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Zhang Q, Yan K, Zheng X, Liu Q, Han Y, Liu Z. Research progress of photo-crosslink hydrogels in ophthalmology: A comprehensive review focus on the applications. Mater Today Bio 2024; 26:101082. [PMID: 38774449 PMCID: PMC11107262 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101082] [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: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Hydrogel presents a three-dimensional polymer network with high water content. Over the past decade, hydrogel has developed from static material to intelligent material with controllable response. Various stimuli are involved in the formation of hydrogel network, among which photo-stimulation has attracted wide attention due to the advantages of controllable conditions, which has a good application prospect in the treatment of ophthalmic diseases. This paper reviews the application of photo-crosslink hydrogels in ophthalmology, focusing on the types of photo-crosslink hydrogels and their applications in ophthalmology, including drug delivery, tissue engineering and 3D printing. In addition, the limitations and future prospects of photo-crosslink hydrogels are also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghe Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang Hunan 421001, China
| | - Ke Yan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang Hunan 421001, China
| | - Xiaoqin Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang Hunan 421001, China
| | - Qiuping Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang Hunan 421001, China
| | - Yi Han
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang Hunan 421001, China
| | - Zuguo Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang Hunan 421001, China
- Xiamen University Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen Fujian 361005, China
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2
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Khaboushan AS, Ebadpour N, Moghadam MMJ, Rezaee Z, Kajbafzadeh AM, Zolbin MM. Cell therapy for retinal degenerative disorders: a systematic review and three-level meta-analysis. J Transl Med 2024; 22:227. [PMID: 38431596 PMCID: PMC10908175 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05016-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinal degenerative disorders (RDDs) cause vision loss by damaging retinal neurons and photoreceptors, affecting individuals of all ages. Cell-based therapy has emerged as an effective approach for the treatment of RDDs with promising results. This meta-analysis aims to comprehensively evaluate the efficacy of cell therapy in treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa (RP), and Stargardt macular degeneration (SMD) as the most prevalent RDDs. METHODS PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase were searched using keywords related to various retinal diseases and cell therapy treatments until November 25th, 2023. The studies' quality was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI) checklist for quasi-experimental studies. Visual acuity measured as LogMAR score was used as our main outcome. A three-level random-effect meta-analysis was used to explore the visual acuity in patients who received cell-based therapy. Heterogeneity among the included studies was evaluated using subgroup and sensitivity analyses. Moreover, meta-regression for the type of cells, year of publication, and mean age of participants were performed. RESULTS Overall, 8345 studies were retrieved by the search, and 39 met the eligibility criteria, out of which 18 studies with a total of 224 eyes were included in the meta-analysis. There were 12 studies conducted on AMD, 7 on SMD, and 2 on RP. Cell therapy for AMD showed significant improvement in LogMAR (p < 0.05). Also, cell therapy decreased the LogMAR score in SMD and RP (p < 0.01 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Across all conditions, no substantial publication bias was detected (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The findings of the study highlight that the application of cell therapy can enhance the visual acuity in AMD, SMD, and RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Soltani Khaboushan
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Children's Medical Center, Gene, Cell and Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
- Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negar Ebadpour
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Children's Medical Center, Gene, Cell and Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Johari Moghadam
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, Tschannen Eye Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Zahra Rezaee
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Children's Medical Center, Gene, Cell and Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdol-Mohammad Kajbafzadeh
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Children's Medical Center, Gene, Cell and Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Majidi Zolbin
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Children's Medical Center, Gene, Cell and Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
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Tang Z, Liu Y, Xiang H, Dai X, Huang X, Ju Y, Ni N, Huang R, Gao H, Zhang J, Fan X, Su Y, Chen Y, Gu P. Bifunctional MXene-Augmented Retinal Progenitor Cell Transplantation for Retinal Degeneration. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2302747. [PMID: 37379237 PMCID: PMC10477897 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Retinal degeneration, characterized by the progressive loss of retinal neurons, is the leading cause of incurable visual impairment. Retinal progenitor cells (RPCs)-based transplantation can facilitate sight restoration, but the clinical efficacy of this process is compromised by the imprecise neurogenic differentiation of RPCs and undermining function of transplanted cells surrounded by severely oxidative retinal lesions. Here, it is shown that ultrathin niobium carbide (Nb2 C) MXene enables performance enhancement of RPCs for retinal regeneration. Nb2 C MXene with moderate photothermal effect markedly improves retinal neuronal differentiation of RPCs by activating intracellular signaling, in addition to the highly effective RPC protection by scavenging free radicals concurrently, which has been solidly evidenced by the comprehensive biomedical assessments and theoretical calculations. A dramatically increased neuronal differentiation is observed upon subretinal transplantation of MXene-assisted RPCs into the typical retinal degeneration 10 (rd10) mice, thereby contributing to the efficient restoration of retinal architecture and visual function. The dual-intrinsic function of MXene synergistically aids RPC transplantation, which represents an intriguing paradigm in vision-restoration research filed, and will broaden the multifunctionality horizon of nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Tang
- Department of OphthalmologyShanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200011P. R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyShanghai200011P. R. China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of OphthalmologyShanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200011P. R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyShanghai200011P. R. China
| | - Huijing Xiang
- Materdicine LabSchool of Life SciencesShanghai UniversityShanghai200444P. R. China
| | - Xinyue Dai
- Materdicine LabSchool of Life SciencesShanghai UniversityShanghai200444P. R. China
| | - Xiaolin Huang
- Department of OphthalmologyShanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200011P. R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyShanghai200011P. R. China
| | - Yahan Ju
- Department of OphthalmologyShanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200011P. R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyShanghai200011P. R. China
| | - Ni Ni
- Department of OphthalmologyShanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200011P. R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyShanghai200011P. R. China
| | - Rui Huang
- Department of OphthalmologyShanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200011P. R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyShanghai200011P. R. China
| | - Huiqin Gao
- Department of OphthalmologyShanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200011P. R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyShanghai200011P. R. China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of OphthalmologyShanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200011P. R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyShanghai200011P. R. China
| | - Xianqun Fan
- Department of OphthalmologyShanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200011P. R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyShanghai200011P. R. China
| | - Yun Su
- Department of OphthalmologyShanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200011P. R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyShanghai200011P. R. China
| | - Yu Chen
- Materdicine LabSchool of Life SciencesShanghai UniversityShanghai200444P. R. China
| | - Ping Gu
- Department of OphthalmologyShanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200011P. R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular OncologyShanghai200011P. R. China
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Nguyen XTA, Moekotte L, Plomp AS, Bergen AA, van Genderen MM, Boon CJF. Retinitis Pigmentosa: Current Clinical Management and Emerging Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087481. [PMID: 37108642 PMCID: PMC10139437 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) comprises a group of inherited retinal dystrophies characterized by the degeneration of rod photoreceptors, followed by the degeneration of cone photoreceptors. As a result of photoreceptor degeneration, affected individuals experience gradual loss of visual function, with primary symptoms of progressive nyctalopia, constricted visual fields and, ultimately, central vision loss. The onset, severity and clinical course of RP shows great variability and unpredictability, with most patients already experiencing some degree of visual disability in childhood. While RP is currently untreatable for the majority of patients, significant efforts have been made in the development of genetic therapies, which offer new hope for treatment for patients affected by inherited retinal dystrophies. In this exciting era of emerging gene therapies, it remains imperative to continue supporting patients with RP using all available options to manage their condition. Patients with RP experience a wide variety of physical, mental and social-emotional difficulties during their lifetime, of which some require timely intervention. This review aims to familiarize readers with clinical management options that are currently available for patients with RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan-Thanh-An Nguyen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lude Moekotte
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Astrid S Plomp
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arthur A Bergen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maria M van Genderen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Bartiméus, Diagnostic Center for Complex Visual Disorders, 3703 AJ Zeist, The Netherlands
| | - Camiel J F Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Shamsnajafabadi H, Soheili ZS, Samiee S, Ahmadieh H, Pirmardan ER, Haghighi M. Neural differentiation of human retinal pigment epithelial cells on alginate/gelatin substrate. Mol Vis 2022; 28:412-431. [PMID: 36601411 PMCID: PMC9767845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The development of biomaterials provides potent promise for the regeneration of neuroretinal cells in degenerative eye diseases and retinal tissue engineering. Biomimetic three-dimensional (3D) microenvironments and specific growth factors motivate the differentiation of human retinal pigment epithelial (hRPE) cells toward a retinal neural lineage. In this study, we evaluated alginate/gelatin (A/G) as a substrate for the culture of hRPE cells. Methods hRPE cells were isolated from neonatal human cadaver globes and cultivated on A/G substrate under different culture conditions, including 30% human amniotic fluid (HAF), 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), and serum-free Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium/nutrient mixture F-12 (DMEM/F12). The proliferation of cells in different culture conditions was determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and a cell proliferation assay. Immunocytochemistry and real-time PCR were performed to evaluate the effect of the substrate on hRPE cell differentiation. Results A significant increase in the cell proliferation rate was observed in hRPE cells cultivated on an A/G substrate. Continuous observations demonstrated that hRPE cells formed densely packed, suspended spheroids in DMEM/F12 culture conditions, with dominant transdifferentiation into amacrine cells. Small adherent clusters of hRPE cells in HAF- and FBS-treated cultures represented dedifferentiation toward retinal progenitor cells. These cultures generated amacrine, rod photoreceptors, and bipolar cells. Conclusions These findings indicated that A/G substrate induced neural retinal cell propagation in cultures and would therefore be promising for RPE-based tissue engineering studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shahram Samiee
- Ophthalmic Research Center, Research Institute for Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Ahmadieh
- Blood Transfusion Research Center High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Ranaei Pirmardan
- Molecular Biomarkers Nano-imaging Laboratory, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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6
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Usategui-Martín R, Puertas-Neyra K, Galindo-Cabello N, Hernández-Rodríguez LA, González-Pérez F, Rodríguez-Cabello JC, González-Sarmiento R, Pastor JC, Fernandez-Bueno I. Retinal Neuroprotective Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Secretome Through Modulation of Oxidative Stress, Autophagy, and Programmed Cell Death. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:27. [PMID: 35486068 PMCID: PMC9055551 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.4.27] [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: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Degenerative mechanisms of retinal neurodegenerative diseases (RND) share common cellular and molecular signalization pathways. Curative treatment does not exist and cell-based therapy, through the paracrine properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), is a potential unspecific treatment for RND. This study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective capability of human bone marrow (bm) MSC secretome and its potential to modulate retinal responses to neurodegeneration. Methods An in vitro model of spontaneous retinal neurodegeneration was used to compare three days of monocultured neuroretina (NR), NR cocultured with bmMSC, and NR cultured with bmMSC secretome. We evaluated retinal morphology markers (Lectin peanut agglutinin, rhodopsin, protein kinase C α isoform, neuronal-specific nuclear protein, glial fibrillary acidic protein, TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling, and vimentin) and proteins involved in apoptosis (apoptosis-inductor factor, caspase-3), necroptosis (MLKL), and autophagy (p62). Besides, we analyzed the relative mRNA expression through qPCR of genes involved in apoptosis (BAX, BCL2, CASP3, CASP8, CASP9), necroptosis (MLKL, RIPK1, RIPK3), autophagy (ATG7, BCLIN1, LC3B, mTOR, SQSTM1), oxidative stress (COX2, CYBA, CYBB, GPX6, SOD1, TXN2, TXNRD1) and inflammation (IL1, IL6, IL10, TGFb1, TNFa). Results The bmMSC secretome preserves retinal morphology, limits pro-apoptotic- and pro-necroptotic-related gene and protein expression, modulates autophagy-related genes and proteins, and stimulates the activation of antioxidant-associated genes. Conclusions The neuroprotective ability of the bmMSC secretome is associated with activation of antioxidant machinery, modulation of autophagy, and inhibition of apoptosis and necroptosis during retinal degeneration. The neuroprotective effect of bmMSC secretomes in the presence/absence of MSC looks similar. Our current results reinforce the hypothesis that the human bmMSC secretome slows retinal neurodegeneration and may be a therapeutic option for treating RND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Usategui-Martín
