novel regenerative therapy for the management of corneal endothelial diseases.
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14
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Walker H, Akula M, West-Mays JA. Corneal development: Role of the periocular mesenchyme and bi-directional signaling. Exp Eye Res 2020; 201:108231. [PMID: 33039457 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The cornea is a highly specialized transparent tissue located at the anterior most surface of the eye. It consists of three main layers, the outer stratified squamous epithelium, the inner endothelium, and the intermediate stroma. Formation of these layers during development involves a complex interaction between ectodermal-derived structures, such as the overlying head ectoderm with the periocular mesenchyme (POM), the latter of which is comprised of neural crest cells (NCC) and mesoderm-derived progenitor cells. Regulation of corneal epithelial development, including both epithelial cell fate and stratification, has been shown to depend on numerous bi-directional mesenchymal-epithelial signaling pathways. In this review we pay particular attention to the genes and signaling pathways that involve the POM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haydn Walker
- McMaster University, Health Sciences Centre, 1280 Main St. W., L8S 4L8, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Monica Akula
- McMaster University, Health Sciences Centre, 1280 Main St. W., L8S 4L8, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Judith A West-Mays
- McMaster University, Health Sciences Centre, 1280 Main St. W., L8S 4L8, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
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15
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Yoon KH, Fox SC, Dicipulo R, Lehmann OJ, Waskiewicz AJ. Ocular coloboma: Genetic variants reveal a dynamic model of eye development. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2020; 184:590-610. [PMID: 32852110 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Ocular coloboma is a congenital disorder of the eye where a gap exists in the inferior retina, lens, iris, or optic nerve tissue. With a prevalence of 2-19 per 100,000 live births, coloboma, and microphthalmia, an associated ocular disorder, represent up to 10% of childhood blindness. It manifests due to the failure of choroid fissure closure during eye development, and it is a part of a spectrum of ocular disorders that include microphthalmia and anophthalmia. Use of genetic approaches from classical pedigree analyses to next generation sequencing has identified more than 40 loci that are associated with the causality of ocular coloboma. As we have expanded studies to include singleton cases, hereditability has been very challenging to prove. As such, researchers over the past 20 years, have unraveled the complex interrelationship amongst these 40 genes using vertebrate model organisms. Such research has greatly increased our understanding of eye development. These genes function to regulate initial specification of the eye field, migration of retinal precursors, patterning of the retina, neural crest cell biology, and activity of head mesoderm. This review will discuss the discovery of loci using patient data, their investigations in animal models, and the recent advances stemming from animal models that shed new light in patient diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin H Yoon
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Women & Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Sabrina C Fox
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Women & Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Renée Dicipulo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Women & Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Ordan J Lehmann
- Women & Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andrew J Waskiewicz
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Women & Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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16
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Babushkina A, Lwigale P. Periocular neural crest cell differentiation into corneal endothelium is influenced by signals in the nascent corneal environment. Dev Biol 2020; 465:119-129. [PMID: 32697973 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2020.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
During ocular development, periocular neural crest cells (pNC) migrate into the region between the lens and presumptive corneal epithelium to form the corneal endothelium and stromal keratocytes. Although defects in neural crest cell development are associated with ocular dysgenesis, very little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved in this process. This study focuses on the corneal endothelium, a monolayer of specialized cells that are essential for maintaining normal hydration and transparency of the cornea. In avians, corneal endothelial cells are first to be specified from the pNC during their migration into the presumptive corneal region. To investigate the signals required for formation of the corneal endothelium, we utilized orthotopic and heterotopic injections of dissociated quail pNC into chick ocular regions. We find that pNC are multipotent and that the nascent cornea is competent to induce differentiation of ectopically injected pNC into corneal endothelium. Injected pNC downregulate expression of multipotency transcription factors and upregulate genes that are consistent with ontogenesis of the chick corneal endothelium. Importantly, we showed that TGFβ2 is expressed by the nascent lens and the corneal endothelium, and that TGFβ signaling plays a critical role in changing the molecular signature of pNC in vitro. Collectively, our results demonstrate the significance of the ocular environmental cues towards pNC differentiation, and have potential implications for clinical application of stem cells in the anterior segment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Babushkina
- BioSciences, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Peter Lwigale
- BioSciences, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX, USA.
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17
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Takamiya M, Stegmaier J, Kobitski AY, Schott B, Weger BD, Margariti D, Cereceda Delgado AR, Gourain V, Scherr T, Yang L, Sorge S, Otte JC, Hartmann V, van Wezel J, Stotzka R, Reinhard T, Schlunck G, Dickmeis T, Rastegar S, Mikut R, Nienhaus GU, Strähle U. Pax6 organizes the anterior eye segment by guiding two distinct neural crest waves. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008774. [PMID: 32555736 PMCID: PMC7323998 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cranial neural crest (NC) contributes to the developing vertebrate eye. By multidimensional, quantitative imaging, we traced the origin of the ocular NC cells to two distinct NC populations that differ in the maintenance of sox10 expression, Wnt signalling, origin, route, mode and destination of migration. The first NC population migrates to the proximal and the second NC cell group populates the distal (anterior) part of the eye. By analysing zebrafish pax6a/b compound mutants presenting anterior segment dysgenesis, we demonstrate that Pax6a/b guide the two NC populations to distinct proximodistal locations. We further provide evidence that the lens whose formation is pax6a/b-dependent and lens-derived TGFβ signals contribute to the building of the anterior segment. Taken together, our results reveal multiple roles of Pax6a/b in the control of NC cells during development of the anterior segment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanari Takamiya
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Johannes Stegmaier
- Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Andrei Yu Kobitski
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
- Institute of Applied Physics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Benjamin Schott
- Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Benjamin D. Weger
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Dimitra Margariti
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Angel R. Cereceda Delgado
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Victor Gourain
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Tim Scherr
- Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Lixin Yang
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Sebastian Sorge
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Jens C. Otte
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Volker Hartmann
- Institute for Data Processing and Electronics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Jos van Wezel
- Steinbuch Centre for Computing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Rainer Stotzka
- Institute for Data Processing and Electronics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Freiburg University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Freiburg University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Dickmeis
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Sepand Rastegar
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Ralf Mikut
- Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Gerd Ulrich Nienhaus
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
- Institute of Applied Physics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
- Institute of Nanotechnology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Uwe Strähle
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
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18
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Lin S, Liu W, Chen CL, Sun D, Hu JX, Li L, Ye J, Mei L, Xiong WC. Neogenin-loss in neural crest cells results in persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous formation. J Mol Cell Biol 2020; 12:17-31. [PMID: 31336386 PMCID: PMC7053014 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjz076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Neogenin is a transmembrane receptor critical for multiple cellular processes, including neurogenesis, astrogliogenesis, endochondral bone formation, and iron homeostasis. Here we present evidence that loss of neogenin contributes to pathogenesis of persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV) formation, a genetic disorder accounting for ~ 5% of blindness in the USA. Selective loss of neogenin in neural crest cells (as observed in Wnt1-Cre; Neof/f mice), but not neural stem cells (as observed in GFAP-Cre and Nestin-Cre; Neof/f mice), resulted in a dysregulation of neural crest cell migration or delamination, exhibiting features of PHPV-like pathology (e.g. elevated retrolental mass), unclosed retinal fissure, and microphthalmia. These results demonstrate an unrecognized function of neogenin in preventing PHPV pathogenesis, implicating neogenin regulation of neural crest cell delamination/migration and retinal fissure formation as potential underlying mechanisms of PHPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Lin
