1
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Hultgren NW, Zhou T, Williams DS. Machine learning-based 3D segmentation of mitochondria in polarized epithelial cells. Mitochondrion 2024; 76:101882. [PMID: 38599302 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2024.101882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that alter their morphological characteristics in response to functional needs. Therefore, mitochondrial morphology is an important indicator of mitochondrial function and cellular health. Reliable segmentation of mitochondrial networks in microscopy images is a crucial initial step for further quantitative evaluation of their morphology. However, 3D mitochondrial segmentation, especially in cells with complex network morphology, such as in highly polarized cells, remains challenging. To improve the quality of 3D segmentation of mitochondria in super-resolution microscopy images, we took a machine learning approach, using 3D Trainable Weka, an ImageJ plugin. We demonstrated that, compared with other commonly used methods, our approach segmented mitochondrial networks effectively, with improved accuracy in different polarized epithelial cell models, including differentiated human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Furthermore, using several tools for quantitative analysis following segmentation, we revealed mitochondrial fragmentation in bafilomycin-treated RPE cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan W Hultgren
- Department of Ophthalmology and Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Tianli Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology and Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - David S Williams
- Department of Ophthalmology and Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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2
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Nguyen VP, Zhe J, Hu J, Ahmed U, Paulus YM. Molecular and cellular imaging of the eye. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2024; 15:360-386. [PMID: 38223186 PMCID: PMC10783915 DOI: 10.1364/boe.502350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
The application of molecular and cellular imaging in ophthalmology has numerous benefits. It can enable the early detection and diagnosis of ocular diseases, facilitating timely intervention and improved patient outcomes. Molecular imaging techniques can help identify disease biomarkers, monitor disease progression, and evaluate treatment responses. Furthermore, these techniques allow researchers to gain insights into the pathogenesis of ocular diseases and develop novel therapeutic strategies. Molecular and cellular imaging can also allow basic research to elucidate the normal physiological processes occurring within the eye, such as cell signaling, tissue remodeling, and immune responses. By providing detailed visualization at the molecular and cellular level, these imaging techniques contribute to a comprehensive understanding of ocular biology. Current clinically available imaging often relies on confocal microscopy, multi-photon microscopy, PET (positron emission tomography) or SPECT (single-photon emission computed tomography) techniques, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fluorescence imaging. Preclinical research focuses on the identification of novel molecular targets for various diseases. The aim is to discover specific biomarkers or molecular pathways associated with diseases, allowing for targeted imaging and precise disease characterization. In parallel, efforts are being made to develop sophisticated and multifunctional contrast agents that can selectively bind to these identified molecular targets. These contrast agents can enhance the imaging signal and improve the sensitivity and specificity of molecular imaging by carrying various imaging labels, including radionuclides for PET or SPECT, fluorescent dyes for optical imaging, or nanoparticles for multimodal imaging. Furthermore, advancements in technology and instrumentation are being pursued to enable multimodality molecular imaging. Integrating different imaging modalities, such as PET/MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or PET/CT (computed tomography), allows for the complementary strengths of each modality to be combined, providing comprehensive molecular and anatomical information in a single examination. Recently, photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) has been explored as a novel imaging technology for visualization of different retinal diseases. PAM is a non-invasive, non-ionizing radiation, and hybrid imaging modality that combines the optical excitation of contrast agents with ultrasound detection. It offers a unique approach to imaging by providing both anatomical and functional information. Its ability to utilize molecularly targeted contrast agents holds great promise for molecular imaging applications in ophthalmology. In this review, we will summarize the application of multimodality molecular imaging for tracking chorioretinal angiogenesis along with the migration of stem cells after subretinal transplantation in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Phuc Nguyen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Josh Zhe
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Justin Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Umayr Ahmed
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Yannis M. Paulus
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
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3
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Luo R, Li L, Han Q, Fu J, Xiao F. HAGLR, stabilized by m6A modification, triggers PTEN-Akt signaling cascade-mediated RPE cell pyroptosis via sponging miR-106b-5p. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2024; 38:e23596. [PMID: 38088496 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Consistent hyperglycaemia on retinal microvascular tissues is recognized as a vital inducer of diabetic retinopathy (DR) pathogenesis. In view of the essential functionality of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in multiple human diseases, we aim to figure out the exact role and underlying mechanisms of lncRNA HOXD Cluster Antisense RNA 1 (HAGLR) in DR pathogenesis. Serum specimens from patients with proliferative DR and healthy volunteers were collected for measuring HAGLR levels. Human primary retinal pigment epithelium (HRPE) cells kept in high glucose (HG) condition were applied to simulating hyperglycaemia of DR pathology in vitro. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, either pyroptosis was assess using Cell Counting Kit-8 TUNEL, flow cytometry, and enzyme-linked immunoassay assays. Bioinformatics analysis was subjected to examine the interaction between HAGLR and N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-bind protein IGF2BP2, as determined using RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull-down. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to assess the HAGLR-miR-106b-5p-PTEN axis. Levels of pyroptosis-associated biomarkers were detected using western blotting. Aberrantly overexpressed HAGLR was uncovered in the serum samples of DR patients and HG-induced HRPE cells, of which knockdown attenuated HG-induced cytotoxic impacts on cell apoptosis and pyroptosis. Whereas, reinforced HAGLR further aggravated these effects. IGF2BP2 positively regulated HAGLR in a m6A-dependent manner. HAGLR served as a sponge for miR-106b-5p to upregulate PTEN, thereby activating Akt signaling cascade. Rescue assays demonstrated that PTEN overexpression abolished the inhibition of silenced HAGLR on pyroptosis in HRPE cells. HAGLR, epigenetically modified by IGF2BP2 in an m6A-dependent manner, functioned as a sponge for miR-106b-5p, thereby activating PTEN/Akt signaling cascade to accelerate DR pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lan Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qingluan Han
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jingsong Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Fan Xiao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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4
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Gilmore WB, Hultgren NW, Chadha A, Barocio SB, Zhang J, Kutsyr O, Flores-Bellver M, Canto-Soler MV, Williams DS. Expression of two major isoforms of MYO7A in the retina: Considerations for gene therapy of Usher syndrome type 1B. Vision Res 2023; 212:108311. [PMID: 37586294 PMCID: PMC10984346 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2023.108311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Usher syndrome type 1B (USH1B) is a deaf-blindness disorder, caused by mutations in the MYO7A gene, which encodes the heavy chain of an unconventional actin-based motor protein. Here, we examined the two retinal isoforms of MYO7A, IF1 and IF2. We compared 3D models of the two isoforms and noted that the 38-amino acid region that is present in IF1 but absent from IF2 affects the C lobe of the FERM1 domain and the opening of a cleft in this potentially important protein binding domain. Expression of each of the two isoforms of human MYO7A and pig and mouse Myo7a was detected in the RPE and neural retina. Quantification by qPCR showed that the expression of IF2 was typically ∼ 7-fold greater than that of IF1. We discuss the implications of these findings for any USH1B gene therapy strategy. Given the current incomplete knowledge of the functions of each isoform, both isoforms should be considered for targeting both the RPE and the neural retina in gene augmentation therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Blake Gilmore
- Department of Ophthalmology and Stein Eye Institute, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nan W Hultgren
- Department of Ophthalmology and Stein Eye Institute, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Abhishek Chadha
- Department of Ophthalmology and Stein Eye Institute, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sonia B Barocio
- Department of Ophthalmology and Stein Eye Institute, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joyce Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Stein Eye Institute, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Oksana Kutsyr
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Research Program, Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Miguel Flores-Bellver
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Research Program, Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - M Valeria Canto-Soler
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Research Program, Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - David S Williams
- Department of Ophthalmology and Stein Eye Institute, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Tan Y, Huang J, Li D, Zou C, Liu D, Qin B. Single-cell RNA sequencing in dissecting microenvironment of age-related macular degeneration: Challenges and perspectives. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 90:102030. [PMID: 37549871 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102030] [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: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in individuals over the age of 50 years, yet its etiology and pathogenesis largely remain uncovered. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technologies are recently developed and have a number of advantages over conventional bulk RNA sequencing techniques in uncovering the heterogeneity of complex microenvironments containing numerous cell types and cell communications during various biological processes. In this review, we summarize the latest discovered cellular components and regulatory mechanisms during AMD development revealed by scRNA-seq. In addition, we discuss the main challenges and future directions in exploring the pathophysiology of AMD equipped with single-cell technologies. Our review underscores the importance of multimodal single-cell platforms (such as single-cell spatiotemporal multi-omics and single-cell exosome omics) as new approaches for basic and clinical AMD research in identifying biomarker, characterizing cellular responses to drug treatment and environmental stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Tan
- Shenzhen Aier Eye Hospital, Aier Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianguo Huang
- Shenzhen Aier Eye Hospital, Aier Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Deshuang Li
- Shenzhen Aier Eye Hospital, Aier Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chang Zou
- Shenzhen Aier Eye Hospital, Aier Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Aier Ophthalmic Technology Institute, Shenzhen, China; School of Life and Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Kong Hong, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong, China.