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada, Retina Group, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain.,Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular de Castilla y León, Valladolid, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud, Oftared, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Valladolid, Spain.,RetiBrain (RED2018-102499-T), Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Kevin Puertas-Neyra
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada, Retina Group, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Nadia Galindo-Cabello
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada, Retina Group, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain.,Postgraduate Unit, Faculty of Biological Sciences, National University of San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Fernando González-Pérez
- Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology (GIR BIOFORGE), CIBER-BBN, Edificio LUCIA, Universidad de Valladolid, Paseo Belén 19, Valladolid, Spain
| | - José Carlos Rodríguez-Cabello
- Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular de Castilla y León, Valladolid, Spain.,Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology (GIR BIOFORGE), CIBER-BBN, Edificio LUCIA, Universidad de Valladolid, Paseo Belén 19, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Rogelio González-Sarmiento
- Molecular Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Cancer, University of Salamanca-CSIC, Salamanca, Spain
| | - José Carlos Pastor
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada, Retina Group, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain.,Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular de Castilla y León, Valladolid, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud, Oftared, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Valladolid, Spain.,RetiBrain (RED2018-102499-T), Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Ivan Fernandez-Bueno
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada, Retina Group, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain.,Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular de Castilla y León, Valladolid, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud, Oftared, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Valladolid, Spain.,RetiBrain (RED2018-102499-T), Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Valladolid, Spain
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7
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Retinal Organoids and Retinal Prostheses: An Overview. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23062922. [PMID: 35328339 PMCID: PMC8953078 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23062922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the progress of modern medicine in the last decades, millions of people diagnosed with retinal dystrophies (RDs), such as retinitis pigmentosa, or age-related diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration, are suffering from severe visual impairment or even legal blindness. On the one hand, the reprogramming of somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and the progress of three-dimensional (3D) retinal organoids (ROs) technology provide a great opportunity to study, understand, and even treat retinal diseases. On the other hand, research advances in the field of electronic retinal prosthesis using inorganic photovoltaic polymers and the emergence of organic semiconductors represent an encouraging therapeutical strategy to restore vision to patients at the late onset of the disease. This review will provide an overview of the latest advancement in both fields. We first describe the retina and the photoreceptors, briefly mention the most used RD animal models, then focus on the latest RO differentiation protocols, carry out an overview of the current technology on inorganic and organic retinal prostheses to restore vision, and finally summarize the potential utility and applications of ROs.
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8
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Wang J, Sun N, Ju Y, Ni N, Tang Z, Zhang D, Dai X, Chen M, Wang Y, Gu P, Ji J. miR-381-3p Cooperated With Hes1 to Regulate the Proliferation and Differentiation of Retinal Progenitor Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:853215. [PMID: 35281083 PMCID: PMC8914042 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.853215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) transplantation has become a promising therapy for retinal degeneration, which is a major kind of ocular diseases causing blindness. Since RPCs have limited proliferation and differentiation abilities toward retinal neurons, it is urgent to resolve these problems. MicroRNAs have been reported to have vital effects on stem cell fate. In our study, the data showed that overexpression of miR-381-3p repressed Hes1 expression, which promoted RPCs differentiation, especially toward neuronal cells, and inhibited RPCs proliferation. Knockdown of endogenous miR-381-3p increased Hes1 expression to inhibit RPCs differentiation and promote proliferation. In addition, a luciferase assay demonstrated that miR-381-3p directly targeted the Hes1 3’ untranslated region (UTR). Taken together, our study demonstrated that miR-381-3p regulated RPCs proliferation and differentiation by targeting Hes1, which provides an experimental basis of RPCs transplantation therapy for retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajing Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Na Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yahan Ju
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Ni Ni
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhimin Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Dandan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaochan Dai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Moxin Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiqi Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jing Ji, ; Ping Gu,
| | - Jing Ji
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jing Ji, ; Ping Gu,
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9
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Stem cell transplantation as a progressing treatment for retinitis pigmentosa. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 387:177-205. [PMID: 35001210 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-021-03551-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP) are of the major causes of vision loss in developed countries. Despite the unclear pathophysiology, treatment methods have been investigated vastly in the past decades. This review article mainly discusses the advances in application of stem cell and progenitor transplantation for retinitis pigmentosa. Stem cell sources such as mesenchymal stem cells, embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, neural stem cells, retinal progenitor cells, and olfactory ensheathing cells are discussed separately in addition to a brief description of two approaches for treatment of early-stage RP, including gene therapy and nutritional therapy.
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10
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Forouzanfar F, Soleimannejad M, Soltani A, Sadat Mirsafaee P, Asgharzade S. Retinoic acid and taurine enhance differentiation of the human bone marrow stem cells into cone photoreceptor cells and retinal ganglion cells. J Cell Biochem 2021; 122:1915-1924. [PMID: 34569079 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Degeneration and apoptotic death of the photoreceptor cell-layer of retina are a major cause of irreversible blindness in the development era. The stem cell replacement therapy is one of the strategies for the retinal repairing. In addition, exogenous signals critically contribute to the direction of lineage decisions that causes the fate-restricted photoreceptor progenitors from stem cell progeny in culture. It has been found that epidermal growth factor (EGF), taurine, and retinoic acid (RA) initially act in the instructive as well as lineage-restricted way in the progenitor lineage for producing neuroretinal cells or photoreceptor like cells from stem cell. The study aims to investigate the effect of RA and taurine in differentiation of the human bone marrow stem cell into cone photoreceptors cells and retinal ganglion cells. Mesenchymal stem cell was derived from human bone marrow of the term delivery. Therefore, the cultured cells have been treated with Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM)/high glucose (H+ ). After the four-cell passage, basal medium was replaced with DMEM/F12 complemented with 50 μmol/L taurine, RA (1 µM) and EGF (1 µg/ml). Subsequently cellular change morphology was detected following 7 and 14 days. Then, gene expression of neuroretinal and photoreceptor cell biomarkers (CRX, OTX2, PKC-α, recoverin, and Rho) were examined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR). Also, cells were cultured, fixed, and then immunocytochemical analyzed. Primary antibodies included CRX and Rho. Cellular morphology demonstrated spindle elongated morphology. Taurine alone and combination of RA upregulate neuroretinal and photoreceptor cell biomarkers in messenger RNA and protein levels but along with EGF have not significant effect. Our data showed that taurine combination with RA can differentiate bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into neuroretinal or photoreceptor like cells in vitro that can offer an attractive treatment ground for transplantation in the cell-replacement therapy for some forms of the retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Forouzanfar
- Medical Toxicology Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mostafa Soleimannejad
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Amin Soltani
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Parisa Sadat Mirsafaee
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Samira Asgharzade
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
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11
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Zhang X, Lei T, Du H. Prospect of cell penetrating peptides in stem cell tracking. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:457. [PMID: 34391472 PMCID: PMC8364034 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02522-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cell therapy has shown great efficacy in many diseases. However, the treatment mechanism is still unclear, which is a big obstacle for promoting clinical research. Therefore, it is particularly important to track transplanted stem cells in vivo, find out the distribution and condition of the stem cells, and furthermore reveal the treatment mechanism. Many tracking methods have been developed, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), fluorescence imaging, and ultrasound imaging (UI). Among them, MRI and UI techniques have been used in clinical. In stem cell tracking, a major drawback of these technologies is that the imaging signal is not strong enough, mainly due to the low cell penetration efficiency of imaging particles. Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been widely used for cargo delivery due to its high efficacy, good safety properties, and wide delivery of various cargoes. However, there are few reports on the application of CPPs in current stem cell tracking methods. In this review, we systematically introduced the mechanism of CPPs into cell membranes and their advantages in stem cell tracking, discussed the clinical applications and limitations of CPPs, and finally we summarized several commonly used CPPs and their specific applications in stem cell tracking. Although it is not an innovation of tracer materials, CPPs as a powerful tool have broad prospects in stem cell tracking. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoshuang Zhang
- Daxing Research Institute, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China.,School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Tong Lei
- Daxing Research Institute, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China.,School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Hongwu Du
- Daxing Research Institute, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China. .,School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China.
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12
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Coco-Martin RM, Pastor-Idoate S, Pastor JC. Cell Replacement Therapy for Retinal and Optic Nerve Diseases: Cell Sources, Clinical Trials and Challenges. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13060865. [PMID: 34208272 PMCID: PMC8230855 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13060865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this review was to provide an update on the potential of cell therapies to restore or replace damaged and/or lost cells in retinal degenerative and optic nerve diseases, describing the available cell sources and the challenges involved in such treatments when these techniques are applied in real clinical practice. Sources include human fetal retinal stem cells, allogenic cadaveric human cells, adult hippocampal neural stem cells, human CNS stem cells, ciliary pigmented epithelial cells, limbal stem cells, retinal progenitor cells (RPCs), human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) (including both human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Of these, RPCs, PSCs and MSCs have already entered early-stage clinical trials since they can all differentiate into RPE, photoreceptors or ganglion cells, and have demonstrated safety, while showing some indicators of efficacy. Stem/progenitor cell therapies for retinal diseases still have some drawbacks, such as the inhibition of proliferation and/or differentiation in vitro (with the exception of RPE) and the limited long-term survival and functioning of grafts in vivo. Some other issues remain to be solved concerning the clinical translation of cell-based therapy, including (1) the ability to enrich for specific retinal subtypes; (2) cell survival; (3) cell delivery, which may need to incorporate a scaffold to induce correct cell polarization, which increases the size of the retinotomy in surgery and, therefore, the chance of severe complications; (4) the need to induce a localized retinal detachment to perform the subretinal placement of the transplanted cell; (5) the evaluation of the risk of tumor formation caused by the undifferentiated stem cells and prolific progenitor cells. Despite these challenges, stem/progenitor cells represent the most promising strategy for retinal and optic nerve disease treatment in the near future, and therapeutics assisted by gene techniques, neuroprotective compounds and artificial devices can be applied to fulfil clinical needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa M. Coco-Martin
- Instituto de Oftalmobiologia Aplicada (IOBA), Medical School, Universidad de Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; (S.P.-I.); (J.C.P.)