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine and Department of Neurology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical Center of PLA, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine and Department of Neurology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical Center of PLA, Chongqing, China
| | - Chun-Lin Chen
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine and Department of Neurology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical Center of PLA, Chongqing, China
| | - Dong Sun
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine and Department of Neurology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Jin-Xia Hu
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine and Department of Neurology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine and Department of Neurology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Jian Ye
- Department of Ophthalmology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical Center of PLA, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Mei
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine and Department of Neurology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Wen-Cheng Xiong
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine and Department of Neurology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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19
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Nedelec B, Rozet JM, Fares Taie L. Genetic architecture of retinoic-acid signaling-associated ocular developmental defects. Hum Genet 2019; 138:937-955. [DOI: 10.1007/s00439-019-02052-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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20
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Ma J, Lwigale P. Transformation of the Transcriptomic Profile of Mouse Periocular Mesenchyme During Formation of the Embryonic Cornea. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:661-676. [PMID: 30786278 PMCID: PMC6383728 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-26018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Defects in neural crest development are a major contributing factor in corneal dysgenesis, but little is known about the genetic landscape during corneal development. The purpose of this study was to provide a detailed transcriptome profile and evaluate changes in gene expression during mouse corneal development. Methods RNA sequencing was used to uncover the transcriptomic profile of periocular mesenchyme (pNC) isolated at embryonic day (E) 10.5 and corneas isolated at E14.5 and E16.5. The spatiotemporal expression of several differentially expressed genes was validated by in situ hybridization. Results Analysis of the whole-transcriptome profile between pNC and embryonic corneas identified 3815 unique differentially expressed genes. Pathway analysis revealed an enrichment of differentially expressed genes involved in signal transduction (retinoic acid, transforming growth factor-β, and Wnt pathways) and transcriptional regulation. Conclusions Our analyses, for the first time, identify a large number of differentially expressed genes during progressive stages of mouse corneal development. Our data provide a comprehensive transcriptomic profile of the developing cornea. Combined, these data serve as a valuable resource for the identification of novel regulatory networks crucial for the advancement of studies in congenital defects, stem cell therapy, bioengineering, and adult corneal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Ma
- BioSciences Department, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Peter Lwigale
- BioSciences Department, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States
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21
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Bi L, Lwigale P. Transcriptomic analysis of differential gene expression during chick periocular neural crest differentiation into corneal cells. Dev Dyn 2019; 248:583-602. [PMID: 31004457 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multipotent neural crest cells (NCC) contribute to the corneal endothelium and keratocytes during ocular development, but the molecular mechanisms that underlie this process remain poorly understood. We performed RNA-Seq analysis on periocular neural crest (pNC), corneal endothelium, and keratocytes and validated expression of candidate genes by in situ hybridization. RESULTS RNA-Seq profiling revealed enrichment of genes between pNC and neural crest-derived corneal cells, which correspond to pathways involved in focal adhesion, ECM-receptor interaction, cell adhesion, melanogenesis, and MAPK signaling. Comparisons of candidate NCC genes to ocular gene expression revealed that majority of the NCC genes are expressed in the pNC, but they are either differentially expressed or maintained during corneal development. Several genes involved in retinoic acid, transforming growth factor-β, and Wnt signaling pathways and their modulators are also differentially expressed. We identified differentially expressed transcription factors as potential downstream candidates that may instruct expression of genes involved in establishing corneal endothelium and keratocyte identities. CONCLUSION Combined, our data reveal novel changes in gene expression profiles as pNC differentiate into highly specialized corneal endothelial cells and keratocytes. These data serve as platform for further analyses of the molecular networks involved in NCC differentiation into corneal cells and provide insights into genes involved in corneal dysgenesis and adult diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian Bi
- BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas
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22
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Abstract
This chapter provides an overview of the early developmental origins of six ocular tissues: the cornea, lens, ciliary body, iris, neural retina, and retina pigment epithelium. Many of these tissue types are concurrently specified and undergo a complex set of morphogenetic movements that facilitate their structural interconnection. Within the context of vertebrate eye organogenesis, we also discuss the genetic hierarchies of transcription factors and signaling pathways that regulate growth, patterning, cell type specification and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel B Miesfeld
- Department of Cell Biology & Human Anatomy, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Nadean L Brown
- Department of Cell Biology & Human Anatomy, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, United States.
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23
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Smith JN, Walker HM, Thompson H, Collinson JM, Vargesson N, Erskine L. Lens-regulated retinoic acid signalling controls expansion of the developing eye. Development 2018; 145:145/19/dev167171. [PMID: 30305274 DOI: 10.1242/dev.167171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Absence of the developing lens results in severe eye defects, including substantial reductions in eye size. How the lens controls eye expansion and the underlying signalling pathways are very poorly defined. We identified RDH10, a gene crucial for retinoic acid synthesis during embryogenesis, as a key factor downregulated in the peripheral retina (presumptive ciliary body region) of lens-removed embryonic chicken eyes prior to overt reductions in eye size. This is associated with a significant decrease in retinoic acid synthesis by lens-removed eyes. Restoring retinoic acid signalling in lens-removed eyes by implanting beads soaked in retinoic acid or retinal, but not vitamin A, rescued eye size. Conversely, blocking retinoic acid synthesis decreased eye size in lens-containing eyes. Production of collagen II and collagen IX, which are major vitreal proteins, is also regulated by the lens and retinoic acid signalling. These data mechanistically link the known roles of both the lens and retinoic acid in normal eye development, and support a model whereby retinoic acid production by the peripheral retina acts downstream of the lens to support vitreous production and eye expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan N Smith
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Heather M Walker
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Hannah Thompson
- Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, Kings College, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - J Martin Collinson
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Neil Vargesson
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Lynda Erskine
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
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24
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Cavodeassi F, Creuzet S, Etchevers HC. The hedgehog pathway and ocular developmental anomalies. Hum Genet 2018; 138:917-936. [PMID: 30073412 PMCID: PMC6710239 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-018-1918-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in effectors of the hedgehog signaling pathway are responsible for a wide variety of ocular developmental anomalies. These range from massive malformations of the brain and ocular primordia, not always compatible with postnatal life, to subtle but damaging functional effects on specific eye components. This review will concentrate on the effects and effectors of the major vertebrate hedgehog ligand for eye and brain formation, Sonic hedgehog (SHH), in tissues that constitute the eye directly and also in those tissues that exert indirect influence on eye formation. After a brief overview of human eye development, the many roles of the SHH signaling pathway during both early and later morphogenetic processes in the brain and then eye and periocular primordia will be evoked. Some of the unique molecular biology of this pathway in vertebrates, particularly ciliary signal transduction, will also be broached within this developmental cellular context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florencia Cavodeassi
- Institute for Medical and Biomedical Education, St. George´s University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Sophie Creuzet
- Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay (Neuro-PSI), UMR 9197, CNRS, Université Paris-Sud, 1 Avenue de la Terrasse, 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette Cedex, France
| | - Heather C Etchevers
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille Medical Genetics (MMG), INSERM, Faculté de Médecine, 27 boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France.