| | - Dongcheng Liu
- Shenzhen Aier Eye Hospital, Aier Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Aier Ophthalmic Technology Institute, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Bo Qin
- Shenzhen Aier Eye Hospital, Aier Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Aier Ophthalmic Technology Institute, Shenzhen, China; Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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6
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Lenin RR, Koh YH, Zhang Z, Yeo YZ, Parikh BH, Seah I, Wong W, Su X. Dysfunctional Autophagy, Proteostasis, and Mitochondria as a Prelude to Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108763. [PMID: 37240109 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell dysfunction is a key driving force of AMD. RPE cells form a metabolic interface between photoreceptors and choriocapillaris, performing essential functions for retinal homeostasis. Through their multiple functions, RPE cells are constantly exposed to oxidative stress, which leads to the accumulation of damaged proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and cellular organelles, including mitochondria. As miniature chemical engines of the cell, self-replicating mitochondria are heavily implicated in the aging process through a variety of mechanisms. In the eye, mitochondrial dysfunction is strongly associated with several diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in millions of people globally. Aged mitochondria exhibit decreased rates of oxidative phosphorylation, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and increased numbers of mitochondrial DNA mutations. Mitochondrial bioenergetics and autophagy decline during aging because of insufficient free radical scavenger systems, the impairment of DNA repair mechanisms, and reductions in mitochondrial turnover. Recent research has uncovered a much more complex role of mitochondrial function and cytosolic protein translation and proteostasis in AMD pathogenesis. The coupling of autophagy and mitochondrial apoptosis modulates the proteostasis and aging processes. This review aims to summarise and provide a perspective on (i) the current evidence of autophagy, proteostasis, and mitochondrial dysfunction in dry AMD; (ii) current in vitro and in vivo disease models relevant to assessing mitochondrial dysfunction in AMD, and their utility in drug screening; and (iii) ongoing clinical trials targeting mitochondrial dysfunction for AMD therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raji Rajesh Lenin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 7, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Department of Medical Research, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Yi Hui Koh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 7, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Zheting Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 7, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), 11 Mandalay Road, Experimental Medicine Building, Singapore 308232, Singapore
| | - Yan Zhuang Yeo
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Bhav Harshad Parikh
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Ivan Seah
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 7, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Wendy Wong
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital (NUH), 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 7, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Xinyi Su
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 7, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital (NUH), 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 7, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), The Academia, 20 College Road, Level 6 Discovery Tower, Singapore 169856, Singapore
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Liu Q, Liu J, Higuchi A. hPSC-derived RPE transplantation for the treatment of macular degeneration. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 199:227-269. [PMID: 37678973 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
Macular degeneration (MD) is a group of diseases characterized by irreversible and progressive vision loss. Patients with MD suffer from severely impaired central vision, especially elderly people. Currently, only one type of MD, wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), can be treated with anti-vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF) drugs. Other types of MD remain difficult to treat. With the advent of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) and their differentiation into retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE), it is promising to treat patients with MD by transplantation of hPSC-derived RPE into the subretinal space. In this review, the current progress in hPSC-derived RPE transplantation for the treatment of patients with MD is described from bench to bedside, including hPSC differentiation into RPE and the characterization and usage of hPSC-derived RPE for transplantation into patients with MD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Jun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Akon Higuchi
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China; Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, Jhongli, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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8
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Chien Y, Hsiao YJ, Chou SJ, Lin TY, Yarmishyn AA, Lai WY, Lee MS, Lin YY, Lin TW, Hwang DK, Lin TC, Chiou SH, Chen SJ, Yang YP. Nanoparticles-mediated CRISPR-Cas9 gene therapy in inherited retinal diseases: applications, challenges, and emerging opportunities. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:511. [DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01717-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractInherited Retinal Diseases (IRDs) are considered one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. However, the majority of them still lack a safe and effective treatment due to their complexity and genetic heterogeneity. Recently, gene therapy is gaining importance as an efficient strategy to address IRDs which were previously considered incurable. The development of the clustered regularly-interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system has strongly empowered the field of gene therapy. However, successful gene modifications rely on the efficient delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 components into the complex three-dimensional (3D) architecture of the human retinal tissue. Intriguing findings in the field of nanoparticles (NPs) meet all the criteria required for CRISPR-Cas9 delivery and have made a great contribution toward its therapeutic applications. In addition, exploiting induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology and in vitro 3D retinal organoids paved the way for prospective clinical trials of the CRISPR-Cas9 system in treating IRDs. This review highlights important advances in NP-based gene therapy, the CRISPR-Cas9 system, and iPSC-derived retinal organoids with a focus on IRDs. Collectively, these studies establish a multidisciplinary approach by integrating nanomedicine and stem cell technologies and demonstrate the utility of retina organoids in developing effective therapies for IRDs.
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Malek G, Campisi J, Kitazawa K, Webster C, Lakkaraju A, Skowronska-Krawczyk D. Does senescence play a role in age-related macular degeneration? Exp Eye Res 2022; 225:109254. [PMID: 36150544 PMCID: PMC10032649 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Advanced age is the most established risk factor for developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), one of the leading causes of visual impairment in the elderly, in Western and developed countries. Similarly, after middle age, there is an exponential increase in pathologic molecular and cellular events that can induce senescence, traditionally defined as an irreversible loss of the cells' ability to divide and most recently reported to also occur in select post-mitotic and terminally differentiated cells, such as neurons. Together these facts raise the question as to whether or not cellular senescence, may play a role in the development of AMD. A number of studies have reported the effect of ocular-relevant inducers of senescence using primarily in vitro models of poorly polarized, actively dividing retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell lines. However, in interpretating the data, the fidelity of these culture models to the RPE in vivo, must be considered. Fewer studies have explored the presence and/or impact of senescent cells in in vivo models that present with phenotypic features of AMD, leaving this an open field for further investigation. The goal of this review is to discuss current thoughts on the potential role of senescence in AMD development and progression, with consideration of the model systems used and their relevance to human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goldis Malek
- Duke Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Judith Campisi
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA; Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Koji Kitazawa
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Corey Webster
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA
| | - Aparna Lakkaraju
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Dorota Skowronska-Krawczyk
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Department of Ophthalmology, Center for Translational Vision Research, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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10
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Ng ESY, Kady N, Hu J, Dave A, Jiang Z, Pei J, Gorin MB, Matynia A, Radu RA. Membrane Attack Complex Mediates Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cell Death in Stargardt Macular Degeneration. Cells 2022; 11:3462. [PMID: 36359858 PMCID: PMC9655712 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Recessive Stargardt disease (STGD1) is an inherited retinopathy caused by mutations in the ABCA4 gene. The ABCA4 protein is a phospholipid-retinoid flippase in the outer segments of photoreceptors and the internal membranes of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Here, we show that RPE cells derived via induced pluripotent stem-cell from a molecularly and clinically diagnosed STGD1 patient exhibited reduced ABCA4 protein and diminished activity compared to a normal subject. Consequently, STGD1 RPE cells accumulated intracellular autofluorescence-lipofuscin and displayed increased complement C3 activity. The level of C3 inversely correlated with the level of CD46, an early negative regulator of the complement cascade. Persistent complement dysregulation led to deposition of the membrane attack complex on the surface of RPE cells, decrease in transepithelial resistance, and subsequent cell death. These findings are strong evidence of complement-mediated RPE cell damage in STGD1, in the absence of photoreceptors, caused by reduced CD46 regulatory protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunice Sze Yin Ng
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California at Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular Cellular and Integrative Physiology Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Nermin Kady
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California at Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Jane Hu
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California at Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Arpita Dave
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California at Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Zhichun Jiang
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California at Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jacqueline Pei
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California at Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Michael B. Gorin
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California at Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Anna Matynia
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California at Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Roxana A. Radu
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California at Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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11
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Tian H, Chen Z, Zhu X, Ou Q, Wang Z, Wu B, Xu JY, Jin C, Gao F, Wang J, Zhang J, Zhang J, Lu L, Xu GT. Induced retinal pigment epithelial cells with anti-epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition ability delay retinal degeneration. iScience 2022; 25:105050. [PMID: 36185374 PMCID: PMC9519511 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105050] [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: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The hostile microenvironment of the retina in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) may trigger epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of grafted retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, thus attenuating the therapeutic outcome. Here, we transformed human dedifferentiated induced pluripotent stem cell-derived RPE (iPSC-RPE) cells into induced RPE (iRPE) cells using a cocktail of four transcription factors (TFs)—CRX, MITF-A, NR2E1, and C-MYC. These critical TFs maintained the epithelial property of iRPE cells by regulating the expression of bmp7, forkhead box f2, lin7a, and pard6b, and conferred resistance to TGF-β-induced EMT in iRPE cells by targeting ppm1a. The iRPE cells with Tet-on system-regulated c-myc expression exhibited EMT resistance and better therapeutic function compared with iPSC-RPE cells in rat AMD model. Our study demonstrates that endowing RPE cells with anti-EMT property avoids the risk of EMT after cells are grafted into the subretinal space, and it may provide a suitable candidate for AMD treatment. CRX, MITF-A, NR2E1, and C-MYC transform De-iPSC-RPE cells into iRPE cells iRPE cells have resistance to TGF-β-induced EMT BMP7, FOXF2, LIN7A, PARD6B, and PPM1A mediate the functions of TFs in iRPE cells iRPE cells have better retinal protective function than iPSC-RPE cells
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12
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Bharti K, den Hollander AI, Lakkaraju A, Sinha D, Williams DS, Finnemann SC, Bowes-Rickman C, Malek G, D'Amore PA. Cell culture models to study retinal pigment epithelium-related pathogenesis in age-related macular degeneration. Exp Eye Res 2022; 222:109170. [PMID: 35835183 PMCID: PMC9444976 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that affects the macula - the central part of the retina. It is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in the elderly. AMD onset is marked by the presence of lipid- and protein-rich extracellular deposits beneath the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a monolayer of polarized, pigmented epithelial cells located between the photoreceptors and the choroidal blood supply. Progression of AMD to the late nonexudative "dry" stage of AMD, also called geographic atrophy, is linked to progressive loss of areas of the RPE, photoreceptors, and underlying choriocapillaris leading to a severe decline in patients' vision. Differential susceptibility of macular RPE in AMD and the lack of an anatomical macula in most lab animal models has promoted the use of in vitro models of the RPE. In addition, the need for high throughput platforms to test potential therapies has driven the creation and characterization of in vitro model systems that recapitulate morphologic and functional abnormalities associated with human AMD. These models range from spontaneously formed cell line ARPE19, immortalized cell lines such as hTERT-RPE1, RPE-J, and D407, to primary human (fetal or adult) or animal (mouse and pig) RPE cells, and embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived RPE. Hallmark RPE phenotypes, such as cobblestone morphology, pigmentation, and polarization, vary significantly betweendifferent models and culture conditions used in different labs, which would directly impact their usability for investigating different aspects of AMD biology. Here the AMD Disease Models task group of the Ryan Initiative for Macular Research (RIMR) provides a summary of several currently used in vitro RPE models, historical aspects of their development, RPE phenotypes that are attainable in these models, their ability to model different aspects of AMD pathophysiology, and pros/cons for their use in the RPE and AMD fields. In addition, due to the burgeoning use of iPSC derived RPE cells, the critical need for developing standards for differentiating and rigorously characterizing RPE cell appearance, morphology, and function are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kapil Bharti
- Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research Section, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Anneke I den Hollander
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; AbbVie, Genomics Research Center, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Aparna Lakkaraju
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
| | - Debasish Sinha
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cell Biology and Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - David S Williams
- Stein Eye Institute, Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Silvia C Finnemann
- Center of Cancer, Genetic Diseases, and Gene Regulation, Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, Bronx, NY, USA.