- National Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), (RETICS) Cooperative Health Network for Research in Ophthalmology (Oftared), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-983423559
| | - Salvador Pastor-Idoate
- Instituto de Oftalmobiologia Aplicada (IOBA), Medical School, Universidad de Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; (S.P.-I.); (J.C.P.)
- National Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), (RETICS) Cooperative Health Network for Research in Ophthalmology (Oftared), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Clinico Universitario of Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Jose Carlos Pastor
- Instituto de Oftalmobiologia Aplicada (IOBA), Medical School, Universidad de Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain; (S.P.-I.); (J.C.P.)
- National Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), (RETICS) Cooperative Health Network for Research in Ophthalmology (Oftared), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Clinico Universitario of Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain
- Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular de Castilla y León, Fundacion del Instituto de Estudios de Ciencias de la Salud de Castilla y León (ICSCYL), 42002 Soria, Spain
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13
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Koh AEH, Subbiah SK, Farhana A, Alam MK, Mok PL. Mitigation of Sodium Iodate-Induced Cytotoxicity in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells in vitro by Transgenic Erythropoietin-Expressing Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:652065. [PMID: 33937251 PMCID: PMC8082501 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.652065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have shown promise in restoring the vision of patients in clinical trials. However, this therapeutic effect is not observed in every treated patient and is possibly due to the inefficacies of cell delivery and high cell death following transplantation. Utilizing erythropoietin can significantly enhance the regenerative properties of MSCs and hence improve retinal neuron survivability in oxidative stress. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the efficacy of conditioned medium (CM) obtained from transgenic human erythropoietin-expressing MSCs (MSC EPO ) in protecting human retinal pigment epithelial cells from sodium iodate (NaIO3)-induced cell death. Human MSC and MSC EPO were first cultured to obtain conditioned media (CM). The IC50 of NaIO3 in the ARPE-19 culture was then determined by an MTT assay. After that, the efficacy of both MSC-CM and MSC-CM EPO in ARPE-19 cell survival were compared at 24 and 48 h after NaIO3 treatment with MTT. The treatment effects on mitochondrial membrane potential was then measured by a JC-1 flow cytometric assay. The MTT results indicated a corresponding increase in cell survivability (5-58%) in the ARPE-19 cell cultures. In comparison to MSC-CM, the use of conditioned medium collected from the MSC-CM EPO further enhanced the rate of ARPE-19 survivability at 24 h (P < 0.05) and 48 h (P < 0.05) in the presence of NaIO3. Furthermore, more than 90% were found viable with the JC-1 assay after MSC-CM EPO treatment, showing a positive implication on the mitochondrial dynamics of ARPE-19. The MSC-CM EPO provided an enhanced mitigating effect against NaIO3-induced ARPE-19 cell death over that of MSC-CM alone during the early phase of the treatment, and it may act as a future therapy in treating retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avin Ee-Hwan Koh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia
| | - Suresh Kumar Subbiah
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia.,Genetics and Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia.,Department of Biotechnology, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | - Aisha Farhana
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Pooi Ling Mok
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia.,Genetics and Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia.,Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
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14
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Shams Najafabadi H, Sadeghi M, Zibaii MI, Soheili ZS, Samiee S, Ghasemi P, Hosseini M, Gholami Pourbadie H, Ahmadieh H, Taghizadeh S, Ranaei Pirmardan E. Optogenetic control of neural differentiation in Opto-mGluR6 engineered retinal pigment epithelial cell line and mesenchymal stem cells. J Cell Biochem 2021; 122:851-869. [PMID: 33847009 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In retinal degenerative disorders, when neural retinal cells are damaged, cell transplantation is one of the most promising therapeutic approaches. Optogenetic technology plays an essential role in the neural differentiation of stem cells via membrane depolarization. This study explored the efficacy of blue light stimulation in neuroretinal differentiation of Opto-mGluR6-engineered mouse retinal pigment epithelium (mRPE) and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). mRPE and BMSCs were selected for optogenetic study due to their capability to differentiate into retinal-specific neurons. BMSCs were isolated and phenotypically characterized by the expression of mesenchymal stem cell-specific markers, CD44 (99%) and CD105 (98.8%). mRPE culture identity was confirmed by expression of RPE-specific marker, RPE65, and epithelial cell marker, ZO-1. mRPE cells and BMSCs were transduced with AAV-MCS-IRES-EGFP-Opto-mGluR6 viral vector and stimulated for 5 days with blue light (470 nm). RNA and protein expression of Opto-mGluR6 were verified. Optogenetic stimulation-induced elevated intracellular Ca2+ levels in mRPE- and BMS-treated cells. Significant increase in cell growth rate and G1/S phase transition were detected in mRPE- and BMSCs-treated cultures. Pou4f1, Dlx2, Eomes, Barlh2, Neurod2, Neurod6, Rorb, Rxrg, Nr2f2, Ascl1, Hes5, and Sox8 were overexpressed in treated BMSCs and Barlh2, Rorb, and Sox8 were overexpressed in treated mRPE cells. Expression of Rho, Thy1, OPN1MW, Recoverin, and CRABP, as retinal-specific neuron markers, in mRPE and BMS cell cultures were demonstrated. Differentiation of ganglion, amacrine, photoreceptor cells, and bipolar and Muller precursors were determined in BMSCs-treated culture and were compared with mRPE. mRPE cells represented more abundant terminal Muller glial differentiation compared with BMSCs. Our results also demonstrated that optical stimulation increased the intracellular Ca2+ level and proliferation and differentiation of Opto-mGluR6-engineered BMSCs. It seems that optogenetic stimulation of mRPE- and BMSCs-engineered cells would be a potential therapeutic approach for retinal degenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoda Shams Najafabadi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Medical Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Sadeghi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Medical Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad I Zibaii
- Laser & Plasma Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra-Soheila Soheili
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Medical Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahram Samiee
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pouria Ghasemi
- Laser & Plasma Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hosseini
- Laser & Plasma Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Hamid Ahmadieh
- Ophthalmic Research Center, Research Institute for Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Taghizadeh
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Medical Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Ranaei Pirmardan
- Molecular Biomarkers Nano-imaging Laboratory, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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15
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Kahraman NS, Gonen ZB, Sevim DG, Oner A. First Year Results of Suprachoroidal Adipose Tissue Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Implantation in Degenerative Macular Diseases. Int J Stem Cells 2021; 14:47-57. [PMID: 33122468 PMCID: PMC7904524 DOI: 10.15283/ijsc20025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives This study shows the clinical data of 1-year follow-up of 8 patients with degenerative macular diseases who received suprachoroidal adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADMSC) implantation. Methods and Results This prospective, single-center, phase 1/2 study enrolled 8 eyes of 8 patients with degenerative macular diseases of various reasons who underwent suprachoroidal implantation of ADMSCs. All patients had severe visual field defects and severe visual loss. All patients had defective multifocal electroretinography (mf ERG). The worse eye of the patient was selected for the operation. Patients were evaluated on the first day, first month, sixth month and at 1 year postoperatively. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), anterior segment and fundus examination, color photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual field (VF) examination were carried out at each visit. Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and mfERG recordings were performed at the end of the sixth months. All 8 patients completed the 1 year follow-up. None of them had any systemic or ocular complications. Seven of the patients experienced visual acuity improvement, visual field improvement and improvement in the mfERG recordings. We found choroidal thickening in OCT of the four treated eyes. Conclusions Even though the sample size is small, stem cell treatment with suprachoroidal implantation of ADMSCs seems to be safe and the improvements were encouraging. To optimize the cell delivery technique and to evaluate the effects of this therapy on visual acuity and the quality of life of these patients, future studies with larger number of cases will be necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ayse Oner
- Ophthalmology Department, Kayseri Acibadem Hospital, Kayseri, Turkey
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16
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Pishavar E, Luo H, Bolander J, Atala A, Ramakrishna S. Nanocarriers, Progenitor Cells, Combinational Approaches, and New Insights on the Retinal Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1776. [PMID: 33579019 PMCID: PMC7916765 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Progenitor cells derived from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPECs) have shown promise as therapeutic approaches to degenerative retinal disorders including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and Stargardt disease. However, the degeneration of Bruch's membrane (BM), the natural substrate for the RPE, has been identified as one of the major limitations for utilizing RPECs. This degeneration leads to decreased support, survival and integration of the transplanted RPECs. It has been proposed that the generation of organized structures of nanofibers, in an attempt to mimic the natural retinal extracellular matrix (ECM) and its unique characteristics, could be utilized to overcome these limitations. Furthermore, nanoparticles could be incorporated to provide a platform for improved drug delivery and sustained release of molecules over several months to years. In addition, the incorporation of tissue-specific genes and stem cells into the nanostructures increased the stability and enhanced transfection efficiency of gene/drug to the posterior segment of the eye. This review discusses available drug delivery systems and combination therapies together with challenges associated with each approach. As the last step, we discuss the application of nanofibrous scaffolds for the implantation of RPE progenitor cells with the aim to enhance cell adhesion and support a functionally polarized RPE monolayer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Pishavar
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 91735, Iran;
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA;
| | - Hongrong Luo
- Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China;
| | - Johanna Bolander
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA;
| | - Antony Atala
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA;
| | - Seeram Ramakrishna
- Center for Nanofibers and Nanotechnology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117581, Singapore
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17
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Surendran H, Nandakumar S, Reddy K VB, Stoddard J, Mohan K V, Upadhyay PK, McGill TJ, Pal R. Transplantation of retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptors generated concomitantly via small molecule-mediated differentiation rescues visual function in rodent models of retinal degeneration. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:70. [PMID: 33468244 PMCID: PMC7814459 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02134-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a result of degeneration/damage of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) while retinitis pigmentosa (RP), an inherited early-onset disease, results from premature loss of photoreceptors. A promising therapeutic approach for both is the replacement of lost/damaged cells with human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived retinal cells. Methods The aim of this study was to investigate the in vivo functionality of RPE and photoreceptor progenitor (PRP) cells derived from a clinical-grade hiPSC line through a unified protocol. De novo-generated RPE and PRP were characterized extensively to validate their identity, purity, and potency. Results RPE expressed tight junction proteins, showed pigmentation and ciliation, and secreted polarization-related factors vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF). PRP expressed neural retina proteins and cone and rod markers, and responded to KCl-induced polarization. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated an increase in the expression of mature retinal tissue-specific genes coupled with concomitant downregulation of genes from undesired lineages. RPE transplantation rescued visual function in RCS rats shown via optokinetic tracking and photoreceptor rescue. PRP transplantation improved light perception in NOD.SCID-rd1 mice, and positive electroretinography signals indicated functional photoreceptor activity in the host’s outer nuclear layer. Graft survival and integration were confirmed using immunohistochemistry, and no animals showed teratoma formation or any kind of ectopic growth in the eye. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a unified, scalable, and GMP-adaptable protocol indicating strong animal efficacy and safety data with hiPSC-derived RPE and PRP cells. These findings provide robust proof-of-principle results for IND-enabling studies to test these potential regenerative cell therapies in patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-021-02134-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshini Surendran
- Eyestem Research, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), National Centre for Biological Sciences-Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (NCBS-TIFR) Campus, GKVK Post, Bellary Road, Bangalore, 560065, Karnataka, India
| | - Swapna Nandakumar
- Eyestem Research, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), National Centre for Biological Sciences-Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (NCBS-TIFR) Campus, GKVK Post, Bellary Road, Bangalore, 560065, Karnataka, India
| | - Vijay Bhaskar Reddy K
- Eyestem Research, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), National Centre for Biological Sciences-Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (NCBS-TIFR) Campus, GKVK Post, Bellary Road, Bangalore, 560065, Karnataka, India
| | - Jonathan Stoddard
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | | | - Trevor J McGill
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Rajarshi Pal
- Eyestem Research, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), National Centre for Biological Sciences-Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (NCBS-TIFR) Campus, GKVK Post, Bellary Road, Bangalore, 560065, Karnataka, India.