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25
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Beaulieu Leclerc V, Roy O, Santerre K, Proulx S. TGF-β1 promotes cell barrier function upon maturation of corneal endothelial cells. Sci Rep 2018. [PMID: 29535350 PMCID: PMC5849742 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22821-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs) easily become fibroblastic-like when cultured, rendering them unsuitable for tissue engineering of the cornea. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) could be a key factor in this phenomenon; however, TGF-β is also known to maintain the endothelium in a quiescent state in vivo. This work aimed to compare the effects of TGF-β1 on the phenotype of HCECs during the proliferation and maturation phases. Our results show that addition of TGF-β1 during the active proliferation phase produced fibroblastic HCECs and loss of the cell junction markers ZO-1 and n-cadherin, independent from the presence of epidermal growth factor (EGF). By contrast, addition of TGF-β1 in maturation media containing few mitogens led to an endothelial phenotype and functional cell junctions as HCECs developed a high trans-endothelial resistance. Furthermore, addition of AG-1478, an epithelial growth factor receptor inhibitor, enhanced the gain of the endothelial phenotype and cell barrier function. Overall, these results show that TGF-β1 can be used to promote the formation of a typical leaky endothelial barrier during the maturation phase of cultured HCECs. A two-phase culture of HCECs using distinct proliferation and maturation media could also be key for developing ideal HCEC culture conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Véronique Beaulieu Leclerc
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier universitaire (CHU) de Québec - Université Laval, axe médecine régénératrice, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Québec, QC, Canada.,Centre d'organogénèse expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département d'Ophtalmologie, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Olivier Roy
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier universitaire (CHU) de Québec - Université Laval, axe médecine régénératrice, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Québec, QC, Canada.,Centre d'organogénèse expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département d'Ophtalmologie, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Kim Santerre
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier universitaire (CHU) de Québec - Université Laval, axe médecine régénératrice, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Québec, QC, Canada.,Centre d'organogénèse expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département d'Ophtalmologie, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Stéphanie Proulx
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier universitaire (CHU) de Québec - Université Laval, axe médecine régénératrice, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Québec, QC, Canada. .,Centre d'organogénèse expérimentale de l'Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC, Canada. .,Département d'Ophtalmologie, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
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26
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Lovatt M, Yam GHF, Peh GS, Colman A, Dunn NR, Mehta JS. Directed differentiation of periocular mesenchyme from human embryonic stem cells. Differentiation 2018; 99:62-69. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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27
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Wang J, Li W, Zheng X, Pang X, Du G. Research progress on the forkhead box C1. Oncotarget 2017; 9:12471-12478. [PMID: 29552326 PMCID: PMC5844762 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
FOXC1 is a vital member of FOX families which play important roles in biological processes including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, metabolism, and longevity. Here we are focusing on roles of FOXC1 and their mechanisms in cancers. FOXC1 promoted progress of many cancers, such as breast cancer (especially basal-like breast cancer), hepatocellular carcinoma, gastric cancer and so on. FOXC1 was also found to be associated with drug resistance of cancers. FOXC1 promoted metastasis of cancers by increasing expression of MMP7, NEDD9 and Snail. Proliferation and invasion of cancers were increased by FOXC1 by mediating NF-κB, MST1R and KLF4 expression. FOXC1 was associated with development by regulating expression of FGF19 and MSX1. Recently, FOXC1 was found to be required for niche of stem cells or development of stem cells by mediating expression of Gli2, CXCL12, SCF, NFATC1, BMP and Myh7. Overall, FOXC1 exerts its functions by many mechanisms and may be used as a potential biomarker for diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhua Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing 100050, China.,Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Wan Li
- Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xiangjin Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xiaocong Pang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Guanhua Du
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing 100050, China.,Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
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28
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Zurkirchen L, Sommer L. Quo vadis: tracing the fate of neural crest cells. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2017; 47:16-23. [PMID: 28753439 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The neural crest is a transient structure in vertebrate embryos that produces migratory cells with an astonishing developmental potential. While neural crest fate maps have originally been established through interspecies transplantation assays, dye labeling, and retroviral infection, more recent methods rely on approaches involving transgenesis and genome editing. These technologies allowed the identification of minor neural crest-derived cell populations in tissues of non-neural crest origin. Furthermore, in vivo multipotency at the single cell level and stage-dependent fate acquisitions were demonstrated using genetic technologies. Finally, recent reports indicate that neural crest-derived cells become activated in response to injury to secrete factors supporting tissue repair. Thus, neural crest-derived cells apparently contribute to tissue formation and regeneration by cell autonomous and non-autonomous mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Zurkirchen
- Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Sommer
- Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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29
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Mao M, Kiss M, Ou Y, Gould DB. Genetic dissection of anterior segment dysgenesis caused by a Col4a1 mutation in mouse. Dis Model Mech 2017; 10:475-485. [PMID: 28237965 PMCID: PMC5399567 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.027888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular anterior segment dysgenesis (ASD) describes a spectrum of clinically and genetically heterogeneous congenital disorders affecting anterior structures that often lead to impaired vision. More importantly, 50-75% of patients with ASD develop early onset and aggressive glaucoma. Although several genes have been implicated in the etiology of ASD, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Type IV collagen alpha 1 (COL4A1) is an extracellular matrix protein and a critical component of nearly all basement membranes. COL4A1 mutations cause multi-system disorders in patients, including ASD (congenital cataracts, Axenfeld-Rieger's anomaly, Peter's anomaly and microphthalmia) and congenital or juvenile glaucoma. Here, we use a conditional Col4a1 mutation in mice to determine the location and timing of pathogenic events underlying COL4A1-related ocular dysgenesis. Our results suggest that selective expression of the Col4a1 mutation in neural crest cells and their derivatives is not sufficient to cause ocular dysgenesis and that selective expression of the Col4a1 mutation in vascular endothelial cells can lead to mild ASD and optic nerve hypoplasia but only on a sensitized background. In contrast, lens-specific expression of the conditional Col4a1 mutant allele led to cataracts, mild ASD and optic nerve hypoplasia, and age-related intraocular pressure dysregulation and optic nerve damage. Finally, ubiquitous expression of the conditional Col4a1 mutation at distinct developmental stages suggests that pathogenesis takes place before E12.5. Our results show that the lens and possibly vasculature play important roles in Col4a1-related ASD and that the pathogenic events occur at mid-embryogenesis in mice, during early stages of ocular development. Summary: Key pathogenic events in anterior segment dysgenesis, a congenital ocular disease with complex etiology, are recapitulated in a mouse model of Col4a1-related ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao Mao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Human Genetics, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Márton Kiss