| | - Catherine Bowes-Rickman
- Duke Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Goldis Malek
- Duke Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Patricia A D'Amore
- Mass Eye and Ear, Departments of Ophthalmology and Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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13
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Hall JC, Paull D, Pébay A, Lidgerwood GE. Human pluripotent stem cells for the modelling of retinal pigment epithelium homeostasis and disease: A review. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2022; 50:667-677. [PMID: 35739648 PMCID: PMC9546239 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.14128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), which include induced pluripotent stem cells and embryonic stem cells, are powerful tools for studying human development, physiology and disease, including those affecting the retina. Cells from selected individuals, or specific genetic backgrounds, can be differentiated into distinct cell types allowing the modelling of diseases in a dish for therapeutic development. hPSC‐derived retinal cultures have already been used to successfully model retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) degeneration for various retinal diseases including monogenic conditions and complex disease such as age‐related macular degeneration. Here, we will review the current knowledge gained in understanding the molecular events involved in retinal disease using hPSC‐derived retinal models, in particular RPE models. We will provide examples of various conditions to illustrate the scope of applications associated with the use of hPSC‐derived RPE models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna C Hall
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Daniel Paull
- The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute New York New York USA
| | - Alice Pébay
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
- Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Grace E. Lidgerwood
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
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14
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Hazim RA, Paniagua AE, Tang L, Yang K, Kim KKO, Stiles L, Divakaruni AS, Williams DS. Vitamin B3, nicotinamide, enhances mitochondrial metabolism to promote differentiation of the retinal pigment epithelium. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102286. [PMID: 35868562 PMCID: PMC9396405 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In the mammalian retina, a metabolic ecosystem exists in which photoreceptors acquire glucose from the choriocapillaris with the help of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). While the photoreceptor cells are primarily glycolytic, exhibiting Warburg-like metabolism, the RPE is reliant on mitochondrial respiration. However, the ways in which mitochondrial metabolism affect RPE cellular functions are not clear. We first used the human RPE cell line, ARPE-19, to examine mitochondrial metabolism in the context of cellular differentiation. We show that nicotinamide induced rapid differentiation of ARPE-19 cells, which was reversed by removal of supplemental nicotinamide. During the nicotinamide-induced differentiation, we observed using quantitative PCR, Western blotting, electron microscopy, and metabolic respiration and tracing assays that (1) mitochondrial gene and protein expression increased, (2) mitochondria became larger with more tightly folded cristae, and (3) mitochondrial metabolism was enhanced. In addition, we show that primary cultures of human fetal RPE cells responded similarly in the presence of nicotinamide. Furthermore, disruption of mitochondrial oxidation of pyruvate attenuated the nicotinamide-induced differentiation of the RPE cells. Together, our results demonstrate a remarkable effect of nicotinamide on RPE metabolism. We also identify mitochondrial respiration as a key contributor to the differentiated state of the RPE and thus to many of the RPE functions that are essential for retinal health and photoreception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roni A Hazim
- Department of Ophthalmology and Stein Eye Institute
| | | | - Lisa Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Stein Eye Institute
| | - Krista Yang
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Kristen K O Kim
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Linsey Stiles
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095; Department of Medicine, Endocrinology. UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine. Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Ajit S Divakaruni
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - David S Williams
- Department of Ophthalmology and Stein Eye Institute; Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA; Molecular Biology Institute; Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA.
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15
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Bhattacharya S, Yin J, Huo W, Chaum E. Modeling of mitochondrial bioenergetics and autophagy impairment in MELAS-mutant iPSC-derived retinal pigment epithelial cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:260. [PMID: 35715869 PMCID: PMC9205099 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02937-6] [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: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, a deeper understanding is required to determine the contribution of mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired mitochondrial autophagy (mitophagy) to RPE damage and AMD pathobiology. In this study, we model the impact of a prototypical systemic mitochondrial defect, mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS), in RPE health and homeostasis as an in vitro model for impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics. Methods We used induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from skin biopsies of MELAS patients (m.3243A > G tRNA leu mutation) with different levels of mtDNA heteroplasmy and differentiated them into RPE cells. Mitochondrial depletion of ARPE-19 cells (p0 cells) was also performed using 50 ng/mL ethidium bromide (EtBr) and 50 mg/ml uridine. Cell fusion of the human platelets with the p0 cells performed using polyethylene glycol (PEG)/suspension essential medium (SMEM) mixture to generate platelet/RPE “cybrids.” Confocal microscopy, FLowSight Imaging cytometry, and Seahorse XF Mito Stress test were used to analyze mitochondrial function. Western Blotting was used to analyze expression of autophagy and mitophagy proteins. Results We found that MELAS iPSC-derived RPE cells exhibited key characteristics of native RPE. We observed heteroplasmy-dependent impairment of mitochondrial bioenergetics and reliance on glycolysis for generating energy in the MELAS iPSC-derived RPE. The degree of heteroplasmy was directly associated with increased activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), reduced adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα) activation, and decreased autophagic activity. In addition, impaired autophagy was associated with aberrant lysosomal function, and failure of mitochondrial recycling. The mitochondria-depleted p0 cells replicated the effects on autophagy impairment and aberrant STAT3/AMPKα signaling and showed reduced mitochondrial respiration, demonstrating phenotypic similarities between p0 and MELAS iPSC-derived RPE cells. Conclusions Our studies demonstrate that the MELAS iPSC-derived disease models are powerful tools for dissecting the molecular mechanisms by which mitochondrial DNA alterations influence RPE function in aging and macular degeneration, and for testing novel therapeutics in patients harboring the MELAS genotype. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-02937-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujoy Bhattacharya
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2311 Pierce Avenue, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Jinggang Yin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2311 Pierce Avenue, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Weihong Huo
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2311 Pierce Avenue, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Edward Chaum
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2311 Pierce Avenue, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
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16
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Pendse S, Vaidya A, Kale V. Clinical applications of pluripotent stem cells and their derivatives: current status and future perspectives. Regen Med 2022; 17:677-690. [PMID: 35703035 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2022-0045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) can differentiate into specific cell types and thus hold great promise in regenerative medicine to treat certain diseases. Hence, several studies have been performed harnessing their salutary properties in regenerative medicine. Despite several challenges associated with the clinical applications of PSCs, worldwide efforts are harnessing their potential in the regeneration of damaged tissues. Several clinical trials have been performed using PSCs or their derivatives. However, the delay in publishing the data obtained in the trials has led to a lack of awareness about their outcomes, resulting in apprehension about cellular therapies. Here, the authors review the published papers containing data from recent clinical trials done with PSCs. PSC-derived extracellular vesicles hold great potential in regenerative therapy. Since published papers containing the data obtained in clinical trials on PSC-derived extracellular vesicles are not available yet, the authors have reviewed some of the pre-clinical work done with them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalmali Pendse
- Symbiosis Centre for Stem Cell Research, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, 412115, India.,Symbiosis School of Biological Sciences, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, 412115, India
| | - Anuradha Vaidya
- Symbiosis Centre for Stem Cell Research, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, 412115, India.,Symbiosis School of Biological Sciences, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, 412115, India
| | - Vaijayanti Kale
- Symbiosis Centre for Stem Cell Research, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, 412115, India.,Symbiosis School of Biological Sciences, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, 412115, India
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17