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18
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Tuekprakhon A, Sangkitporn S, Trinavarat A, Pawestri AR, Vamvanij V, Ruangchainikom M, Luksanapruksa P, Pongpaksupasin P, Khorchai A, Dambua A, Boonchu P, Yodtup C, Uiprasertkul M, Sangkitporn S, Atchaneeyasakul LO. Intravitreal autologous mesenchymal stem cell transplantation: a non-randomized phase I clinical trial in patients with retinitis pigmentosa. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:52. [PMID: 33422139 PMCID: PMC7796606 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-02122-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a progressive inherited retinal disease with great interest for finding effective treatment modalities. Stem cell-based therapy is one of the promising candidates. We aimed to investigate the safety, feasibility, and short-term efficacy of intravitreal injection of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in participants with advanced stage RP. Methods This non-randomized phase I clinical trial enrolled 14 participants, categorized into three groups based on a single dose intravitreal BM-MSC injection of 1 × 106, 5 × 106, or 1 × 107 cells. We evaluated signs of inflammation and other adverse events (AEs). We also assessed the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), visual field (VF), central subfield thickness (CST), and subjective experiences. Results During the 12-month period, we noticed several mild and transient AEs. Interestingly, we found statistically significant improvements in the BCVA compared to baseline, although they returned to the baseline at 12 months. The VF and CST were stable, indicating no remarkable disease progression. We followed 12 participants beyond the study period, ranging from 1.5 to 7 years, and observed one severe but manageable AE at year 3. Conclusion Intravitreal injection of BM-MSCs appears to be safe and potentially effective. All adverse events during the 12-month period required observation without any intervention. For the long-term follow-up, only one participant needed surgical treatment for a serious adverse event and the vision was restored. An enrollment of larger number of participants with less advanced RP and long-term follow-up is required to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this intervention. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01531348. Registered on February 10, 2012 Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-020-02122-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aekkachai Tuekprakhon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Road, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Siripakorn Sangkitporn
- Stem cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, National Institute of Health, 88/7 Tivanon Road, Muang, Nonthaburi, 11000, Thailand
| | - Adisak Trinavarat
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Road, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | | | - Visit Vamvanij
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Monchai Ruangchainikom
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Panya Luksanapruksa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Phitchapa Pongpaksupasin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Road, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand.,Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Areerat Khorchai
- Stem cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, National Institute of Health, 88/7 Tivanon Road, Muang, Nonthaburi, 11000, Thailand
| | - Acharaporn Dambua
- Stem cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, National Institute of Health, 88/7 Tivanon Road, Muang, Nonthaburi, 11000, Thailand
| | - Patcharaporn Boonchu
- Stem cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, National Institute of Health, 88/7 Tivanon Road, Muang, Nonthaburi, 11000, Thailand
| | - Chonlada Yodtup
- Stem cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, National Institute of Health, 88/7 Tivanon Road, Muang, Nonthaburi, 11000, Thailand
| | - Mongkol Uiprasertkul
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Somchai Sangkitporn
- Stem cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, National Institute of Health, 88/7 Tivanon Road, Muang, Nonthaburi, 11000, Thailand.
| | - La-Ongsri Atchaneeyasakul
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Road, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand.
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19
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Kim JY, Park S, Park SH, Lee D, Kim GH, Noh JE, Lee KJ, Kim GJ. Overexpression of pigment epithelium-derived factor in placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells promotes mitochondrial biogenesis in retinal cells. J Transl Med 2021; 101:51-69. [PMID: 32724163 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-020-0470-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) plays a role in protecting retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells from oxidative stress (OS), a causative factor of RPE cell death. Genetically modified mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be used to treat critical and incurable retinal diseases. Here, we overexpressed PEDF in placenta-derived MSCs (PD-MSCsPEDF, PEDF+) using a nonviral gene delivery system and evaluated the characteristics of PD-MSCsPEDF and their potential regenerative effects on RPE cells damaged by H2O2-induced OS. PD-MSCsPEDF maintained their stemness, cell surface marker, and differentiation potential characteristics. Compared to naive cells, PD-MSCsPEDF promoted mitochondrial respiration by enhancing biogenesis regulators (e.g., NRF1, PPARGC1A, and TFAM) as well as antioxidant enzymes (e.g., HMOXs, SODs, and GPX1). Compared to OS-damaged RPE cells cocultured with naive cells, OS-damaged RPE cells cocultured with PD-MSCsPEDF showed PEDF upregulation and VEGF downregulation. The expression levels of antioxidant genes and RPE-specific genes, such as RPE65, RGR, and RRH, were significantly increased in RPE cells cocultured with PD-MSCsPEDF. Furthermore, OS-damaged RPE cells cocultured with PD-MSCsPEDF had dramatically enhanced mitochondrial functions, and antiapoptotic effects improved due to cell survival signaling pathways. In the H2O2-induced retinal degeneration rat model, compared to administration of the naive counterpart, intravitreal administration of PD-MSCsPEDF alleviated proinflammatory cytokines and restored retinal structure and function by increasing PEDF expression and decreasing VEGF expression. Intravitreal administration of PD-MSCsPEDF also protected retinal degeneration against OS by increasing antioxidant gene expression and regulating the mitochondrial ROS levels and biogenesis. Taken together, PEDF overexpression in PD-MSCs improved the mitochondrial activities and induced OS-damaged RPE cell regeneration by regulating the oxidative status and mitochondrial biogenesis in vitro and in vivo. These data suggest that genetic modification of PEDF in PD-MSCs might be a new cell therapy for the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Yeon Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seongnam, 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Sohae Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seongnam, 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - So Hyun Park
- Paju 365 Veterinary Medical Center, Paju, 10892, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongsook Lee
- Hamchoon Women's clinic, Research Center of Fertility & Genetics, Seoul, 06643, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyu Hyun Kim
- Neural Circuits Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, 41062, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Eun Noh
- Neural Circuits Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, 41062, Republic of Korea
| | - Kea Joo Lee
- Neural Circuits Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, 41062, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi Jin Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seongnam, 13488, Republic of Korea.
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20
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Nian S, Kearns VR, Wong DSH, Bachhuka A, Vasilev K, Williams RL, Lai WW, Lo A, Sheridan CM. Plasma polymer surface modified expanded polytetrafluoroethylene promotes epithelial monolayer formation in vitro and can be transplanted into the dystrophic rat subretinal space. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2020; 15:49-62. [PMID: 33180364 DOI: 10.1002/term.3154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the surface modification of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) using an n-heptylamine (HA) plasma polymer would allow for functional epithelial monolayer formation suitable for subretinal transplant into a non-dystrophic rat model. Freshly isolated iris pigment epithelial (IPE) cells from two rat strains (Long Evans [LE] and Dark Agouti [DA]) were seeded onto HA, fibronectin-coated n-heptylamine modified (F-HA) and unmodified ePFTE and fibronectin-coated tissue culture (F-TCPS) substrates. Both F-HA ePTFE and F-TCPS substrates enabled functional monolayer formation with both strains of rat. Without fibronectin coating, only LE IPE formed a monolayer on HA-treated ePTFE. Functional assessment of both IPE strains on F-HA ePTFE demonstrated uptake of POS that increased significantly with time that was greater than control F-TCPS. Surgical optimization using Healon GV and mixtures of Healon GV: phosphate buffered saline (PBS) to induce retinal detachment demonstrated that only Healon GV:PBS allowed F-HA ePTFE substrates to be successfully transplanted into the subretinal space of Royal College of Surgeons rats, where they remained flat beneath the neural retina for up to 4 weeks. No apparent substrate-induced inflammatory response was observed by fundus microscopy or immunohistochemical analysis, indicating the potential of this substrate for future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Nian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Victoria R Kearns
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - David S H Wong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Akash Bachhuka
- School of Engineering, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Krasimir Vasilev
- School of Engineering, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Rachel L Williams
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Wico W Lai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Amy Lo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Carl M Sheridan
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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21
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Wang Y, Tang Z, Gu P. Stem/progenitor cell-based transplantation for retinal degeneration: a review of clinical trials. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:793. [PMID: 32968042 PMCID: PMC7511341 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02955-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Retinal degeneration (RD) is one of the dominant causes of irreversible vision impairment and blindness worldwide. However, the current effective therapeutics for RD in the ophthalmologic clinic are unclear and controversial. In recent years, extensively investigated stem/progenitor cells-including retinal progenitor cells (RPCs), embryonic stem cells (ESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs)-with proliferation and multidirectional differentiation potential have presented opportunities to revolutionise the ultimate clinical management of RD. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview on the progression of clinical trials for RD treatment using four types of stem/progenitor cell-based transplantation to replace degenerative retinal cells and/or to supplement trophic factors from the aspects of safety, effectiveness and their respective advantages and disadvantages. In addition, we also discuss the emerging role of stem cells in the secretion of multifunctional nanoscale exosomes by which stem cells could be further exploited as a potential RD therapy. This review will facilitate the understanding of scientists and clinicians of the enormous promise of stem/progenitor cell-based transplantation for RD treatment, and provide incentive for superior employment of such strategies that may be suitable for treatment of other diseases, such as stroke and ischaemia-reperfusion injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqi Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, P.R. China
| | - Zhimin Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, P.R. China
| | - Ping Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, P.R. China.
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22
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Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome Enhancement by Nicotinamide and Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide: A New Therapeutic Approach for Retinal Degenerative Diseases. Stem Cells Int 2020; 2020:9463548. [PMID: 32676122 PMCID: PMC7336242 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9463548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) secrete neuroprotective molecules that may be useful as an alternative to cell transplantation itself. Our purpose was to develop different pharmaceutical compositions based on conditioned medium (CM) of adipose MSC (aMSC) stimulated by and/or combined with nicotinamide (NIC), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), or both factors; and to evaluate in vitro their proliferative and neuroprotective potential. Nine pharmaceutical compositions were developed from 3 experimental approaches: (1) unstimulated aMSC-CM collected and combined with NIC, VIP, or both factors (NIC+VIP), referred to as the aMSC-CM combined composition; (2) aMSC-CM collected just after stimulation with the mentioned factors and containing them, referred to as the aMSC-CM stimulated-combined composition; and (3) aMSC-CM previously stimulated with the factors, referred to as the aMSC stimulated composition. The potential of the pharmaceutical compositions to increase cell proliferation under oxidative stress and neuroprotection were evaluated in vitro by using a subacute oxidative stress model of retinal pigment epithelium cells (line ARPE-19) and spontaneous degenerative neuroretina model. Results showed that oxidatively stressed ARPE-19 cells exposed to aMSC-CM stimulated and stimulated-combined with NIC or NIC+VIP tended to have better recovery from the oxidative stress status. Neuroretinal explants cultured with aMSC-CM stimulated-combined with NIC+VIP had better preservation of the neuroretinal morphology, mainly photoreceptors, and a lower degree of glial cell activation. In conclusion, aMSC-CM stimulated-combined with NIC+VIP contributed to improving the proliferative and neuroprotective properties of the aMSC secretome. Further studies are necessary to evaluate higher concentrations of the drugs and to characterize specifically the aMSC-secreted factors related to neuroprotection. However, this study supports the possibility of improving the potential of new effective pharmaceutical compositions based on the secretome of MSC plus exogenous factors or drugs without the need to inject cells into the eye, which can be very useful in retinal pathologies.