- Department of Genetics, University of Szeged, Középfasor 52, Szeged H-6726, Hungary
| | - Yvonne Ou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Human Genetics, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Douglas B Gould
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Human Genetics, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA .,Department of Anatomy, Institute for Human Genetics, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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30
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Wang X, Shan X, Gregory-Evans CY. A mouse model of aniridia reveals the in vivo downstream targets of Pax6 driving iris and ciliary body development in the eye. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2017; 1863:60-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2016.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Revised: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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31
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Prospect of Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neural Crest Stem Cells in Clinical Application. Stem Cells Int 2016; 2016:7695836. [PMID: 28090209 PMCID: PMC5206454 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7695836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2016] [Revised: 05/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural crest stem cells (NCSCs) represent a transient and multipotent cell population that contributes to numerous anatomical structures such as peripheral nervous system, teeth, and cornea. NCSC maldevelopment is related to various human diseases including pigmentation abnormalities, disorders affecting autonomic nervous system, and malformations of teeth, eyes, and hearts. As human pluripotent stem cells including human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can serve as an unlimited cell source to generate NCSCs, hESC/hiPSC-derived NCSCs can be a valuable tool to study the underlying mechanisms of NCSC-associated diseases, which paves the way for future therapies for these abnormalities. In addition, hESC/hiPSC-derived NCSCs with the capability of differentiating to various cell types are highly promising for clinical organ repair and regeneration. In this review, we first discuss NCSC generation methods from human pluripotent stem cells and differentiation mechanism of NCSCs. Then we focus on the clinical application potential of hESC/hiPSC-derived NCSCs on peripheral nerve injuries, corneal blindness, tooth regeneration, pathological melanogenesis, Hirschsprung disease, and cardiac repair and regeneration.
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32
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Naylor RW, McGhee CNJ, Cowan CA, Davidson AJ, Holm TM, Sherwin T. Derivation of Corneal Keratocyte-Like Cells from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0165464. [PMID: 27792791 PMCID: PMC5085044 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal diseases such as keratoconus represent a relatively common disorder in the human population. However, treatment is restricted to corneal transplantation, which only occurs in the most advanced cases. Cell based therapies may offer an alternative approach given that the eye is amenable to such treatments and corneal diseases like keratoconus have been associated specifically with the death of corneal keratocytes. The ability to generate corneal keratocytes in vitro may enable a cell-based therapy to treat patients with keratoconus. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) offer an abundant supply of cells from which any cell in the body can be derived. In the present study, hiPSCs were successfully differentiated into neural crest cells (NCCs), the embryonic precursor to keratocytes, and then cultured on cadaveric corneal tissue to promote keratocyte differentiation. The hiPSC-derived NCCs were found to migrate into the corneal stroma where they acquired a keratocyte-like morphology and an expression profile similar to corneal keratocytes in vivo. These results indicate that hiPSCs can be used to generate corneal keratocytes in vitro and lay the foundation for using these cells in cornea cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard W. Naylor
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | | | - Chad A. Cowan
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States of America
| | - Alan J. Davidson
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Teresa M. Holm
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States of America
- * E-mail: (TS); (TH)
| | - Trevor Sherwin
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
- * E-mail: (TS); (TH)
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33
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Abstract
Regenerative medicine using patient's own stem cells (SCs) to repair dysfunctional tissues is an attractive approach to complement surgical and pharmacological treatments for aging and degenerative disorders. Recently, dental SCs have drawn much attention owing to their accessibility, plasticity and applicability for regenerative use not only for dental, but also other body tissues. In ophthalmology, there has been increasing interest to differentiate dental pulp SC and periodontal ligament SC (PDLSC) towards ocular lineage. Both can commit to retinal fate expressing eye field transcription factors and generate rhodopsin-positive photoreceptor-like cells. This proposes a novel therapeutic alternative for retinal degeneration diseases. Moreover, as PDLSC shares similar cranial neural crest origin and proteoglycan secretion with corneal stromal keratoctyes and corneal endothelial cells, this offers the possibility of differentiating PDLSC to these corneal cell types. The advance could lead to a shift in the medical management of corneal opacities and endothelial disorders from highly invasive corneal transplantation using limited donor tissue to cell therapy utilizing autologous cells. This article provides an overview of dental SC research and the perspective of utilizing dental SCs for ocular regenerative medicine.
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34
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Machon O, Masek J, Machonova O, Krauss S, Kozmik Z. Meis2 is essential for cranial and cardiac neural crest development. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2015; 15:40. [PMID: 26545946 PMCID: PMC4636814 DOI: 10.1186/s12861-015-0093-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 11/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Background TALE-class homeodomain transcription factors Meis and Pbx play important roles in formation of the embryonic brain, eye, heart, cartilage or hematopoiesis. Loss-of-function studies of Pbx1, 2 and 3 and Meis1 documented specific functions in embryogenesis, however, functional studies of Meis2 in mouse are still missing. We have generated a conditional allele of Meis2 in mice and shown that systemic inactivation of the Meis2 gene results in lethality by the embryonic day 14 that is accompanied with hemorrhaging. Results We show that neural crest cells express Meis2 and Meis2-defficient embryos display defects in tissues that are derived from the neural crest, such as an abnormal heart outflow tract with the persistent truncus arteriosus and abnormal cranial nerves. The importance of Meis2 for neural crest cells is further confirmed by means of conditional inactivation of Meis2 using crest-specific AP2α-IRES-Cre mouse. Conditional mutants display perturbed development of the craniofacial skeleton with severe anomalies in cranial bones and cartilages, heart and cranial nerve abnormalities. Conclusions Meis2-null mice are embryonic lethal. Our results reveal a critical role of Meis2 during cranial and cardiac neural crest cells development in mouse. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12861-015-0093-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondrej Machon
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, The Czech Academy of Sciences, 14200, Praha, Czech Republic.
| | - Jan Masek
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, The Czech Academy of Sciences, 14200, Praha, Czech Republic.
| | - Olga Machonova
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, The Czech Academy of Sciences, 14200, Praha, Czech Republic.
| | - Stefan Krauss
- Unit for Cell Signaling, Oslo University Hospital, N-0349, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Zbynek Kozmik
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, The Czech Academy of Sciences, 14200, Praha, Czech Republic.