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Matynia A, Wang J, Kim S, Li Y, Dimashkie A, Jiang Z, Hu J, Strom SP, Radu RA, Chen R, Gorin MB. Assessing Variant Causality and Severity Using Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Derived from Stargardt Disease Patients. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2022; 11:33. [PMID: 35348597 PMCID: PMC8976924 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.11.3.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Modern molecular genetics has revolutionized gene discovery, genetic diagnoses, and precision medicine yet many patients remain unable to benefit from these advances as disease-causing variants remain elusive for up to half of Mendelian genetic disorders. Patient-derived induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and transcriptomics were used to identify the fate of unsolved ABCA4 alleles in patients with Stargardt disease. Methods Multiple independent iPS lines were generated from skin biopsies of three patients with Stargardt disease harboring a single identified pathogenic ABCA4 variant. Derived retinal pigment epithelial cells (dRPE) from a normal control and patient cells were subjected to RNA-Seq on the Novaseq6000 platform, analyzed using DESeq2 with calculation of allele specific imbalance from the pathogenic or a known linked variant. Protein analysis was performed using the automated Simple Western system. Results Nine dRPE samples were generated, with transcriptome analysis on eight. Allele-specific expression indicated normal transcripts expressed from splice variants albeit at low levels, and missense transcripts expressed at near-normal levels. Corresponding protein was not easily detected. Patient phenotype correlation indicated missense variants expressed at high levels have more deleterious outcomes. Transcriptome analysis suggests mitochondrial membrane biodynamics and the unfolded protein response pathway may be relevant in Stargardt disease. Conclusions Patient-specific iPS-derived RPE cells set the stage to assess non-expressing variants in difficult-to-detect genomic regions using easily biopsied tissue. Translational Relevance This “Disease in a Dish” approach is likely to enhance the ability of patients to participate in and benefit from clinical trials while providing insights into perturbations in RPE biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Matynia
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jun Wang
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sangbae Kim
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yumei Li
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anupama Dimashkie
- Eli and Edythe Broad Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Zhichun Jiang
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jane Hu
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Roxana A Radu
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rui Chen
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Structural and Computational Biology and Molecular Biophysics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael B Gorin
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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18
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Engel AL, Wang Y, Khuu TH, Worrall E, Manson MA, Lim RR, Knight K, Yanagida A, Qi JH, Ramakrishnan A, Weleber RG, Klein ML, Wilson DJ, Anand-Apte B, Hurley JB, Du J, Chao JR. Extracellular matrix dysfunction in Sorsby patient-derived retinal pigment epithelium. Exp Eye Res 2022; 215:108899. [PMID: 34929159 PMCID: PMC8923943 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Sorsby Fundus Dystrophy (SFD) is a rare form of macular degeneration that is clinically similar to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and a histologic hallmark of SFD is a thick layer of extracellular deposits beneath the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Previous studies of SFD patient-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived RPE differ as to whether these cultures recapitulate this key clinical feature by forming increased drusenoid deposits. The primary purpose of this study is to examine whether SFD patient-derived iPSC-RPE form basal deposits similar to what is found in affected family member SFD globes and to determine whether SFD iPSC RPE may be more oxidatively stressed. We performed a careful comparison of iPSC RPE from three control individuals, multiple iPSC clones from two SFD patients' iPSC RPE, and post-mortem eyes of affected SFD family members. We also examined the effect of CRISPR-Cas9 gene correction of the S204C TIMP3 mutation on RPE phenotype. Finally, targeted metabolomics with liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis and stable isotope-labeled metabolite analysis were performed to determine whether SFD RPE are more oxidatively stressed. We found that SFD iPSC-RPE formed significantly more sub-RPE deposits (∼6-90 μm in height) compared to control RPE at 8 weeks. These deposits were similar in composition to the thick layer of sub-RPE deposits found in SFD family member globes by immunofluorescence staining and TEM imaging. S204C TIMP3 correction by CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in SFD iPSC RPE cells resulted in significantly reduced basal laminar and sub-RPE calcium deposits. We detected a ∼18-fold increase in TIMP3 accumulation in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of SFD RPE, and targeted metabolomics showed that intracellular 4-hydroxyproline, a major breakdown product of collagen, is significantly elevated in SFD RPE, suggesting increased ECM turnover. Finally, SFD RPE cells have decreased intracellular reduced glutathione and were found to be more vulnerable to oxidative stress. Our findings suggest that elements of SFD pathology can be demonstrated in culture which may lead to insights into disease mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbi L. Engel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - YeKai Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506,Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506
| | - Thomas H. Khuu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Emily Worrall
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Megan A. Manson
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Rayne R. Lim
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Kaitlen Knight
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Aya Yanagida
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Jian Hua Qi
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44106
| | - Aravind Ramakrishnan
- Center for Blood Cancers and Oncology, St. David’s South Austin Medical Center, Austin, TX 78704
| | - Richard G Weleber
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201
| | - Michael L. Klein
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201
| | - David J. Wilson
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201
| | - Bela Anand-Apte
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44106
| | - James B. Hurley
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109,Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Jianhai Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506,Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506,Corresponding authors: , 750 Republican Street, Box 358058, Seattle WA 98109 (206) 221-0594; or , One Medical Center Dr., PO Box 9193, WVU Eye Institute, Morgantown, WV 26505; Phone: (304)-598-6903; Fax: (304)-598- 6928
| | - Jennifer R. Chao
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109,Corresponding authors: , 750 Republican Street, Box 358058, Seattle WA 98109 (206) 221-0594; or , One Medical Center Dr., PO Box 9193, WVU Eye Institute, Morgantown, WV 26505; Phone: (304)-598-6903; Fax: (304)-598- 6928
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19
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Fucoxanthin Pretreatment Ameliorates Visible Light-Induced Phagocytosis Disruption of RPE Cells under a Lipid-Rich Environment via the Nrf2 Pathway. Mar Drugs 2021; 20:md20010015. [PMID: 35049870 PMCID: PMC8780744 DOI: 10.3390/md20010015] [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: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Fucoxanthin, a special xanthophyll derived from marine algae, has increasingly attracted attention due to its diverse biological functions. However, reports on its ocular benefits are still limited. In this work, the ameliorative effect of fucoxanthin on visible light and lipid peroxidation-induced phagocytosis disruption in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells was investigated in vitro. Marked oxidative stress, inflammation, and phagocytosis disruption were evident in differentiated RPE cells following their exposure to visible light under a docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-rich environment. Following pretreatment with fucoxanthin, however, the activated nuclear factor erythroid-derived-2-like 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway was observed and, furthermore, when the fucoxanthin -pretreated RPE cells were irradiated with visible light, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and inflammation were obviously suppressed, while phagocytosis was significantly improved. However, following the addition of Nrf2 inhibitor ML385, the fucoxanthin exhibited no ameliorative effects on the oxidative stress, inflammation, and phagocytosis disruption in the RPE cells, thus indicating that the ameliorative effect of fucoxanthin on the phagocytosis of RPE cells is closely related to the Nrf2 signaling pathway. In conclusion, these results suggest that fucoxanthin supplementation might be beneficial to the prevention of visible light-induced retinal injury.
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20
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A Novel Method of Mouse RPE Explant Culture and Effective Introduction of Transgenes Using Adenoviral Transduction for In Vitro Studies in AMD. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111979. [PMID: 34769409 PMCID: PMC8584596 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111979] [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: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Degeneration of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is one of the most critical phenotypic changes of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss in the elderly. While cultured polarized RPE cells with original properties are valuable in in vitro models to study RPE biology and the consequences of genetic and/or pharmacological manipulations, the procedure to establish mouse primary PRE cell culture or pluripotent stem cell-derived RPE cells is time-consuming and yields a limited number of cells. Thus, establishing a mouse in situ RPE culture system is highly desirable. Here we describe a novel and efficient method for RPE explant culture that allows for obtaining biologically relevant RPE cells in situ. These RPE explants (herein referred to as RPE flatmounts) are viable in culture for at least 7 days, can be efficiently transduced with adenoviral constructs, and/or treated with a variety of drugs/chemicals followed by downstream analysis of the signaling pathways/biological processes of interest, such as assessment of the autophagy flux, inflammatory response, and receptor tyrosine kinases stimulation. This method of RPE explant culture is highly beneficial for pharmacological and mechanistic studies in the field of RPE biology and AMD research.