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23
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Dual SMAD inhibition and Wnt inhibition enable efficient and reproducible differentiations of induced pluripotent stem cells into retinal ganglion cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11828. [PMID: 32678240 PMCID: PMC7366935 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68811-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a group of progressive optic neuropathies that share common biological and clinical characteristics including irreversible changes to the optic nerve and visual field loss caused by the death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). The loss of RGCs manifests as characteristic cupping or optic nerve degeneration, resulting in visual field loss in patients with Glaucoma. Published studies on in vitro RGC differentiation from stem cells utilized classical RGC signaling pathways mimicking retinal development in vivo. Although many strategies allowed for the generation of RGCs, increased variability between experiments and lower yield hampered the cross comparison between individual lines and between experiments. To address this critical need, we developed a reproducible chemically defined in vitro methodology for generating retinal progenitor cell (RPC) populations from iPSCs, that are efficiently directed towards RGC lineage. Using this method, we reproducibly differentiated iPSCs into RGCs with greater than 80% purity, without any genetic modifications. We used small molecules and peptide modulators to inhibit BMP, TGF-β (SMAD), and canonical Wnt pathways that reduced variability between iPSC lines and yielded functional and mature iPSC-RGCs. Using CD90.2 antibody and Magnetic Activated Cell Sorter (MACS) technique, we successfully purified Thy-1 positive RGCs with nearly 95% purity.
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24
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Usategui-Martín R, Puertas-Neyra K, García-Gutiérrez MT, Fuentes M, Pastor JC, Fernandez-Bueno I. Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome Exhibits a Neuroprotective Effect over In Vitro Retinal Photoreceptor Degeneration. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2020; 17:1155-1166. [PMID: 32514411 PMCID: PMC7267685 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Retinal photoreceptor degeneration occurs frequently in several neurodegenerative retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, or genetic retinal diseases related to the photoreceptors. Despite the impact on daily life and the social and economic consequences, there is no cure for these diseases. Considering this, cell-based therapy may be an optimal therapeutic option. This study evaluated the neuroprotective in vitro potential of a secretome of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for retinal photoreceptors in vitro. We analyzed the photoreceptor morphologic changes and the paracrine factors secreted by human bone marrow MSCs in a physically separated co-culture with degenerated neuroretinas, using organotypic neuroretinal cultures. The results showed that the secretome of human bone marrow MSCs had a neuroprotective effect over the neuroretinal general organization and neuropreserved the photoreceptors from degeneration probably by secretion of neuroprotective proteins. The study of the expression of 1,000 proteins showed increased paracrine factors secreted by MSCs that could be crucial in the neuroprotective effect of the stem cell secretome over in vitro retinal degeneration. The current results reinforce the hypothesis that the paracrine effect of the human bone marrow MSCs may slow photoreceptor neurodegeneration and be a therapeutic option in retinal photoreceptor degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Usategui-Martín
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Retina Group, Universidad de Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Kevin Puertas-Neyra
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Retina Group, Universidad de Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - María-Teresa García-Gutiérrez
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Retina Group, Universidad de Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Manuel Fuentes
- Proteomics Unit, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC), University of Salamanca, Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain.,Department of Medicine and General Cytometry Service-Nucleus, CIBERONC CB16/12/00400, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC), University of Salamanca, Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - José Carlos Pastor
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Retina Group, Universidad de Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain.,Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain.,Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular de Castilla y León, 47011 Valladolid, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Oftared, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Ivan Fernandez-Bueno
- Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Retina Group, Universidad de Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain.,Centro en Red de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular de Castilla y León, 47011 Valladolid, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Oftared, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
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25
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Talib M, Boon CJF. Retinal Dystrophies and the Road to Treatment: Clinical Requirements and Considerations. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila) 2020; 9:159-179. [PMID: 32511120 PMCID: PMC7299224 DOI: 10.1097/apo.0000000000000290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
: Retinal dystrophies (RDs) comprise relatively rare but devastating causes of progressive vision loss. They represent a spectrum of diseases with marked genetic and clinical heterogeneity. Mutations in the same gene may lead to different diagnoses, for example, retinitis pigmentosa or cone dystrophy. Conversely, mutations in different genes may lead to the same phenotype. The age at symptom onset, and the rate and characteristics of peripheral and central vision decline, may vary widely per disease group and even within families. For most RD cases, no effective treatment is currently available. However, preclinical studies and phase I/II/III gene therapy trials are ongoing for several RD subtypes, and recently the first retinal gene therapy has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for RPE65-associated RDs: voretigene neparvovec-rzyl (Luxturna). With the rapid advances in gene therapy studies, insight into the phenotypic spectrum and long-term disease course is crucial information for several RD types. The vast clinical heterogeneity presents another important challenge in the evaluation of potential efficacy in future treatment trials, and in establishing treatment candidacy criteria. This perspective describes these challenges, providing detailed clinical descriptions of several forms of RD that are caused by genes of interest for ongoing and future gene or cell-based therapy trials. Several ongoing and future treatment options will be described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mays Talib
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Camiel J F Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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26
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Koster C, Wever KE, Wagstaff EL, Hirk KTVD, Hooijmans CR, Bergen AA. A Systematic Review on Transplantation Studies of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium in Animal Models. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E2719. [PMID: 32295315 PMCID: PMC7216090 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the adjacent light-sensitive photoreceptors form a single functional unit lining the back of the eye. Both cell layers are essential for normal vision. RPE degeneration is usually followed by photoreceptor degeneration and vice versa. There are currently almost no effective therapies available for RPE disorders such as Stargardt disease, specific types of retinitis pigmentosa, and age-related macular degeneration. RPE replacement for these disorders, especially in later stages of the disease, may be one of the most promising future therapies. There is, however, no consensus regarding the optimal RPE source, delivery strategy, or the optimal experimental host in which to test RPE replacement therapy. Multiple RPE sources, delivery methods, and recipient animal models have been investigated, with variable results. So far, a systematic evaluation of the (variables influencing) efficacy of experimental RPE replacement parameters is lacking. Here we investigate the effect of RPE transplantation on vision and vision-based behavior in animal models of retinal degenerated diseases. In addition, we aim to explore the effect of RPE source used for transplantation, the method of intervention, and the animal model which is used. METHODS In this study, we systematically identified all publications concerning transplantation of RPE in experimental animal models targeting the improvement of vision (e.g., outcome measurements related to the morphology or function of the eye). A variety of characteristics, such as species, gender, and age of the animals but also cell type, number of cells, and other intervention characteristics were extracted from all studies. A risk of bias analysis was performed as well. Subsequently, all references describing one of the following outcomes were analyzed in depth in this systematic review: a-, b-, and c-wave amplitudes, vision-based, thickness analyses based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) data, and transplant survival based on scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) data. Meta-analyses were performed on the a- and b-wave amplitudes from electroretinography (ERG) data as well as data from vision-based behavioral assays. RESULTS original research articles met the inclusion criteria after two screening rounds. Overall, most studies were categorized as unclear regarding the risk of bias, because many experimental details were poorly reported. Twenty-three studies reporting one or more of the outcome measures of interest were eligible for either descriptive (thickness analyses based on OCT data; n = 2) or meta-analyses. RPE transplantation significantly increased ERG a-wave (Hedges' g 1.181 (0.471-1.892), n = 6) and b-wave (Hedges' g 1.734 (1.295-2.172), n = 42) amplitudes and improved vision-based behavior (Hedges' g 1.018 (0.826-1.209), n = 96). Subgroup analyses revealed a significantly increased effect of the use of young and adolescent animals compared to adult animals. Moreover, transplanting more cells (in the range of 105 versus in the range of 104) resulted in a significantly increased effect on vision-based behavior as well. The origin of cells mattered as well. A significantly increased effect was found on vision-based behavior when using ARPE-19 and OpRegen® RPE. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review shows that RPE transplantation in animal models for retinal degeneration significantly increases a- and b- wave amplitudes and improves vision-related behavior. These effects appear to be more pronounced in young animals, when the number of transplanted cells is larger and when ARPE-19 and OpRegen® RPE cells are used. We further emphasize that there is an urgent need for improving the reporting and methodological quality of animal experiments, to make such studies more comparable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Koster
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (AUMC), Location Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kimberley E Wever
- Systematic Review Center for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE), Department for Health Evidence, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ellie L Wagstaff
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (AUMC), Location Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Koen T van den Hirk
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (AUMC), Location Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carlijn R Hooijmans
- Systematic Review Center for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE), Department for Health Evidence, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Arthur A Bergen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (AUMC), Location Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology, AUMC, AMC, UvA, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmogenetics, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN-KNAW), 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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27
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Liu X, Chen F, Chen Y, Lu H, Lu X, Peng X, Kaplan HJ, Dean DC, Gao L, Liu Y. Paracrine effects of intraocularly implanted cells on degenerating retinas in mice. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:142. [PMID: 32234075 PMCID: PMC7326149 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-01651-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinal degeneration is a leading cause of blindness in the world; its etiology is complex and involves genetic defects and stress-associated aging. In addition to gene therapies for known genetically defective retinal degeneration, cellular therapies have been widely explored for restoring vision in both preclinical animal models and clinical trials. Stem cells of distinct tissue sources and their derived lineages have been tested for treating retinal degeneration; most of them were reported to be effective to some extent in restoring/improving deteriorated vision. Whether this visual improvement is due to a functional integration of grafted cells to substitute for lost retinal neurons in recipients or due to their neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects to retain recipient functional neurons, or both, is still under debate. METHODS We compared the results of subretinal transplantation of various somatic cell types, such as stem cells and differentiated cells, into RhoP23H/+ mice, a retinal degeneration model for human retinitis pigmentosa (RP) by evaluating their optokinetic response (OKR) and retinal histology. We identified some paracrine factors in the media that cultured cells secreted by western blotting (WB) and functionally evaluated the vascular endothelial growth factor Vegfa for its potential neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects on the neuroretina of model animals by intravitreal injection of VEGF antibody. RESULTS We found that live cells, regardless of whether they were stem cells or differentiated cell types, had a positive effect on improving degenerating retinas after subretinal transplantation; the efficacy depended on their survival duration in the host tissue. A few paracrine factors were identified in cell culture media; Vegfa was the most relevant neurotrophic and neuroprotective factor identified by our experiments to extend neuron survival duration in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Cellular therapy-produced benefits for remediating retinal degeneration are mostly, if not completely, due to a paracrine effect of implanted cells on the remaining host retinal neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 301 E Muhammad Ali Blvd, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fenghua Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 301 E Muhammad Ali Blvd, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 301 E Muhammad Ali Blvd, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Huayi Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 301 E Muhammad Ali Blvd, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
- Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xiaoqin Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 301 E Muhammad Ali Blvd, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Xiaoyan Peng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Henry J Kaplan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 301 E Muhammad Ali Blvd, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Douglas C Dean
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 301 E Muhammad Ali Blvd, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, Louisville, USA.