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Bertacchi M, Lupo G, Pandolfini L, Casarosa S, D'Onofrio M, Pedersen RA, Harris WA, Cremisi F. Activin/Nodal Signaling Supports Retinal Progenitor Specification in a Narrow Time Window during Pluripotent Stem Cell Neuralization. Stem Cell Reports 2015; 5:532-45. [PMID: 26388287 PMCID: PMC4624997 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2015.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Revised: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal progenitors are initially found in the anterior neural plate region known as the eye field, whereas neighboring areas undertake telencephalic or hypothalamic development. Eye field cells become specified by switching on a network of eye field transcription factors, but the extracellular cues activating this network remain unclear. In this study, we used chemically defined media to induce in vitro differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) toward eye field fates. Inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling was sufficient to drive ESCs to telencephalic, but not retinal, fates. Instead, retinal progenitors could be generated from competent differentiating mouse ESCs by activation of Activin/Nodal signaling within a narrow temporal window corresponding to the emergence of primitive anterior neural progenitors. Activin also promoted eye field gene expression in differentiating human ESCs. Our results reveal insights into the mechanisms of eye field specification and open new avenues toward the generation of retinal progenitors for translational medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Bertacchi
- Laboratorio di Biologia, Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lupo
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Luca Pandolfini
- Laboratorio di Biologia, Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Simona Casarosa
- Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Via delle Regole 101, 38123 Mattarello (Trento), Italy
| | - Mara D'Onofrio
- Genomics Facility, European Brain Research Institute "Rita Levi-Montalcini," Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy; Istituto di Farmacologia Traslazionale, CNR, Via del Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Roger A Pedersen
- Department of Surgery and The Anne McLaren Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, West Forvie Building, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0SZ, UK
| | - William A Harris
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Federico Cremisi
- Laboratorio di Biologia, Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7, 56124 Pisa, Italy; Institute of Biomedical Technologies (ITB), National Research Council (CNR) of Pisa, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
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36
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Abstract
Glycosylation, the most abundant posttranslational modification, holds an unprecedented capacity for altering biological function. Our ability to harness glycosylation as a means to control biological systems is hampered by our inability to pinpoint the specific glycans and corresponding biosynthetic enzymes underlying a biological process. Herein we identify glycosylation enzymes acting as regulatory elements within a pathway using microRNA (miRNA) as a proxy. Leveraging the target network of the miRNA-200 family (miR-200f), regulators of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), we pinpoint genes encoding multiple promesenchymal glycosylation enzymes (glycogenes). We focus on three enzymes, beta-1,3-glucosyltransferase (B3GLCT), beta-galactoside alpha-2,3-sialyltransferase 5 (ST3GAL5), and (alpha-N-acetyl-neuraminyl-2,3-beta-galactosyl-1,3)-N-acetylgalactosaminide alpha-2,6-sialyltransferase 5 (ST6GALNAC5), encoding glycans that are difficult to analyze by traditional methods. Silencing these glycogenes phenocopied the effect of miR-200f, inducing mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition. In addition, all three are up-regulated in TGF-β-induced EMT, suggesting tight integration within the EMT-signaling network. Our work indicates that miRNA can act as a relatively simple proxy to decrypt which glycogenes, including those encoding difficult-to-analyze structures (e.g., proteoglycans, glycolipids), are functionally important in a biological pathway, setting the stage for the rapid identification of glycosylation enzymes driving disease states.
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37
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Vranka JA, Kelley MJ, Acott TS, Keller KE. Extracellular matrix in the trabecular meshwork: intraocular pressure regulation and dysregulation in glaucoma. Exp Eye Res 2015; 133:112-25. [PMID: 25819459 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2014.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2014] [Revised: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The trabecular meshwork (TM) is located in the anterior segment of the eye and is responsible for regulating the outflow of aqueous humor. Increased resistance to aqueous outflow causes intraocular pressure to increase, which is the primary risk factor for glaucoma. TM cells reside on a series of fenestrated beams and sheets through which the aqueous humor flows to exit the anterior chamber via Schlemm's canal. The outer trabecular cells are phagocytic and are thought to function as a pre-filter. However, most of the outflow resistance is thought to be from the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the juxtacanalicular region, the deepest portion of the TM, and from the inner wall basement membrane of Schlemm's canal. It is becoming increasingly evident that the extracellular milieu is important in maintaining the integrity of the TM. In glaucoma, not only have ultrastructural changes been observed in the ECM of the TM, and a significant number of mutations in ECM genes been noted, but the stiffness of glaucomatous TM appears to be greater than that of normal tissue. Additionally, TGFβ2 has been found to be elevated in the aqueous humor of glaucoma patients and is assumed to be involved in ECM changes deep with the juxtacanalicular region of the TM. This review summarizes the current literature on trabecular ECM as well as the development and function of the TM. Animal models and organ culture models targeting specific ECM molecules to investigate the mechanisms of glaucoma are described. Finally, the growing number of mutations that have been identified in ECM genes and genes that modulate ECM in humans with glaucoma are documented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice A Vranka
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Mary J Kelley
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Ted S Acott
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Kate E Keller
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
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Panova IG, Markitantova YV, Smirnova YA, Zinovieva RD. Molecular-genetic mechanisms of cornea morphogenesis. BIOL BULL+ 2015. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359015020077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Davies SG, Kennewell PD, Russell AJ, Seden PT, Westwood R, Wynne GM. Stemistry: the control of stem cells in situ using chemistry. J Med Chem 2015; 58:2863-94. [PMID: 25590360 DOI: 10.1021/jm500838d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A new paradigm for drug research has emerged, namely the deliberate search for molecules able to selectively affect the proliferation, differentiation, and migration of adult stem cells within the tissues in which they exist. Recently, there has been significant interest in medicinal chemistry toward the discovery and design of low molecular weight molecules that affect stem cells and thus have novel therapeutic activity. We believe that a successful agent from such a discover program would have profound effects on the treatment of many long-term degenerative disorders. Among these conditions are examples such as cardiovascular decay, neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease, and macular degeneration, all of which have significant unmet medical needs. This perspective will review evidence from the literature that indicates that discovery of such agents is achievable and represents a worthwhile pursuit for the skills of the medicinal chemist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen G Davies
- †Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Peter D Kennewell
- †Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Angela J Russell
- †Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, U.K.,‡Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3QT, U.K
| | - Peter T Seden
- †Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Robert Westwood
- †Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Graham M Wynne
- †Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, U.K
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40
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Lens Development and Crystallin Gene Expression. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2015; 134:129-67. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2015.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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41