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21
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Rajendran Nair DS, Zhu D, Sharma R, Martinez Camarillo JC, Bharti K, Hinton DR, Humayun MS, Thomas BB. Long-Term Transplant Effects of iPSC-RPE Monolayer in Immunodeficient RCS Rats. Cells 2021; 10:cells10112951. [PMID: 34831174 PMCID: PMC8616297 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) replacement therapy is evolving as a feasible approach to treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In many preclinical studies, RPE cells are transplanted as a cell suspension into immunosuppressed animal eyes and transplant effects have been monitored only short-term. We investigated the long-term effects of human Induced pluripotent stem-cell-derived RPE (iPSC-RPE) transplants in an immunodeficient Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat model, in which RPE dysfunction led to photoreceptor degeneration. iPSC-RPE cultured as a polarized monolayer on a nanoengineered ultrathin parylene C scaffold was transplanted into the subretinal space of 28-day-old immunodeficient RCS rat pups and evaluated after 1, 4, and 11 months. Assessment at early time points showed good iPSC-RPE survival. The transplants remained as a monolayer, expressed RPE-specific markers, performed phagocytic function, and contributed to vision preservation. At 11-months post-implantation, RPE survival was observed in only 50% of the eyes that were concomitant with vision preservation. Loss of RPE monolayer characteristics at the 11-month time point was associated with peri-membrane fibrosis, immune reaction through the activation of macrophages (CD 68 expression), and the transition of cell fate (expression of mesenchymal markers). The overall study outcome supports the therapeutic potential of RPE grafts despite the loss of some transplant benefits during long-term observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepthi S. Rajendran Nair
- Department of Ophthalmology, Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (D.S.R.N.); (J.C.M.C.); (M.S.H.)
| | - Danhong Zhu
- Department of Pathology and Ophthalmology, USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (D.Z.); (D.R.H.)
| | - Ruchi Sharma
- Unit on Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (R.S.); (K.B.)
| | - Juan Carlos Martinez Camarillo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (D.S.R.N.); (J.C.M.C.); (M.S.H.)
- USC Ginsburg Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Kapil Bharti
- Unit on Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (R.S.); (K.B.)
| | - David R. Hinton
- Department of Pathology and Ophthalmology, USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (D.Z.); (D.R.H.)
| | - Mark S. Humayun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (D.S.R.N.); (J.C.M.C.); (M.S.H.)
- USC Ginsburg Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Biju B. Thomas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (D.S.R.N.); (J.C.M.C.); (M.S.H.)
- USC Ginsburg Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-323-442-5593
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22
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Liu Z, Zhan A, Fan S, Liao L, Lian W. DNCP induces the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells into odontoblasts by activating the Smad/p-Smad and p38/p-p38 signaling pathways. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1361. [PMID: 34659507 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10481] [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: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, stem cells have been studied for treating tooth loss. The present study aimed to investigate the roles of dentin non-collagen protein (DNCP)-associated microenvironments in the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into dentin cells. iPSCs were cultured and identified by examining octamer-binding transcription-factor-4 (Oct-4) and sex-determining region-Y-2 (Sox-2) expression. iPSCs were differentiated by culturing DNCP-associated microenvironments (containing specific growth factors), and they were divided into control, DNCP, DNCP+bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and DNCP+Noggin (a BMP inhibitor) groups. Msh homeobox 1 (Msx-1), dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP-1) mRNA expression was evaluated using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. The levels of p38, phosphorylated (p)-p38, Smad and p-Smad were determined by western blotting. Upon treatment with mouse embryonic fibroblasts, iPSCs-dependent embryoid bodies (EBs) were successfully generated. iPSCs exhibited increased Oct-4 and Sox-2 expression. Differentiated iPSCs had higher expression levels of DSPP, DMP-1 and Msx-1 in the DNCP group compared with those in the control group (P<0.05). Noggin treatment significantly downregulated, while BMPs administration significantly increased the expression levels of DSPP, DMP-1 and Msx-1 compared with those of the DNCP group (P<0.05). The ratios of p-p38/p38 and p-Smad/Smad were significantly higher in the DNCP group compared with those in the control group (P<0.05). Noggin and BMPs significantly decreased ratios of p-p38/p38, compared with those of the DNCP group (P<0.05). In conclusion, DNCP induced the differentiation of iPSCs into odontoblasts by activating the Smad/p-Smad and p38/p-p38 signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Liu
- Department of Prosthodontics, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine of Jiangxi Province, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Aiping Zhan
- Department of Prosthodontics, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine of Jiangxi Province, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Sumeng Fan
- Department of Prosthodontics, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine of Jiangxi Province, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Lan Liao
- Department of Prosthodontics, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine of Jiangxi Province, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Wenwei Lian
- Department of Prosthodontics, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine of Jiangxi Province, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
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23
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Li J, Qiu C, Wei Y, Yuan W, Liu J, Cui W, Zhou J, Qiu C, Guo L, Huang L, Ge Z, Yu L. Human Amniotic Epithelial Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells Repair Retinal Degeneration. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:737242. [PMID: 34650985 PMCID: PMC8505778 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.737242] [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: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), featured with dysfunction and loss of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), is lacking efficient therapeutic approaches. According to our previous studies, human amniotic epithelial stem cells (hAESCs) may serve as a potential seed cell source of RPE cells for therapy because they have no ethical concerns, no tumorigenicity, and little immunogenicity. Herein, trichostatin A and nicotinamide can direct hAESCs differentiation into RPE like cells. The differentiated cells display the morphology, marker expression and cellular function of the native RPE cells, and noticeably express little MHC class II antigens and high level of HLA-G. Moreover, visual function and retinal structure of Royal College of Surgeon (RCS) rats, a classical animal model of retinal degeneration, were rescued after subretinal transplantation with the hAESCs-derived RPE like cells. Our study possibly makes some contribution to the resource of functional RPE cells for cell therapy. Subretinal transplantation of hAESCs-RPE could be an optional therapeutic strategy for retinal degeneration diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinying Li
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Intervention and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection of College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,College of Life Sciences-iCell Biotechnology Regenerative Biomedicine Laboratory, Joint Research Centre for Engineering Biology, Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
| | - Chen Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Intervention and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection of College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,College of Life Sciences-iCell Biotechnology Regenerative Biomedicine Laboratory, Joint Research Centre for Engineering Biology, Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
| | - Yang Wei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weixin Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Intervention and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection of College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Intervention and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection of College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,College of Life Sciences-iCell Biotechnology Regenerative Biomedicine Laboratory, Joint Research Centre for Engineering Biology, Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
| | - Wenyu Cui
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Intervention and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection of College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,College of Life Sciences-iCell Biotechnology Regenerative Biomedicine Laboratory, Joint Research Centre for Engineering Biology, Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
| | - Jiayi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Intervention and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection of College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,College of Life Sciences-iCell Biotechnology Regenerative Biomedicine Laboratory, Joint Research Centre for Engineering Biology, Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
| | - Cong Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Intervention and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection of College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,College of Life Sciences-iCell Biotechnology Regenerative Biomedicine Laboratory, Joint Research Centre for Engineering Biology, Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
| | - Lihe Guo
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, China
| | - Liquan Huang
- College of Life Sciences-iCell Biotechnology Regenerative Biomedicine Laboratory, Joint Research Centre for Engineering Biology, Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
| | - Zhen Ge
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Luyang Yu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Intervention and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection of College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,College of Life Sciences-iCell Biotechnology Regenerative Biomedicine Laboratory, Joint Research Centre for Engineering Biology, Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
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24
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Duarri A, Rodríguez-Bocanegra E, Martínez-Navarrete G, Biarnés M, García M, Ferraro LL, Kuebler B, Aran B, Izquierdo E, Aguilera-Xiol E, Casaroli-Marano RP, Trias E, Fernandez E, Raya Á, Veiga A, Monés J. Transplantation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelium in a Swine Model of Geographic Atrophy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910497. [PMID: 34638840 PMCID: PMC8508834 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to test the feasibility and safety of subretinal transplantation of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells into the healthy margins and within areas of degenerative retina in a swine model of geographic atrophy (GA). METHODS Well-delimited selective outer retinal damage was induced by subretinal injection of NaIO3 into one eye in minipigs (n = 10). Thirty days later, a suspension of hiPSC-derived RPE cells expressing green fluorescent protein was injected into the subretinal space, into the healthy margins, and within areas of degenerative retina. In vivo follow-up was performed by multimodal imaging. Post-mortem retinas were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and histology. RESULTS In vitro differentiated hiPSC-RPE cells showed a typical epithelial morphology, expressed RPE-related genes, and had phagocytic ability. Engrafted hiPSC-RPE cells were detected in 60% of the eyes, forming mature epithelium in healthy retina extending towards the border of the atrophy. Histological analysis revealed RPE interaction with host photoreceptors in the healthy retina. Engrafted cells in the atrophic zone were found in a patchy distribution but failed to form an epithelial-like layer. CONCLUSIONS These results might support the use of hiPSC-RPE cells to treat atrophic GA by providing a housekeeping function to aid the overwhelmed remnant RPE, which might improve its survival and therefore slow down the progression of GA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Duarri
- Program for Clinical Translation of Regenerative Medicine in Catalonia–P-CMR[C], Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain; (A.D.); (B.K.); (B.A.); (Á.R.)
- National Stem Cell Bank-Barcelona Node, Biomolecular and Bioinformatics Resources Platform PRB2, ISCIII, IDIBELL, Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
- Ophthalmology Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduardo Rodríguez-Bocanegra
- Barcelona Macula Foundation: Research for Vision, 08022 Barcelona, Spain; (E.R.-B.); (M.B.); (M.G.); (L.L.F.)
- Institut de la Màcula, Centro Médico Teknon, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gema Martínez-Navarrete
- Networking Research Center of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (G.M.-N.); (E.F.)