- Birth Defects Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA.
| | - Ling Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Yongqing Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 301 E Muhammad Ali Blvd, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, Louisville, USA.
- Birth Defects Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA.
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28
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miR-17 regulates the proliferation and differentiation of retinal progenitor cells by targeting CHMP1A. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 523:493-499. [PMID: 31894018 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.11.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs have a vital effect on the differentiation of many types of progenitor cells. Recent studies have suggested that miR-17 plays an important role in the differentiation process of brain neural progenitor cells (NPC). Nevertheless, its detailed functions in regulating retinal progenitor cells (RPC) remain unclear. In our study, overexpression and knockdown of miR-17 were performed by transfecting RPC with mimics and inhibitors, respectively. Next, we investigated the role of miR-17 in RPC proliferation and differentiation by the following experiments: qPCR, CCK8, Edu staining, immunostaining and Western blot. The results revealed that miR-17 inhibited RPC proliferation but enhanced differentiation. Furthermore, according to a web-based database analysis, we identified charged multivesicular body protein 1A (CHMP1A) as a target gene. A dual luciferase reporter system showed that miR-17 specifically binds to the CHMP1A 3' untranslated region (UTR). Next, our data showed upregulation of miR-17 decreased CHMP1A protein level, causing reduced proliferation and enhanced differentiation of RPC. Downregulation of miR-17 led to enhanced CHMP1A protein expression, increased RPC proliferation and decreased differentiation. Taken together, our data provide a proven pathway by which miR-17 regulates RPC proliferation and differentiation by targeting CHMP1A.
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Michelet F, Balasankar A, Teo N, Stanton LW, Singhal S. Rapid generation of purified human RPE from pluripotent stem cells using 2D cultures and lipoprotein uptake-based sorting. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:47. [PMID: 32014053 PMCID: PMC6998340 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-1568-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite increasing demand, current protocols for human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) remain time, labor, and cost intensive. Additionally, absence of robust methods for selective RPE purification and removal of non-RPE cell impurities prevents upscaling of clinical quality RPE production. We aimed to address these challenges by developing a simplified hPSC-derived RPE production and purification system that yields high-quality RPE monolayers within 90 days. Methods Human pluripotent stem cells were differentiated into RPE using an innovative time and cost-effective protocol relying entirely on 2D cultures and minimal use of cytokines. Once RPE identity was obtained, cells were transferred onto permeable membranes to acquire mature RPE morphology. RPE differentiation was verified by electron microscopy, polarized VEGF expression, establishment of high transepithelial electrical resistance and photoreceptor phagocytosis assay. After 4 weeks on permeable membranes, RPE cell cultures were incubated with Dil-AcLDL (DiI-conjugated acetylated low-density lipoproteins) and subjected to fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) for purification and subculture. Results Using our 2D cytokine scarce protocol, hPSC-derived functional RPE cells can be obtained within 2 months. Nevertheless, at this stage, most samples contain a percentage of non-RPE/early RPE progenitor cells that make them unsuitable for clinical application. We demonstrate that functional RPE cells express high levels of lipoprotein receptors and that this correlates with their ability to uptake lipoproteins. Combining photoreceptor uptake assay with lipoprotein uptake assay further confirms that only functional RPE cells uptake AcLDL. Incubation of mixed RPE/non-RPE cell cultures with fluorophore conjugated AcLDL and subsequent FACS-based isolation of labeled cells allows selective purification of mature functional RPE. When subcultured, DiI-AcLDL-labeled cells rapidly form pure homogenous high-quality RPE monolayers. Conclusions Pure functional RPE monolayers can be derived from hPSC within 90 days using simplified 2D cultures in conjunction with our RPE PLUS protocol (RPE Purification by Lipoprotein Uptake-based Sorting). The simplicity of this protocol makes it scalable, and the rapidity of production and purification allows for high-quality RPE to be produced in a short span of time making them ideally suited for downstream clinical and in vitro applications. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13287-020-1568-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Michelet
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Aishwarya Balasankar
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Lawrence W Stanton
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Group, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shweta Singhal
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore.,Duke-NUS, Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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30
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Chen F, Liu X, Chen Y, Liu JY, Lu H, Wang W, Lu X, Dean KC, Gao L, Kaplan HJ, Dean DC, Peng X, Liu Y. Sphere-induced reprogramming of RPE cells into dual-potential RPE stem-like cells. EBioMedicine 2020; 52:102618. [PMID: 31982829 PMCID: PMC6994567 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.102618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) has the potential to regenerate the entire neuroretina upon retinal injury in amphibians. In contrast, this regenerative capacity has been lost in mammals. The reprogramming of differentiated somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by viral transduction of exogenous stem cell factors has triggered a revolution in regenerative medicine. However, the risks of potential mutation(s) caused by random viral vector insertion in host genomes and tumor formation in recipients hamper its clinical application. One alternative is to immortalize adult stem cells with limited potential or to partially reprogram differentiated somatic cells into progenitor-like cells through non-integration protocols. Methods Sphere-induced RPE stem cells (iRPESCs) were generated from adult mouse RPE cells. Their stem cell functionality was studied in a mouse model of retinal degeneration. The molecular mechanism underlying the sphere-induced reprogramming was investigated using microarray and loss-of-function approaches. Findings We provide evidence that our sphere-induced reprogramming protocol can immortalize and transform mouse RPE cells into iRPESCs with dual potential to differentiate into cells that express either RPE or photoreceptor markers both in vitro and in vivo. When subretinally transplanted into mice with retinal degeneration, iRPESCs can integrate to the RPE and neuroretina, thereby delaying retinal degeneration in the model animals. Our molecular analyses indicate that the Hippo signaling pathway is important in iRPESC reprogramming. Interpretation The Hippo factor Yap1 is activated in the nuclei of cells at the borders of spheres. The factors Zeb1 and P300 downstream of the Hippo pathway are shown to bind to the promoters of the stemness genes Oct4, Klf4 and Sox2, thereby likely transactivate them to reprogram RPE cells into iRPESCs. Fund National Natural Science Foundation of China and the National Institute of Health USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenghua Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 301 E Muhammad Ali Blvd, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 301 E Muhammad Ali Blvd, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yao Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 301 E Muhammad Ali Blvd, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - John Y Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 301 E Muhammad Ali Blvd, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, USA
| | - Huayi Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 301 E Muhammad Ali Blvd, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, USA; Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 301 E Muhammad Ali Blvd, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, USA
| | - Xiaoqin Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 301 E Muhammad Ali Blvd, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, USA
| | - Kevin C Dean
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 301 E Muhammad Ali Blvd, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, USA
| | - Ling Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Henry J Kaplan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 301 E Muhammad Ali Blvd, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, USA
| | - Douglas C Dean
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 301 E Muhammad Ali Blvd, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, USA; James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, USA; Birth Defects Center; University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, USA.
| | - Xiaoyan Peng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100005, China.
| | - Yongqing Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 301 E Muhammad Ali Blvd, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, USA; James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, USA; Birth Defects Center; University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, USA.
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Bolger M, Groynom R, Bogie K, Lavik E. Reporter Scaffolds for Clinically Relevant Cell Transplantation Studies. Ann Biomed Eng 2019; 48:1982-1990. [PMID: 31686310 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-019-02393-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
There are a number of cell therapies that are either in clinical trials or moving toward clinical trials, particularly for diseases of the retina. One of the challenges with cell therapies is tracking the status of cells over time. Genetic manipulation can facilitate this, but it can limit the clinical application of the cells. There are a host of fluorophores that have been developed to assess the status of cells, but these molecules tend to be cleared rapidly from cells. There are preclinical strategies that use degradable scaffolds, and we hypothesized that these scaffolds could be used to track the state of cells during preclinical studies. In this work, we explored whether fluorophores could be delivered from simple scaffolds fabricated under extremely harsh conditions, be active upon release, and report on the cells growing on the scaffolds over time. We encapsulated CellROX® Green Reagent, and pHrodo™ Red AM in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffolds, showed that they could be delivered over weeks and were still active upon release and taken up by cells. These experiments provide the foundation for using scaffolds to deliver molecules to report on cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kath Bogie
- Louis Stokes Cleveland VA, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Erin Lavik
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, 21250, USA.