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Choi JJY, Ting CT, Trogrlic L, Milevski SV, Familari M, Martinez G, de Iongh RU. A role for smoothened during murine lens and cornea development. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108037. [PMID: 25268479 PMCID: PMC4182430 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Various studies suggest that Hedgehog (Hh) signalling plays roles in human and zebrafish ocular development. Recent studies (Kerr et al., Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2012; 53, 3316–30) showed that conditionally activating Hh signals promotes murine lens epithelial cell proliferation and disrupts fibre differentiation. In this study we examined the expression of the Hh pathway and the requirement for the Smoothened gene in murine lens development. Expression of Hh pathway components in developing lens was examined by RT-PCR, immunofluorescence and in situ hybridisation. The requirement of Smo in lens development was determined by conditional loss-of-function mutations, using LeCre and MLR10 Cre transgenic mice. The phenotype of mutant mice was examined by immunofluorescence for various markers of cell cycle, lens and cornea differentiation. Hh pathway components (Ptch1, Smo, Gli2, Gli3) were detected in lens epithelium from E12.5. Gli2 was particularly localised to mitotic nuclei and, at E13.5, Gli3 exhibited a shift from cytosol to nucleus, suggesting distinct roles for these transcription factors. Conditional deletion of Smo, from ∼E12.5 (MLR10 Cre) did not affect ocular development, whereas deletion from ∼E9.5 (LeCre) resulted in lens and corneal defects from E14.5. Mutant lenses were smaller and showed normal expression of p57Kip2, c-Maf, E-cadherin and Pax6, reduced expression of FoxE3 and Ptch1 and decreased nuclear Hes1. There was normal G1-S phase but decreased G2-M phase transition at E16.5 and epithelial cell death from E14.5-E16.5. Mutant corneas were thicker due to aberrant migration of Nrp2+ cells from the extraocular mesenchyme, resulting in delayed corneal endothelial but normal epithelial differentiation. These results indicate the Hh pathway is required during a discrete period (E9.5–E12.5) in lens development to regulate lens epithelial cell proliferation, survival and FoxE3 expression. Defective corneal development occurs secondary to defects in lens and appears to be due to defective migration of peri-ocular Nrp2+ neural crest/mesenchymal cells.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn
- Cell Cycle
- Cell Movement
- Cornea/growth & development
- Cornea/metabolism
- Cornea/pathology
- Embryo, Mammalian
- Endothelial Cells/metabolism
- Endothelial Cells/pathology
- Epithelial Cells/metabolism
- Epithelial Cells/pathology
- Forkhead Transcription Factors/genetics
- Forkhead Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
- Integrases/genetics
- Integrases/metabolism
- Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors/genetics
- Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Lens, Crystalline/growth & development
- Lens, Crystalline/metabolism
- Lens, Crystalline/pathology
- Membrane Proteins
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells/pathology
- Mice
- Mice, Transgenic
- Morphogenesis
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/metabolism
- Neuropilin-2/genetics
- Neuropilin-2/metabolism
- Patched Receptors
- Patched-1 Receptor
- Receptors, Cell Surface/genetics
- Receptors, Cell Surface/metabolism
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Smoothened Receptor
- Zebrafish Proteins
- Zinc Finger Protein Gli2
- Zinc Finger Protein Gli3
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet J. Y. Choi
- Ocular Development Laboratory, Anatomy & Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Chao-Tung Ting
- Ocular Development Laboratory, Anatomy & Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Lidia Trogrlic
- Ocular Development Laboratory, Anatomy & Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Stefan V. Milevski
- Ocular Development Laboratory, Anatomy & Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Mary Familari
- Department of Zoology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Gemma Martinez
- Ocular Development Laboratory, Anatomy & Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Robb U de Iongh
- Ocular Development Laboratory, Anatomy & Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Maestro-de-las-Casas C, Pérez-Miguelsanz J, López-Gordillo Y, Maldonado E, Partearroyo T, Varela-Moreiras G, Martínez-Álvarez C. Maternal folic acid-deficient diet causes congenital malformations in the mouse eye. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 97:587-96. [PMID: 24078476 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2013] [Revised: 07/13/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The eye is a very complex structure derived from the neural tube, surface ectoderm, and migratory mesenchyme from a neural crest origin. Because structures that evolve from the neural tube may be affected by a folate/folic acid (FA) deficiency, the aim of this work was to investigate whether a maternal folic acid-deficient diet may cause developmental alterations in the mouse eye. METHODS Female C57BL/6J mice (8 weeks old) were assigned into two different folic acid groups for periods ranging between 2 and 16 weeks. Animals were killed at gestation day 17. Hepatic folate was analyzed, and the eyes from 287 fetuses were macroscopically studied, sectioned and immunolabeled with anti-transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2 and anti-TGF-βRII. RESULTS Mice exposed to a FA-deficient diet exhibited numerous eye macroscopic anomalies, such as anophthalmia and microphthalmia. Microscopically, the eye was the most affected organ (43.7% of the fetuses). The highest incidence of malformations occurred from the 8th week onward. A statistically significant linear association between the number of maternal weeks on the FA-deficient diet and embryonic microscopic eye malformations was observed. The optic cup derivatives and structures forming the eye anterior segment showed severe abnormalities. In addition, TGF-β2 and TGF-βRII expression in the eye was also altered. CONCLUSION This study suggests that an adequate folic acid/folate status plays a key role in the formation of ocular tissues and structures, whereas a vitamin deficiency is negatively associated with a normal eye development even after a short-term exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Maestro-de-las-Casas
- Departamento de Anatomía y Embriología Humana I. Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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43
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Silla ZTV, Naidoo J, Kidson SH, Sommer P. Signals from the lens and Foxc1 regulate the expression of key genes during the onset of corneal endothelial development. Exp Cell Res 2014; 322:381-8. [PMID: 24472616 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2014.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Revised: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Correct formation of the corneal endothelium is essential for continued development of the anterior segment of the eye. Corneal endothelial development is initiated at E12 when precursor peri-ocular mesenchyme cells migrate into the space between the lens and the presumptive corneal epithelium and begin to respond to signals from the lens, undergoing a mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET) that is complete by E15.5. To study the initiation of MET, peri-ocular mesenchyme cell lines were derived from E12.5 and E13.5 murine embryos. These cells expressed key transcription factors, Foxc1 and Pitx2, as well as Slug and Tsc22, genes involved in MET. We have shown that all these genes must be down-regulated by E13.5 for differentiation to proceed. Lens-derived signals play a role in this down-regulation with Tgfβ2 specifically down-regulating Foxc1 and Pitx2. Over-expression and knock-down of Foxc1 significantly and similarly affected the expression of Pitx2, Tsc22 and Slug while Foxc1 was shown to play a role in mediating the lens effects on Slug. Thus, for the progression of initial corneal endothelial development, the key transcription factors, Foxc1 and Pitx2, as well as genes involved in MET, Slug and Tsc-22, must be down-regulated, a process driven by the lens and Foxc1.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Blotting, Western
- Cell Differentiation
- Cells, Cultured
- Chickens
- Embryo, Mammalian/cytology
- Embryo, Mammalian/metabolism
- Endothelium, Corneal/cytology
- Endothelium, Corneal/metabolism
- Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
- Forkhead Transcription Factors/genetics
- Forkhead Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
- Homeodomain Proteins/genetics
- Homeodomain Proteins/metabolism
- Lens, Crystalline/cytology
- Lens, Crystalline/metabolism
- Mesoderm/cytology
- Mesoderm/metabolism
- Mice
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Snail Family Transcription Factors
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Transforming Growth Factor beta2/genetics
- Transforming Growth Factor beta2/metabolism
- Homeobox Protein PITX2
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Affiliation(s)
- Zenzele T V Silla
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Westville Campus, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Jerolen Naidoo
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Westville Campus, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Susan H Kidson
- Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town Medical School, Anzio Road, Observatory, South Africa
| | - Paula Sommer
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Westville Campus, Durban 4001, South Africa.