- Institute of Bioengineering, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03202 Alicante, Spain
| | - Marc Biarnés
- Barcelona Macula Foundation: Research for Vision, 08022 Barcelona, Spain; (E.R.-B.); (M.B.); (M.G.); (L.L.F.)
- Institut de la Màcula, Centro Médico Teknon, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miriam García
- Barcelona Macula Foundation: Research for Vision, 08022 Barcelona, Spain; (E.R.-B.); (M.B.); (M.G.); (L.L.F.)
- Institut de la Màcula, Centro Médico Teknon, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lucía Lee Ferraro
- Barcelona Macula Foundation: Research for Vision, 08022 Barcelona, Spain; (E.R.-B.); (M.B.); (M.G.); (L.L.F.)
- Institut de la Màcula, Centro Médico Teknon, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bernd Kuebler
- Program for Clinical Translation of Regenerative Medicine in Catalonia–P-CMR[C], Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain; (A.D.); (B.K.); (B.A.); (Á.R.)
| | - Begoña Aran
- Program for Clinical Translation of Regenerative Medicine in Catalonia–P-CMR[C], Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain; (A.D.); (B.K.); (B.A.); (Á.R.)
- National Stem Cell Bank-Barcelona Node, Biomolecular and Bioinformatics Resources Platform PRB2, ISCIII, IDIBELL, Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Ricardo P. Casaroli-Marano
- Banc de Sang i Teixits (BST), Institute of Biomedical Research (IIB-Sant Pau), 08025 Barcelona, Spain;
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine and Health Science, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esteve Trias
- LEITAT Technological Center, 08005 Barcelona, Spain;
- Advanced Therapies Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, 08005 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduardo Fernandez
- Networking Research Center of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (G.M.-N.); (E.F.)
- Institute of Bioengineering, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03202 Alicante, Spain
| | - Ángel Raya
- Program for Clinical Translation of Regenerative Medicine in Catalonia–P-CMR[C], Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain; (A.D.); (B.K.); (B.A.); (Á.R.)
- Networking Research Center of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (G.M.-N.); (E.F.)
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Veiga
- Program for Clinical Translation of Regenerative Medicine in Catalonia–P-CMR[C], Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain; (A.D.); (B.K.); (B.A.); (Á.R.)
- National Stem Cell Bank-Barcelona Node, Biomolecular and Bioinformatics Resources Platform PRB2, ISCIII, IDIBELL, Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.V.); (J.M.)
| | - Jordi Monés
- Barcelona Macula Foundation: Research for Vision, 08022 Barcelona, Spain; (E.R.-B.); (M.B.); (M.G.); (L.L.F.)
- Institut de la Màcula, Centro Médico Teknon, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.V.); (J.M.)
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25
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Llorente IL, Hatanaka EA, Meadow ME, Xie Y, Lowry WE, Carmichael ST. Reliable generation of glial enriched progenitors from human fibroblast-derived iPSCs. Stem Cell Res 2021; 55:102458. [PMID: 34274773 PMCID: PMC8444576 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2021.102458] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
White matter stroke (WMS) occurs as small infarcts in deep penetrating blood vessels in the brain and affects the regions of the brain that carry connections, termed the subcortical white matter. WMS progresses over years and has devastating clinical consequences. Unlike large grey matter strokes, WMS disrupts the axonal architecture of the brain and depletes astrocytes, oligodendrocyte lineage cells, axons and myelinating cells, resulting in abnormalities of gait and executive function. An astrocytic cell-based therapy is positioned as a strong therapeutic candidate after WMS. In this study we report, the reliable generation of a novel stem cell-based therapeutic product, glial enriched progenitors (GEPs) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). By transient treatment of hiPSC derived neural progenitors (hiPSC-NPCs) with the small molecule deferoxamine, a prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor, for three days hiPSC-NPCs become permanently biased towards an astrocytic fate, producing hiPSC-GEPs. In preparation for clinical application, we have developed qualification assays to ensure identity, safety, purity, and viability of the cells prior to manufacture. Using tailored q-RT-PCR-based assays, we have demonstrated the lack of pluripotency in our final therapeutic candidate cells (hiPSC-GEPs) and we have identified the unique genetic profile of hiPSC-GEPs that is clearly distinct from the parent lines, hiPSCs and iPSC-NPCs. After completion of the viability assay, we have stablished the therapeutic window of use for hiPSC-GEPs in future clinical applications (7 h). Lastly, we were able to reliably and consistently produce a safe therapeutic final product negative for contamination by any human or murine viral pathogens, selected bacteria, common laboratory mycoplasmas, growth of any aerobes, anaerobes, yeast, or fungi and 100 times less endotoxin levels than the maximum acceptable value. This study demonstrates the reliable and safe generation of patient derived hiPSC-GEPs that are clinically ready as a cell-based therapeutic approach for WMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene L Llorente
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, USA
| | - Emily A Hatanaka
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, UCLA, USA
| | - Michael E Meadow
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, UCLA, USA
| | - Yuan Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, USA
| | - William E Lowry
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, UCLA, USA
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26
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Paniagua AE, Segurado A, Dolón JF, Esteve-Rudd J, Velasco A, Williams DS, Lillo C. Key Role for CRB2 in the Maintenance of Apicobasal Polarity in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:701853. [PMID: 34262913 PMCID: PMC8273544 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.701853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Apicobasal polarity is essential for epithelial cell function, yet the roles of different proteins in its completion is not fully understood. Here, we have studied the role of the polarity protein, CRB2, in human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells during polarization in vitro, and in mature murine RPE cells in vivo. After establishing a simplified protocol for the culture of human fetal RPE cells, we studied the temporal sequence of the expression and localization of polarity and cell junction proteins during polarization in these epithelial cells. We found that CRB2 plays a key role in tight junction maintenance as well as in cell cycle arrest. In addition, our studies in vivo show that the knockdown of CRB2 in the RPE affects to the distribution of different apical polarity proteins and results in perturbed retinal homeostasis, manifested by the invasion of activated microglial cells into the subretinal space. Together our results demonstrate that CRB2 is a key protein for the development and maintenance of a polarized epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio E. Paniagua
- Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León, IBSAL, Cell Biology and Pathology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Alicia Segurado
- Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León, IBSAL, Cell Biology and Pathology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jorge F. Dolón
- Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León, IBSAL, Cell Biology and Pathology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Julián Esteve-Rudd
- Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Almudena Velasco
- Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León, IBSAL, Cell Biology and Pathology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - David S. Williams
- Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Concepción Lillo
- Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León, IBSAL, Cell Biology and Pathology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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27
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Singh D, Chen X, Xia T, Ghiassi-Nejad M, Tainsh L, Adelman RA, Rizzolo LJ. Partially Differentiated Neuroretinal Cells Promote Maturation of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 61:9. [PMID: 33151282 PMCID: PMC7671856 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.13.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Many studies have demonstrated the ability of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) to foster the maturation of the developing retina. Few studies have examined the reciprocal effects of developing retina on the RPE. Methods RPE isolated from human fetal RPE or differentiated from human stem cells was cultured on Transwell filter inserts. Retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) were differentiated from human stem cells and cultured on a planar scaffold composed of gelatin, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, and laminin-521. Cultures were analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, immunoblotting, and transepithelial electrical resistance (TER). Results RPCs initially differentiated into several retina-like cell types that segregated from one another and formed loosely organized layers or zones. With time, the presumptive photoreceptor and ganglion cell layers persisted, but the intervening zone became dominated by cells that expressed glial markers with no evidence of bipolar cells or interneurons. Co-culture of this underdeveloped retinoid with the RPE resulted in a thickened layer of recoverin-positive cells but did not prevent the loss of interneuron markers in the intervening zone. Although photoreceptor inner and outer segments were not observed, immunoblots revealed that co-culture increased expression of rhodopsin and red/green opsin. Co-culture of the RPE with this underdeveloped retinal culture increased the TER of the RPE and the expression of RPE signature genes. Conclusions These studies indicated that an immature neurosensory retina can foster maturation of the RPE; however, the ability of RPE alone to foster maturation of the neurosensory retina is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepti Singh
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Xiaoyu Chen
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Tina Xia
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Maryam Ghiassi-Nejad
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Laurel Tainsh
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Ron A Adelman
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Lawrence J Rizzolo
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
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Nair DSR, Seiler MJ, Patel KH, Thomas V, Camarillo JCM, Humayun MS, Thomas BB. Tissue Engineering Strategies for Retina Regeneration. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021; 11. [PMID: 35251703 PMCID: PMC8896578 DOI: 10.3390/app11052154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The retina is a complex and fragile photosensitive part of the central nervous system which is prone to degenerative diseases leading to permanent vision loss. No proven treatment strategies exist to treat or reverse the degenerative conditions. Recent investigations demonstrate that cell transplantation therapies to replace the dysfunctional retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and or the degenerating photoreceptors (PRs) are viable options to restore vision. Pluripotent stem cells, retinal progenitor cells, and somatic stem cells are the main cell sources used for cell transplantation therapies. The success of retinal transplantation based on cell suspension injection is hindered by limited cell survival and lack of cellular integration. Recent advances in material science helped to develop strategies to grow cells as intact monolayers or as sheets on biomaterial scaffolds for transplantation into the eyes. Such implants are found to be more promising than the bolus injection approach. Tissue engineering techniques are specifically designed to construct biodegradable or non-degradable polymer scaffolds to grow cells as a monolayer and construct implantable grafts. The engineered cell construct along with the extracellular matrix formed, can hold the cells in place to enable easy survival, better integration, and improved visual function. This article reviews the advances in the use of scaffolds for transplantation studies in animal models and their application in current clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepthi S. Rajendran Nair
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Magdalene J. Seiler
- Departments of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Anatomy & Neurobiology, Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Centre, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-1705, USA
| | - Kahini H. Patel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Vinoy Thomas
- Department of Physics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Juan Carlos Martinez Camarillo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- USC Ginsburg Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Mark S. Humayun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- USC Ginsburg Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Biju B. Thomas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- USC Ginsburg Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Correspondence:
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A human model of Batten disease shows role of CLN3 in phagocytosis at the photoreceptor-RPE interface. Commun Biol 2021; 4:161. [PMID: 33547385 PMCID: PMC7864947 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01682-5] [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: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in CLN3 lead to photoreceptor cell loss in CLN3 disease, a lysosomal storage disorder characterized by childhood-onset vision loss, neurological impairment, and premature death. However, how CLN3 mutations cause photoreceptor cell death is not known. Here, we show that CLN3 is required for phagocytosis of photoreceptor outer segment (POS) by retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells, a cellular process essential for photoreceptor survival. Specifically, a proportion of CLN3 in human, mouse, and iPSC-RPE cells localized to RPE microvilli, the site of POS phagocytosis. Furthermore, patient-derived CLN3 disease iPSC-RPE cells showed decreased RPE microvilli density and reduced POS binding and ingestion. Notably, POS phagocytosis defect in CLN3 disease iPSC-RPE cells could be rescued by wild-type CLN3 gene supplementation. Altogether, these results illustrate a novel role of CLN3 in regulating POS phagocytosis and suggest a contribution of primary RPE dysfunction for photoreceptor cell loss in CLN3 disease that can be targeted by gene therapy.