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Cao J, Yang R, Smith TE, Evans S, McCollum GW, Pomerantz SC, Petley T, Harris IR, Penn JS. Human Umbilical Tissue-Derived Cells Secrete Soluble VEGFR1 and Inhibit Choroidal Neovascularization. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2019; 14:37-46. [PMID: 31276010 PMCID: PMC6586593 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD), characterized by choroidal neovascularization (CNV), is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in developed countries. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs are the standard treatment for AMD, but they have limitations. Cell therapy is a promising approach for ocular diseases, and it is being developed in the clinic for the treatment of retinal degeneration, including AMD. We previously showed that subretinal injection of human umbilical tissue-derived cells (hUTCs) in a rodent model of retinal degeneration preserved photoreceptors and visual function through rescue of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell phagocytosis. Here we investigated the effect of hUTCs on a rat model of laser-induced CNV and on a human RPE cell line, ARPE-19, for VEGF production. We demonstrate that subretinal injection of hUTCs significantly inhibited CNV and lowered choroidal VEGF in vivo. VEGF release from ARPE-19 decreased when co-cultured with hUTCs. Soluble VEGF receptor 1 (sVEGFR1) is identified as the only factor in hUTC conditioned medium (CM) that binds to VEGF. The level of exogenous recombinant VEGF in hUTC CM was dramatically reduced and could be recovered with sVEGFR1-neutralizing antibody. This suggests that hUTC inhibits angiogenesis through the secretion of sVEGFR1 and could serve as a novel treatment for angiogenic ocular diseases, including AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Cao
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Spring House, PA 19477, USA
| | - Rong Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Taylor E. Smith
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Stephanie Evans
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Gary W. McCollum
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | | | - Theodore Petley
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Spring House, PA 19477, USA
| | - Ian R. Harris
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Spring House, PA 19477, USA
| | - John S. Penn
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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Happle C, Lachmann N, Ackermann M, Mirenska A, Göhring G, Thomay K, Mucci A, Hetzel M, Glomb T, Suzuki T, Chalk C, Glage S, Dittrich-Breiholz O, Trapnell B, Moritz T, Hansen G. Pulmonary Transplantation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Macrophages Ameliorates Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2019; 198:350-360. [PMID: 29652170 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201708-1562oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Although the transplantation of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cells harbors enormous potential for the treatment of pulmonary diseases, in vivo data demonstrating clear therapeutic benefits of human iPSC-derived cells in lung disease models are missing. OBJECTIVES We have tested the therapeutic potential of iPSC-derived macrophages in a humanized disease model of hereditary pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP). Hereditary PAP is caused by a genetic defect of the GM-CSF (granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor) receptor, which leads to disturbed macrophage differentiation and protein/surfactant degradation in the lungs, subsequently resulting in severe respiratory insufficiency. METHODS Macrophages derived from human iPSCs underwent intrapulmonary transplantation into humanized PAP mice, and engraftment, in vivo differentiation, and therapeutic efficacy of the transplanted cells were analyzed. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS On intratracheal application, iPSC-derived macrophages engrafted in the lungs of humanized PAP mice. After 2 months, transplanted cells displayed the typical morphology, surface markers, functionality, and transcription profile of primary human alveolar macrophages. Alveolar proteinosis was significantly reduced as demonstrated by diminished protein content and surfactant protein D levels, decreased turbidity of the BAL fluid, and reduced surfactant deposition in the lungs of transplanted mice. CONCLUSIONS We here demonstrate for the first time that pulmonary transplantation of human iPSC-derived macrophages leads to pulmonary engraftment, their in situ differentiation to an alveolar macrophage phenotype, and a reduction of alveolar proteinosis in a humanized PAP model. To our knowledge, this finding presents the first proof-of-concept for the therapeutic potential of human iPSC-derived cells in a pulmonary disease and may have profound implications beyond the rare disease of PAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Happle
- 1 Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology.,2 Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL)
| | - Nico Lachmann
- 3 Junior Research Group (JRG) Translational Hematology of Congenital Diseases, Regenerative Biology and Reconstructive Therapies (REBIRTH) Cluster of Excellence.,4 Institute of Experimental Hematology
| | - Mania Ackermann
- 3 Junior Research Group (JRG) Translational Hematology of Congenital Diseases, Regenerative Biology and Reconstructive Therapies (REBIRTH) Cluster of Excellence.,4 Institute of Experimental Hematology
| | - Anja Mirenska
- 1 Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology
| | | | | | - Adele Mucci
- 4 Institute of Experimental Hematology.,6 Research Group-Reprogramming and Gene Therapy, REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence
| | - Miriam Hetzel
- 4 Institute of Experimental Hematology.,6 Research Group-Reprogramming and Gene Therapy, REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence
| | - Torsten Glomb
- 7 Core Unit Transcriptomics, Institute for Physiological Chemistry, and
| | - Takuji Suzuki
- 8 Division of Pulmonary Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Claudia Chalk
- 8 Division of Pulmonary Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Silke Glage
- 9 Central Animal Facility, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; and
| | | | - Bruce Trapnell
- 8 Division of Pulmonary Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Thomas Moritz
- 4 Institute of Experimental Hematology.,6 Research Group-Reprogramming and Gene Therapy, REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence
| | - Gesine Hansen
- 1 Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology.,2 Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL)
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Generation of Retinal Pigmented Epithelium-Like Cells from Pigmented Spheres Differentiated from Bone Marrow Stromal Cell-Derived Neurospheres. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2019; 16:253-263. [PMID: 31205854 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-019-00183-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Retinal degeneration causes blindness, and cell replacement is a potential therapy. The purpose of this study is to formation of pigmented neurospheres in a simple medium, low-cost, high-performance manner over a short period of time while expressing markers of RPE cells and the activation of specific genes of the pigment cells. Also, these neurospheres have the ability to produce a monolayer of retinal pigment epithelium-like cells (RPELC) with the ability of photoreceptor outer segment phagocytosis. Methods BMSC were isolated from pigmented hooded male rats and were immunoreactive to BMSC markers, then converted into neurospheres, differentiated into pigmented spheres (PS), and characterized using Retinal pigment epithelium-specific 65 kDa protein (RPE65), Retinaldehyde-binding protein 1 (CRALBP) and orthodenticle homeobox 2 (OTX2) markers by immunocytochemistry, RT-PCR and RT-qPCR. The PS were harvested into RPELC. The functionality of RPELC was evaluated by phagocytosis of fluorescein-labeled photoreceptor outer segment. Results The BMSC immunophenotype was confirmed by immunostained for fibronectin, CD90, CD166 and CD44. These cells differentiated into osteogenic and lipogenic cells. The generated neurospheres were immunoreactive to nestin and stemness genes. The PS after 7-14 days were positive for RPE65 (92.76-100%), CRALBP (95.21-100%) and OTX2 (94.88-100%), and after 30 days RT-PCR, qPCR revealed increasing in gene expression. The PS formed a single layer of RPELC after cultivation and phagocyte photoreceptor outer segments. Conclusion Bone marrow stromal stem cells can differentiate into functional retinal pigmented epithelium cells in a simple, low-cost, high-performance manner over a short period of time. These cells due to expressing the RPELC genes and markers can be used in cell replacement therapy for degenerative diseases including age-related macular degeneration as well as retinitis pigmentosa.
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Yuan J. Role of inflammatory factors in the effects of aflibercept or ranibizumab treatment for alleviating wet age-associated macular degeneration. Exp Ther Med 2019; 17:4249-4258. [PMID: 30988797 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2019.7427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aflibercept and ranibizumab are novel drugs for effectively treating wet age-associated macular degeneration (AMD). In the present study, the effect of aflibercept and ranibizumab on wet AMD was compared. A total of 80 AMD patients were intravitreously treated with aflibercept (2.0 mg/dose, 40 participants) or ranibizumab (0.3 mg/dose, 40 participants). The mean visual acuity and central subfield thickness (CTS) were determined at baseline and each follow-up visit (every 4 weeks). ELISA was used to detect the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). The primary outcome was the mean change in visual acuity letter score (VAS) and CTS at 1 year. The VAS was markedly improved by 13.1 in the aflibercept group and by 11.0 in the ranibizumab group. In a subgroup of patients with an initial VAS of <69, the mean improvement in the VAS was 17.7 in the aflibercept group and 13.2 in the ranibizumab group (P<0.01). The mean CTS was markedly decreased by 141 in the aflibercept group and by 134 in the ranibizumab group. In the subgroup of patients with an initial VAS of <69, the mean CTS was decreased by 171 in the aflibercept group and by 154 in the ranibizumab group (P<0.01). However, the change of VAS and CTS was similar between the ranibizumab and aflibercept groups when the initial VAS was ≥69. No significant differences in serious adverse events were identified between the aflibercept and ranibizumab groups. The levels of TGF-β1, IL-6 and MCP-1 were decreased by the aflibercept and ranibizumab treatments. The decrease in the levels of the inflammatory factors was more obvious in patients with an initial VAS of <69 in comparison with that in patients with an initial VAS of ≥69. Negative correlations between the levels of TGF-β1, MCP-1 and IL-6 and the mean change of VAS when patients were treated with aflibercept or ranibizumab were identified among all ages. Positive correlations between the levels of TGF-β1, MCP-1 and IL-6 and the mean change of CTS were observed when the initial VAS of the patients was <69. In conclusion, the efficacy of aflibercept in treating patients with AMD was better than that of ranibizumab when the initial VAS of the patients was <69. The inhibition of inflammatory factors may be a secondary effect of aflibercept and ranibizumab treatment. The present study provides a useful reference for the clinical treatment of wet AMD (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry no. ChiCTR1800017782).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianshu Yuan
- Ophthalmology Department, Ningbo Eye Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315040, P.R. China
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Zou T, Gao L, Zeng Y, Li Q, Li Y, Chen S, Hu X, Chen X, Fu C, Xu H, Yin ZQ. Organoid-derived C-Kit +/SSEA4 - human retinal progenitor cells promote a protective retinal microenvironment during transplantation in rodents. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1205. [PMID: 30872578 PMCID: PMC6418223 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-08961-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell therapy may replace lost photoreceptors and preserve residual photoreceptors during retinal degeneration (RD). Unfortunately, the degenerative microenvironment compromises the fate of grafted cells, demanding supplementary strategies for microenvironment regulation. Donor cells with both proper regeneration capability and intrinsic ability to improve microenvironment are highly desired. Here, we use cell surface markers (C-Kit+/SSEA4−) to effectively eliminate tumorigenic embryonic cells and enrich retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) from human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived retinal organoids, which, following subretinal transplantation into RD models of rats and mice, significantly improve vision and preserve the retinal structure. We characterize the pattern of integration and materials transfer following transplantation, which likely contribute to the rescued photoreceptors. Moreover, C-Kit+/SSEA4− cells suppress microglial activation, gliosis and the production of inflammatory mediators, thereby providing a healthier host microenvironment for the grafted cells and delaying RD. Therefore, C-Kit+/SSEA4− cells from hESC-derived retinal organoids are a promising therapeutic cell source. Stem cell transplantation to treat retinal degeneration could be limited by the degenerative microenvironment. Here, the authors show that C-Kit+/SSEA4– progenitor cells enriched from human embryonic stem cell derived retinal organoids protect retinal structure, suppress microglial activation, gliosis and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zou
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Lixiong Gao
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yuxiao Zeng
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Qiyou Li
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yijian Li
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Siyu Chen
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xisu Hu
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Caiyun Fu
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Haiwei Xu
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China. .,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Zheng Qin Yin
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China. .,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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Preclinical Evaluation of Long-Term Neuroprotective Effects of BDNF-Engineered Mesenchymal Stromal Cells as Intravitreal Therapy for Chronic Retinal Degeneration in Rd6 Mutant Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20030777. [PMID: 30759764 PMCID: PMC6387230 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20030777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate whether the transplantation of genetically engineered bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to overexpress brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) could rescue the chronic degenerative process of slow retinal degeneration in the rd6 (retinal degeneration 6) mouse model and sought to identify the potential underlying mechanisms. Rd6 mice were subjected to the intravitreal injection of lentivirally modified MSC-BDNF or unmodified MSC or saline. In vivo morphology, electrophysiological retinal function (ERG), and the expression of apoptosis-related genes, as well as BDNF and its receptor (TrkB), were assessed in retinas collected at 28 days and three months after transplantation. We observed that cells survived for at least three months after transplantation. MSC-BDNF preferentially integrated into the outer retinal layers and considerably rescued damaged retinal cells, as evaluated by ERG and immunofluorescence staining. Additionally, compared with controls, the therapy with MSC-BDNF was associated with the induction of molecular changes related to anti-apoptotic signaling. In conclusion, BDNF overexpression observed in retinas after MSC-BDNF treatment could enhance the neuroprotective properties of transplanted autologous MSCs alone in the chronically degenerated retina. This research provides evidence for the long-term efficacy of genetically-modified MSC and may represent a strategy for treating various forms of degenerative retinopathies in the future.