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Son AI, Sheleg M, Cooper MA, Sun Y, Kleiman NJ, Zhou R. Formation of persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous in ephrin-A5-/- mice. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2014; 55:1594-606. [PMID: 24550361 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.13-12706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Primary vitreous regression is a critical event in mammalian eye development required for proper ocular maturity and unhindered vision. Failure of this event results in the eye disease persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV), also identified as persistent fetal vasculature (PFV), a condition characterized by the presence of a fibrovascular mass adjacent to the lens and retina, and associated with visual disability and blindness. Here, we identify ephrin-A5 to be a critical regulator for primary vitreous regression. METHODS Wild-type and ephrin-A5(-/-) eyes were examined at various developmental stages to determine the progression of PHPV. Eye tissue was sectioned and examined by H&E staining. Protein expression and localization was determined through immunohistochemistry. Relative levels of Eph receptors were determined by RT-PCR. RESULTS Ephrin-A5(-/-) animals develop ocular phenotypes representative of PHPV, most notably the presence of a large hyperplastic mass posterior to the lens that remains throughout the lifetime of the animal. The aberrant tissue in these mutant mice consists of residual hyaloid vessels surrounded by pigmented cells of neural crest origin. Labeling with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and detection of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression shows that the mass in ephrin-A5(-/-) animals is mitotically active in embryonic and postnatal stages. CONCLUSIONS Ephrin-A5 is a critical factor that regulates primary vitreous regression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander I Son
- Department of Chemical Biology, Susan Lehman-Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
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45
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Zhang K, Pang K, Wu X. Isolation and transplantation of corneal endothelial cell-like cells derived from in-vitro-differentiated human embryonic stem cells. Stem Cells Dev 2014. [PMID: 24499373 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2013.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The maintenance of corneal dehydration and transparency depends on barrier and pump functions of corneal endothelial cells (CECs). The human CECs have no proliferation capacity in vivo and the ability to divide in vitro under culture conditions is dramatically limited. Thus, the acquisition of massive cells analogous to normal human CECs is extremely necessary whether from the perspective of cellular basic research or from clinical applications. Here we report the derivation of CEC-like cells from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) through the periocular mesenchymal precursor (POMP) phase. Using the transwell coculture system of hESCs with differentiated human corneal stromal cells, we induced hESCs to differentiate into POMPs. Then, CEC-like cells were derived from POMPs with lens epithelial cell-conditioned medium. Within 1 week, CEC-like cells that expressed the corneal endothelium (CE) differentiation marker N-cadherin and transcription factors FoxC1 and Pitx2 were detectable. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)-based isolation of the N-cadherin/vimentin dual-positive population enriches for CEC-like cells. The isolated CEC-like cells were labeled with carboxyfluorescein diacetate, succinimidyl ester (CFDA SE) and seeded onto posterior acellular porcine corneal matrix lamellae to construct the CEC-like cell sheets. Pump function parameters of the CEC-like cell sheets approximated those of human donor corneas. Importantly, when the CEC-like cell sheets were transplanted into the eyes of rabbit CE dysfunction models, the corneal transparency was restored gradually. In conclusion, CEC-like cells derived from hESCs displayed characteristics of native human CECs. This renewable source of human CECs offers massive cells for further studies of human CEC biological characteristics and potential applications of replacement therapies as substitution for donor CECs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhang
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University , Jinan, People's Republic of China
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46
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Zhang K, Pang K, Wu X. Isolation and transplantation of corneal endothelial cell-like cells derived from in-vitro-differentiated human embryonic stem cells. Stem Cells Dev 2014; 23:1340-54. [PMID: 24499373 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2013.0510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The maintenance of corneal dehydration and transparency depends on barrier and pump functions of corneal endothelial cells (CECs). The human CECs have no proliferation capacity in vivo and the ability to divide in vitro under culture conditions is dramatically limited. Thus, the acquisition of massive cells analogous to normal human CECs is extremely necessary whether from the perspective of cellular basic research or from clinical applications. Here we report the derivation of CEC-like cells from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) through the periocular mesenchymal precursor (POMP) phase. Using the transwell coculture system of hESCs with differentiated human corneal stromal cells, we induced hESCs to differentiate into POMPs. Then, CEC-like cells were derived from POMPs with lens epithelial cell-conditioned medium. Within 1 week, CEC-like cells that expressed the corneal endothelium (CE) differentiation marker N-cadherin and transcription factors FoxC1 and Pitx2 were detectable. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)-based isolation of the N-cadherin/vimentin dual-positive population enriches for CEC-like cells. The isolated CEC-like cells were labeled with carboxyfluorescein diacetate, succinimidyl ester (CFDA SE) and seeded onto posterior acellular porcine corneal matrix lamellae to construct the CEC-like cell sheets. Pump function parameters of the CEC-like cell sheets approximated those of human donor corneas. Importantly, when the CEC-like cell sheets were transplanted into the eyes of rabbit CE dysfunction models, the corneal transparency was restored gradually. In conclusion, CEC-like cells derived from hESCs displayed characteristics of native human CECs. This renewable source of human CECs offers massive cells for further studies of human CEC biological characteristics and potential applications of replacement therapies as substitution for donor CECs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhang
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University , Jinan, People's Republic of China
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47
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Mary-Sinclair MN, Wang X, Swanson DJ, Sung CY, Mendonca EA, Wroblewski K, Baumer SH, Goldowitz D, Jablonski MM, Skapek SX. Varied manifestations of persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous with graded somatic mosaic deletion of a single gene. Mol Vis 2014; 20:215-30. [PMID: 24623965 PMCID: PMC3945809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2013] [Accepted: 02/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV) represents a developmental eye disease known to have diverse manifestations ranging from a trivial remnant of hyaloid vessels to a dense fibrovascular mass causing lens opacity and retinal detachment. PHPV can be modeled in mice lacking individual genes, but certain features of such models differ from the clinical realm. For example, mice lacking the Arf gene have uniformly severe disease with consistent autosomal recessive disease penetrance. We tested whether the graded somatic loss of Arf in a subset of cells in chimeric mice mimics the range of disease in a non-heritable manner. METHODS Wild type ↔ Arf(-/-) mouse chimeras were generated by morulae fusion, and when the mice were 10 weeks old, fundoscopic, slit-lamp, and histological evaluations were performed. The relative fraction of cells of the Arf(-/-) lineage was assessed with visual, molecular genetic, and histological analysis. Objective quantification of various aspects of the phenotype was correlated with the genotype. RESULTS Sixteen chimeras were generated and shown to have low, medium, and high contributions of Arf(-/-) cells to tail DNA, the cornea, and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), with excellent correlation between chimerism in the tail DNA and the RPE. Phenotypic differences (coat color and severity of eye disease) were evident, objectively quantified, and found to correlate with the contribution of Arf(-/-) cells to the RPE and tail-derived DNA, but not the cornea. CONCLUSIONS Generating animals composed of different numbers of Arf(-/-) cells mimicked the range of disease severity observed in patients with PHPV. This establishes the potential for full manifestations of PHPV to be caused by somatic mutations of a single gene during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle N. Mary-Sinclair