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Culture surface protein coatings affect the barrier properties and calcium signalling of hESC-RPE. Sci Rep 2021; 11:933. [PMID: 33441679 PMCID: PMC7806758 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79638-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) transplantation is currently under evaluation as treatment for macular degeneration. For therapeutic applications, cryostorage during cell production is typically needed with potential consequences to cell functionality. We have previously shown that the culture substrate affects human embryonic stem cell-derived RPE (hESC-RPE) properties in fresh cultures. Here, we aimed to further identify the role of RPE basement membrane proteins type IV collagen (Col-IV), laminin (LN), and nidogen-1 in the maturation and functionality of hESC-RPE after cryopreservation. In addition to cell attachment and morphology, transepithelial electrical resistance, expression of key RPE proteins, phagocytosis capacity and Ca2+ signalling were analysed. After cryostorage, attachment of hESC-RPE on culture surfaces coated with Col-IV alone was poor. Combining Col-IV and LN with or without nidogen-1 significantly improved cell attachment and barrier properties of the epithelium. Furthermore, functional homogeneity of the hESC-RPE monolayer was enhanced in the presence of nidogen-1. Our results suggest that the choice of coating proteins for the cell culture may have implications to the functional properties of these cells after cryostorage cell banking.
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Ke Y, Fan X, Rui H, Xinjun R, Dejia W, Chuanzhen Z, Li X. Exosomes derived from RPE cells under oxidative stress mediate inflammation and apoptosis of normal RPE cells through Apaf1/caspase-9 axis. J Cell Biochem 2020; 121:4849-4861. [PMID: 32277521 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to explore the effects of exosomes, secreted by retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells under oxidative stress (OS), on apoptosis and inflammation of normal RPE cells. Exosomes secreted by normal RPE cells (named as exo) and rotenone (2.5 µmol/L) stimulated RPE cells (named as rot-exo) were isolated and extracted by multi-step differential centrifugation for morphology observation under a transmission electron microscopy. pcDNA3.1a, pcDNA3.1a-Apaf1, and p3xFlag-CMV-caspase-9 plasmids were constructed and transfected into ARPE-19 cells. Exosomes secreted by ARPE-19 cells were injected into the vitreous body of rats to verify the effect of Apaf1 and caspase-9 on cell apoptosis and inflammation. Co-immunoprecipitation was applied to clarify the interaction of Apaf1 with caspase-9. Exosomes secreted by rotenone stimulated ARPE-19 cells could induce cell apoptosis, oxidative injury, and inflammation in ARPE-19 cells. Exosomes secreted under OS can damage retinal functions of rats and have upregulated expression of Apaf1. Overexpression of Apaf1 in exosomes secreted under OS can cause the inhibition of cell proliferation, the increase of cell apoptosis and elicitation of inflammatory response in ARPE-19 cells. Exosomes derived from ARPE-19 cells under OS regulate Apaf1 expression to increase cell apoptosis and to induce oxidative injury and inflammatory response through a caspase-9 apoptotic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Ke
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Vitreous Retina and Trauma Department, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoe Fan
- Ophthalmology Department, Jincheng People's Hospital, Jincheng, Shanxi, China
| | - Hao Rui
- Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Department, Nankai University Eye Hospital, Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ren Xinjun
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Vitreous Retina and Trauma Department, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Wen Dejia
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Vitreous Retina and Trauma Department, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Zheng Chuanzhen
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Vitreous Retina and Trauma Department, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaorong Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Vitreous Retina and Trauma Department, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
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Subramaniam MD, Iyer M, Nair AP, Venkatesan D, Mathavan S, Eruppakotte N, Kizhakkillach S, Chandran MK, Roy A, Gopalakrishnan AV, Vellingiri B. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial transfer: A new dimension towards ocular diseases. Genes Dis 2020; 9:610-637. [PMID: 35782976 PMCID: PMC9243399 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2020.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular cells like, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a highly specialized pigmented monolayer of post-mitotic cells, which is located in the posterior segment of the eye between neuro sensory retina and vascular choroid. It functions as a selective barrier and nourishes retinal visual cells. As a result of high-level oxygen consumption of retinal cells, RPE cells are vulnerable to chronic oxidative stress and an increased level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated from mitochondria. These oxidative stress and ROS generation in retinal cells lead to RPE degeneration. Various sources including mtDNA damage could be an important factor of oxidative stress in RPE. Gene therapy and mitochondrial transfer studies are emerging fields in ocular disease research. For retinal degenerative diseases stem cell-based transplantation methods are developed from basic research to preclinical and clinical trials. Translational research contributions of gene and cell therapy would be a new strategy to prevent, treat and cure various ocular diseases. This review focuses on the effect of oxidative stress in ocular cell degeneration and recent translational researches on retinal degenerative diseases to cure blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohana Devi Subramaniam
- SN ONGC Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Vision Research Foundation, Chennai 600006, Tamil Nadu, India
- Corresponding author.
| | - Mahalaxmi Iyer
- SN ONGC Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Vision Research Foundation, Chennai 600006, Tamil Nadu, India
- Department of Zoology, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore 641 043, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Aswathy P. Nair
- SN ONGC Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Vision Research Foundation, Chennai 600006, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Dhivya Venkatesan
- Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sinnakaruppan Mathavan
- SN ONGC Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Vision Research Foundation, Chennai 600006, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Nimmisha Eruppakotte
- Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Soumya Kizhakkillach
- Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Manoj kumar Chandran
- Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ayan Roy
- Department of Biotechnology, Lovely Professional University, Punjab 144411, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology (SBST), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 600127, India
| | - Balachandar Vellingiri
- Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046, Tamil Nadu, India
- Corresponding author. Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell, Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, Tamil Nadu, India.Fax: +91 422 2422387.