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Pluripotent Stem Cells as Models of Retina Development. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:6056-6070. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-1504-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Zhu J, Slevin M, Guo BQ, Zhu SR. Induced pluripotent stem cells as a potential therapeutic source for corneal epithelial stem cells. Int J Ophthalmol 2018; 11:2004-2010. [PMID: 30588437 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2018.12.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal blindness caused by limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) is one of the most common debilitating eye disorders. Thus far, the most effective treatment for LSCD is corneal transplantation, which is often hindered by the shortage of donors. Pluripotent stem cell technology including embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have opened new avenues for treating this disease. iPSCs-derived corneal epithelial cells provide an autologous and unlimited source of cells for the treatment of LSCD. On the other hand, iPSCs of LSCD patients can be used for iPSCs-corneal disease model and new drug discovery. However, prior to clinical trial, the efficacy and safety of these cells in patients with LSCD should be proved. Here we focused on the current status of iPSCs-derived corneal epithelial cells used for cell therapy as well as for corneal disease modeling. The challenges and potential of iPSCs-derived corneal epithelial cells as a choice for clinical treatment in corneal disease were also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhu
- Queen Mary School, Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Mark Slevin
- School of Healthcare Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M15GD, United Kingdom.,Research Institute of Brain Vascular Disease, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Bao-Qiang Guo
- School of Healthcare Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M15GD, United Kingdom.,Research Institute of Brain Vascular Disease, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Shou-Rong Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, Shandong Province, China
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Kharitonov AE, Surdina AV, Lebedeva OS, Bogomazova AN, Lagarkova MA. Possibilities for Using Pluripotent Stem Cells for Restoring Damaged Eye Retinal Pigment Epithelium. Acta Naturae 2018; 10:30-39. [PMID: 30397524 PMCID: PMC6209409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium is a monolayer of pigmented, hexagonal cells connected by tight junctions. These cells compose part of the outer blood-retina barrier, protect the eye from excessive light, have important secretory functions, and support the function of photoreceptors, ensuring the coordination of a variety of regulatory mechanisms. It is the degeneration of the pigment epithelium that is the root cause of many retinal degenerative diseases. The search for reliable cell sources for the transplantation of retinal pigment epithelium is of extreme urgency. Pluripotent stem cells (embryonic stem or induced pluripotent) can be differentiated with high efficiency into the pigment epithelium of the retina, which opens up possibilities for cellular therapy in macular degeneration and can slow down the development of pathology and, perhaps, restore a patient's vision. Pioneering clinical trials on transplantation of retinal pigment epithelial cells differentiated from pluripotent stem cells in the United States and Japan confirmed the need for developing and optimizing such approaches to cell therapy. For effective use, pigment epithelial cells differentiated from pluripotent stem cells should have a set of functional properties characteristic of such cells in vivo. This review summarizes the current state of preclinical and clinical studies in the field of retinal pigment epithelial transplantation therapy. We also discuss different differentiation protocols based on data in the literature and our own data, and the problems holding back the widespread therapeutic application of retinal pigment epithelium differentiated from pluripotent stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. E. Kharitonov
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Malaya Pirogovskaya Str., 1a, Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - A. V. Surdina
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Malaya Pirogovskaya Str., 1a, Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - O. S. Lebedeva
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Malaya Pirogovskaya Str., 1a, Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - A. N. Bogomazova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Malaya Pirogovskaya Str., 1a, Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - M. A. Lagarkova
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Malaya Pirogovskaya Str., 1a, Moscow, 119435, Russia
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41
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Tochitsky I, Kienzler MA, Isacoff E, Kramer RH. Restoring Vision to the Blind with Chemical Photoswitches. Chem Rev 2018; 118:10748-10773. [PMID: 29874052 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.7b00723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Degenerative retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affect millions of people around the world and lead to irreversible vision loss if left untreated. A number of therapeutic strategies have been developed over the years to treat these diseases or restore vision to already blind patients. In this Review, we describe the development and translational application of light-sensitive chemical photoswitches to restore visual function to the blind retina and compare the translational potential of photoswitches with other vision-restoring therapies. This therapeutic strategy is enabled by an efficient fusion of chemical synthesis, chemical biology, and molecular biology and is broadly applicable to other biological systems. We hope this Review will be of interest to chemists as well as neuroscientists and clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Tochitsky
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center , Boston Children's Hospital , Boston , Massachusetts 02115 , United States.,Department of Neurobiology , Harvard Medical School , Boston , Massachusetts 02115 , United States
| | - Michael A Kienzler
- Department of Chemistry , University of Maine , Orono , Maine 04469 , United States
| | - Ehud Isacoff
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology , University of California , Berkeley , California 94720 , United States.,Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute , University of California , Berkeley , California 94720 , United States.,Bioscience Division , Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory , Berkeley , California 94720 , United States
| | - Richard H Kramer
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology , University of California , Berkeley , California 94720 , United States.,Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute , University of California , Berkeley , California 94720 , United States
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42
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Chuang JH, Yarmishyn AA, Hwang DK, Hsu CC, Wang ML, Yang YP, Chien KH, Chiou SH, Peng CH, Chen SJ. Expression profiling of cell-intrinsic regulators in the process of differentiation of human iPSCs into retinal lineages. Stem Cell Res Ther 2018; 9:140. [PMID: 29751772 PMCID: PMC5948821 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-018-0848-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into retinal lineages offers great potential for medical application. Therefore, it is of crucial importance to know the key intrinsic regulators of differentiation and the specific biomarker signatures of cell lineages. METHODS In this study, we used microarrays to analyze transcriptomes of terminally differentiated retinal ganglion cell (RGC) and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) lineages, as well as intermediate retinal progenitor cells of optic vesicles (OVs) derived from hiPSCs. In our analysis, we specifically focused on the classes of transcripts that encode intrinsic regulators of gene expression: the transcription factors (TFs) and epigenetic chromatin state regulators. We applied two criteria for the selection of potentially important regulators and markers: firstly, the magnitude of fold-change of upregulation; secondly, the contrasted pattern of differential expression between OV, RGC and RPE lineages. RESULTS We found that among the most highly overexpressed TF-encoding genes in the OV/RGC lineage were three members of the Collier/Olfactory-1/Early B-cell family: EBF1, EBF2 and EBF3. Knockdown of EBF1 led to significant impairment of differentiation of hiPSCs into RGCs. EBF1 was shown to act upstream of ISL1 and BRN3A, the well-characterized regulators of RGC lineage specification. TF-encoding genes DLX1, DLX2 and INSM1 were the most highly overexpressed genes in the OVs, indicating their important role in the early stages of retinal differentiation. Along with MITF, the two paralogs, BHLHE41 and BHLHE40, were the most robust TF markers of RPE cells. The markedly contrasted expression of ACTL6B, encoding the component of chromatin remodeling complex SWI/SNF, discriminated hiPSC-derived OV/RGC and RPE lineages. CONCLUSIONS We identified novel, potentially important intrinsic regulators of RGC and RPE cell lineage specification in the process of differentiation from hiPSCs. We demonstrated the crucial role played by EBF1 in differentiation of RGCs. We identified intrinsic regulator biomarker signatures of these two retinal cell types that can be applied with high confidence to confirm the cell lineage identities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jen-Hua Chuang
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Aliaksandr A Yarmishyn
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - De-Kuang Hwang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chien Hsu
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mong-Lien Wang
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ping Yang
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ke-Hung Chien
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tri-Service General Hospital & National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hwa Chiou
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Hsien Peng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital and Fu Jen Catholic University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Shih-Jen Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Tri-Service General Hospital & National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan. .,School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Verbakel SK, van Huet RAC, Boon CJF, den Hollander AI, Collin RWJ, Klaver CCW, Hoyng CB, Roepman R, Klevering BJ. Non-syndromic retinitis pigmentosa. Prog Retin Eye Res 2018; 66:157-186. [PMID: 29597005 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 501] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) encompasses a group of inherited retinal dystrophies characterized by the primary degeneration of rod and cone photoreceptors. RP is a leading cause of visual disability, with a worldwide prevalence of 1:4000. Although the majority of RP cases are non-syndromic, 20-30% of patients with RP also have an associated non-ocular condition. RP typically manifests with night blindness in adolescence, followed by concentric visual field loss, reflecting the principal dysfunction of rod photoreceptors; central vision loss occurs later in life due to cone dysfunction. Photoreceptor function measured with an electroretinogram is markedly reduced or even absent. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging show a progressive loss of outer retinal layers and altered lipofuscin distribution in a characteristic pattern. Over the past three decades, a vast number of disease-causing variants in more than 80 genes have been associated with non-syndromic RP. The wide heterogeneity of RP makes it challenging to describe the clinical findings and pathogenesis. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the clinical characteristics of RP specific to genetically defined patient subsets. We supply a unique atlas with color fundus photographs of most RP subtypes, and we discuss the relevant considerations with respect to differential diagnoses. In addition, we discuss the genes involved in the pathogenesis of RP, as well as the retinal processes that are affected by pathogenic mutations in these genes. Finally, we review management strategies for patients with RP, including counseling, visual rehabilitation, and current and emerging therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne K Verbakel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ramon A C van Huet
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Camiel J F Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; Department of Ophthalmology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anneke I den Hollander
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rob W J Collin
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline C W Klaver
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carel B Hoyng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald Roepman
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - B Jeroen Klevering
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
Treating neurodegenerative diseases with cell transplantation has been within reach since the first pioneering clinical trials in which dopamine neuron progenitors from the fetal brain were transplanted to individuals with Parkinson's disease. However, the use of fetal tissue is problematic in terms of low availability and high variability, and it is also associated with ethical concerns that vary between countries. For decades, the field has therefore investigated new scalable source of therapeutic cells from stem cells or via reprogramming. Now it is possible to generate authentic midbrain dopaminergic neurons from pluripotent stem cells and clinical trials using such cells are rapidly approaching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malin Parmar
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Division of Neurobiology and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, BMC A11, S-221 84 Lund, Sweden
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45
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Huang Y, Ng TK, Chen CB, Huang B, Liang J, Pang CP, Zhang M. Notch Signaling Activation Enhances Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Retinal Differentiation. Stem Cells Int 2018; 2018:9201374. [PMID: 30410544 PMCID: PMC6206515 DOI: 10.1155/2018/9201374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal disease treatment by stem cell-based replacement relies on stem cell differentiation into retinal cells. We previously demonstrated that human periodontal ligament-derived stem cells can be directed into retinal lineage upon induction. Here, we report the transdifferentiation potential of human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) into retinal lineage and its enhancement by Notch signaling modulation. Human ASCs, isolated from abdominal fat, expressed mesenchymal but not hematopoietic stem cell markers, and they can differentiate into adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteoblasts in vitro. Upon noggin/Dkk-1/IGF-1 induction, the treated ASCs showed elevated expression of retinal progenitor, retinal ganglion, and photoreceptor cell markers as well as the glutamate-evoked calcium response, which was not observed in the noninduced cells. Compared to the regular induction treatment, Notch signaling activation by JAG1 enhanced the expression of retinal progenitor and precursor markers without affecting the glutamate-evoked calcium response. In contrast, Notch signaling inhibition by DAPT showed more retinal ganglion cells, but delayed the response to glutamate stimulation. In summary, our results revealed that human ASCs possess a retinal transdifferentiation potential upon noggin/Dkk-1/IGF-1 induction, which can further be enhanced by Notch signaling activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqiang Huang
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tsz Kin Ng
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guandong, China
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Chong-Bo Chen
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Bing Huang
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiajian Liang
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chi Pui Pang
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Mingzhi Zhang
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, Guangdong, China
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