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - XiaoFei Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Douglas J. Swanson
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre of Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, CFRI, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Caroline Y. Sung
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Eneida A. Mendonca
- Department of Pediatrics and Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| | | | | | - Dan Goldowitz
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre of Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, CFRI, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Monica M. Jablonski
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Stephen X. Skapek
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
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Chng Z, Peh GSL, Herath WB, Cheng TYD, Ang HP, Toh KP, Robson P, Mehta JS, Colman A. High throughput gene expression analysis identifies reliable expression markers of human corneal endothelial cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67546. [PMID: 23844023 PMCID: PMC3699644 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2012] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Considerable interest has been generated for the development of suitable corneal endothelial graft alternatives through cell-tissue engineering, which can potentially alleviate the shortage of corneal transplant material. The advent of less invasive suture-less key-hole surgery options such as Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK) and Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK), which involve transplantation of solely the endothelial layer instead of full thickness cornea, provide further impetus for the development of alternative endothelial grafts for clinical applications. A major challenge for this endeavor is the lack of specific markers for this cell type. To identify genes that reliably mark corneal endothelial cells (CECs) in vivo and in vitro, we performed RNA-sequencing on freshly isolated human CECs (from both young and old donors), CEC cultures, and corneal stroma. Gene expression of these corneal cell types was also compared to that of other human tissue types. Based on high throughput comparative gene expression analysis, we identified a panel of markers that are: i) highly expressed in CECs from both young donors and old donors; ii) expressed in CECs in vivo and in vitro; and iii) not expressed in corneal stroma keratocytes and the activated corneal stroma fibroblasts. These were SLC4A11, COL8A2 and CYYR1. The use of this panel of genes in combination reliably ascertains the identity of the CEC cell type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhi Chng
- A*STAR Institute of Medical Biology, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gary S. L. Peh
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | - Heng-Pei Ang
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kah-Peng Toh
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Paul Robson
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jodhbir S. Mehta
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- * E-mail: (JSM); (AC)
| | - Alan Colman
- A*STAR Institute of Medical Biology, Singapore, Singapore
- * E-mail: (JSM); (AC)
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Zhang R, Huang H, Cao P, Wang Z, Chen Y, Pan Y. Sma- and Mad-related protein 7 (Smad7) is required for embryonic eye development in the mouse. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:10275-85. [PMID: 23426374 PMCID: PMC3624411 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.416719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2012] [Revised: 02/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Smad7 is an intracellular inhibitory protein that antagonizes the signaling of TGF-β family members. Deletion of Smad7 in the mouse leads to an abnormality in heart development. However, whether Smad7 has a functional role in the development of other organs has been elusive. Here we present evidence that Smad7 imparts a role to eye development in the mouse. Smad7 is expressed in both the lens and retina in the developing embryonic eye. Depletion of Smad7 caused various degrees of coloboma and microphthalmia with alterations in cell apoptosis and proliferation in eyes. Smad7 was implicated in lens differentiation but was not required for the induction of the lens placode. The development of the periocular mesenchyme was retarded with the down-regulation of Bmp7 and Pitx2 in mutant mice. Retinal spatial patterning was affected by Smad7 deletion and was accompanied by altered bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling. At late gestation stages, TGF-β signaling was up-regulated in the differentiating retina. Smad7 mutant mice displayed an expanded optic disc with increasing of sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling. Furthermore, loss of Smad7 led to a temporal change in retinal neurogenesis. In conclusion, our study suggests that Smad7 is essential for eye development. In addition, our data indicate that alterations in the signaling of BMP, TGF-β, and SHH likely underlie the defects in eye development caused by Smad7 deletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- From the Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Heng Huang
- From the Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Peijuan Cao
- From the Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Zhenzhen Wang
- From the Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yan Chen
- From the Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yi Pan
- From the Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
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Zavala J, López Jaime GR, Rodríguez Barrientos CA, Valdez-Garcia J. Corneal endothelium: developmental strategies for regeneration. Eye (Lond) 2013; 27:579-88. [PMID: 23470788 DOI: 10.1038/eye.2013.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The main treatment available for restoration of the corneal endothelium is keratoplasty. This procedure is faced with several difficulties, including the shortage of donor tissue, post-surgical complications associated with the use of drugs to prevent immune rejection, and a significant increase in the occurrence of glaucoma. Recently, surgical procedures such as Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty have focused on the transplant of corneal endothelium, yielding better visual results but still facing the need for donor tissue. The emergent strategies in the field of cell biology and tissue cultivation of corneal endothelial cells aim at the production of transplantable endothelial cell sheets. Cell therapy focuses on the culture of corneal endothelial cells retrieved from the donor, in the donor's cornea, followed by transplantation into the recipient. Recently, research has focused on overcoming the challenge of harvesting human corneal endothelial cells and the generation of new biomembranes to be used as cell scaffolds in surgical procedures. The use of corneal endothelial precursors from the peripheral cornea has also demonstrated to be effective and represents a valuable tool for reducing the risk of rejection in allogeneic transplants. Several animal model reports also support the use of adult stem cells as therapy for corneal diseases. Current results represent important progresses in the development of new strategies based on alternative sources of tissue for the treatment of corneal endotheliopathies. Different databases were used to search literature: PubMed, Google Books, MD Consult, Google Scholar, Gene Cards, and NCBI Books. The main search terms used were: 'cornea AND embryology AND transcription factors', 'human endothelial keratoplasty AND risk factors', '(cornea OR corneal) AND (endothelium OR endothelial) AND cell culture', 'mesenchymal stem cells AND cell therapy', 'mesenchymal stem cells AND cornea', and 'stem cells AND (cornea OR corneal) AND (endothelial OR endothelium)'.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Zavala
- Ophthalmology Research Chair, Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monterrey, México
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