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33
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Wang ST, Chen LL, Zhang P, Wang XB, Sun Y, Ma LX, Liu Q, Zhou GM. Transplantation of Retinal Progenitor Cells from Optic Cup-Like Structures Differentiated from Human Embryonic Stem Cells In Vitro and In Vivo Generation of Retinal Ganglion-Like Cells. Stem Cells Dev 2020; 28:258-267. [PMID: 30526386 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2018.0076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have the potential to differentiate along the retinal lineage. We have efficiently differentiated human pluripotent stem cells into optic cup-like structures by using a novel retinal differentiation medium (RDM). The purpose of this study was to determine whether the retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) derived from hESCs can integrate into the host retina and differentiate into retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in vivo. In this study, hESCs (H9-GFP) were induced to differentiate into optic cup-like structures by using our novel differentiation system. The RPCs extracted from the optic cup-like structures were transplanted into the vitreous cavity of N-methyl-d-aspartic acid-treated mice. Sham-treated eyes received the same amount of RDM. The host retinas were analyzed by triple immunofluorescence on the fourth and fifth weeks after transplantation. The optic cup-like structures were efficiently differentiated from hESCs by using our novel differentiation system in vitro for 6-8 weeks. The RPCs extracted from the optic cup-like structures migrated and integrated into the ganglion cell layer (GCL) of the host retina. Furthermore, the remaining transplanted cells were spread over the GCL and had a complementary distribution with host residual RGCs in the GCL of the mouse retina. Surprisingly, some of the transplanted cells expressed the RGC-specific marker Brn3a. These findings demonstrated that the RPCs derived from hESCs could integrate into the host GCL and differentiate into retinal ganglion-like cells in vivo, suggesting that RPCs can be used as an ideal source in supplying countless RGC and embryonic stem cell-based replacement therapies may be a promising treatment to restore vision in patients with degenerative retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song-Tao Wang
- 1 Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.,2 Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Li Chen
- 3 Department of Biological Science and Biotechnology, Xinxiang University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- 2 Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Wang
- 2 Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Sun
- 2 Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Xiang Ma
- 2 Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong Liu
- 2 Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo-Min Zhou
- 2 Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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34
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Lakkaraju A, Umapathy A, Tan LX, Daniele L, Philp NJ, Boesze-Battaglia K, Williams DS. The cell biology of the retinal pigment epithelium. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 78:100846. [PMID: 32105772 PMCID: PMC8941496 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a monolayer of post-mitotic polarized epithelial cells, strategically situated between the photoreceptors and the choroid, is the primary caretaker of photoreceptor health and function. Dysfunction of the RPE underlies many inherited and acquired diseases that cause permanent blindness. Decades of research have yielded valuable insight into the cell biology of the RPE. In recent years, new technologies such as live-cell imaging have resulted in major advancement in our understanding of areas such as the daily phagocytosis and clearance of photoreceptor outer segment tips, autophagy, endolysosome function, and the metabolic interplay between the RPE and photoreceptors. In this review, we aim to integrate these studies with an emphasis on appropriate models and techniques to investigate RPE cell biology and metabolism, and discuss how RPE cell biology informs our understanding of retinal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Lakkaraju
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ankita Umapathy
- Department of Ophthalmology and Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Li Xuan Tan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lauren Daniele
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nancy J Philp
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kathleen Boesze-Battaglia
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David S Williams
- Department of Ophthalmology and Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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35
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Lueck K, Carr AJF, Yu L, Greenwood J, Moss SE. Annexin A8 regulates Wnt signaling to maintain the phenotypic plasticity of retinal pigment epithelial cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1256. [PMID: 31988387 PMCID: PMC6985107 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58296-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt signalling mediates complex cell-cellinteractions during development and proliferation. Annexin A8 (AnxA8), a calcium-dependent phospholipid-binding protein, and canonical Wnt signalling mechanisms have both been implicated in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell differentiation. The aim here was to examine the possibility of cross-talk between AnxA8 and Wnt signalling, as both are down-regulated upon fenretinide (FR)-mediated RPE transdifferentiation. AnxA8 suppression in RPE cells via siRNA or administration of FR induced neuronal-like cell transdifferentiation and reduced expression of Wnt-related genes, as measured by real-time PCR and western blotting. AnxA8 gene expression, on the other hand, remained unaltered upon manipulating Wnt signalling, suggesting Wnt-related genes to be downstream effectors of AnxA8. Co-immunoprecipitation revealed an interaction between AnxA8 and β-catenin, which was reduced in the presence of activated TGF-β1. TGF-β1 signalling also reversed the AnxA8 loss-induced cell morphology changes, and induced β-catenin translocation and GSK-3β phosphorylation in the absence of AnxA8. Ectopic over-expression of AnxA8 led to an increase in active β-catenin and GSK-3β phosphorylation. These data demonstrate an important role for AnxA8 as a regulator of Wnt signalling and a determinant of RPE phenotype, with implications for regenerative medicine approaches that utilise stem cell-derived RPE cells to treat conditions such as age-related macular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Lueck
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, EC1V 9EL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda-Jayne F Carr
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, EC1V 9EL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lu Yu
- PAREXEL International, The Quays, 101-105 Oxford Road UB8 1LZ, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
| | - John Greenwood
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, EC1V 9EL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen E Moss
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, EC1V 9EL, London, United Kingdom.
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36
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Stem Cell Transplantation Therapy for Retinal Degenerative Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1266:127-139. [PMID: 33105499 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-4370-8_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In the past decade, progress in the research on human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has provided the solid basis to derive retinal pigment epithelium, photoreceptors, and ganglion cells from hESCs/iPSCs for transplantation therapy of retinal degenerative diseases (RDD). Recently, the iPSC-derived retinal pigment epithelium cells have achieved efficacy in treating patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, there is still much work to be done about the differentiation of hESCs/iPSCs into clinically required retinal cells and improvement in the methods to deliver the cells into the retina of patients. Here we will review the research advances in stem cell transplantation in animal studies and clinical trials as well as propose the challenges for improving the clinical efficacy and safety of hESCs/iPSCs-derived retinal neural cells in treating retinal degenerative diseases.
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37
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D’Antonio-Chronowska A, D’Antonio M, Frazer KA. In vitro Differentiation of Human iPSC-derived Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells (iPSC-RPE). Bio Protoc 2019; 9:e3469. [PMID: 33654959 PMCID: PMC7853967 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.3469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 11/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) serve as an excellent model system for studying the molecular underpinnings of tissue development. Human iPSC-derived retinal pigment epithelium (iPSC-RPE) cells have fetal-like molecular profiles. Hence, biobanks like iPSCORE, which contain iPSCs generated from hundreds of individuals, are an invaluable resource for examining how common genetic variants exert their effects during RPE development resulting in individuals having different propensities to develop Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) as adults. Here, we present an optimized, cost-effective and highly reproducible protocol for derivation of human iPSC-RPE cells using small molecules under serum-free condition and for their quality control using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. While most previous protocols have required laborious manual selection to enrich for iPSC-RPE cells, our protocol uses whole culture passaging and yields a large number of iPSC-RPE cells with high purity (88-98.1% ZO-1 and MiTF double positive cells). The simplicity and robustness of this protocol would enable its adaption for high-throughput applications involving the generation of iPSC-RPE samples from hundreds of individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matteo D’Antonio
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - Kelly A. Frazer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, USA
- Institue for Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, USA
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38
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Benati D, Patrizi C, Recchia A. Gene editing prospects for treating inherited retinal diseases. J Med Genet 2019; 57:437-444. [PMID: 31857428 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2019-106473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Retinal diseases (RD) include inherited retinal dystrophy (IRD), for example, retinitis pigmentosa and Leber's congenital amaurosis, or multifactorial forms, for example, age-related macular degeneration (AMD). IRDs are clinically and genetically heterogeneous in nature. To date, more than 200 genes are known to cause IRDs, which perturb the development, function and survival of rod and cone photoreceptors or retinal pigment epithelial cells. Conversely, AMD, the most common cause of blindness in the developed world, is an acquired disease of the macula characterised by progressive visual impairment. To date, available therapeutic approaches for RD include nutritional supplements, neurotrophic factors, antiangiogenic drugs for wet AMD and gene augmentation/interference strategy for IRDs. However, these therapies do not aim at correcting the genetic defect and result in inefficient and expensive treatments. The genome editing technology based on clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated protein (Cas) and an RNA that guides the Cas protein to a predetermined region of the genome, represents an attractive strategy to tackle IRDs without available cure. Indeed, CRISPR/Cas system can permanently and precisely replace or remove genetic mutations causative of a disease, representing a molecular tool to cure a genetic disorder. In this review, we will introduce the mechanism of CRISPR/Cas system, presenting an updated panel of Cas variants and delivery systems, then we will focus on applications of CRISPR/Cas genome editing in the retina, and, as emerging treatment options, in patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells followed by transplantation of retinal progenitor cells into the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Benati
- Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Clarissa Patrizi
- Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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39
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Gong J, Cai H, Noggle S, Paull D, Rizzolo LJ, Del Priore LV, Fields MA. Stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium from patients with age-related macular degeneration exhibit reduced metabolism and matrix interactions. Stem Cells Transl Med 2019; 9:364-376. [PMID: 31840941 PMCID: PMC7031648 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.19-0321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Modeling age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is challenging, because it is a multifactorial disease. To focus on interactions between the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Bruch's membrane, we generated RPE from AMD patients and used an altered extracellular matrix (ECM) that models aged Bruch's membrane. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were generated from fibroblasts isolated from AMD patients or age‐matched (normal) controls. RPE derived from iPSCs were analyzed by morphology, marker expression, transepithelial electrical resistance (TER), and phagocytosis of rod photoreceptor outer segments. Cell attachment and viability was tested on nitrite‐modified ECM, a typical modification of aged Bruch's membrane. DNA microarrays with hierarchical clustering and analysis of mitochondrial function were used to elucidate possible mechanisms for the observed phenotypes. Differentiated RPE displayed cell‐specific morphology and markers. The TER and phagocytic capacity were similar among iPSC‐derived RPE cultures. However, distinct clusters were found for the transcriptomes of AMD and control iPSC‐derived RPE. AMD‐derived iPSC‐RPE downregulated genes responsible for metabolic‐related pathways and cell attachment. AMD‐derived iPSC‐RPE exhibited reduced mitochondrial respiration and ability to attach and survive on nitrite‐modified ECM. Cells that did attach induced the expression of complement genes. Despite reprogramming, iPSC derived from AMD patients yielded RPE with a transcriptome that is distinct from that of age‐matched controls. When challenged with an AMD‐like modification of Bruch's membrane, AMD‐derived iPSC‐RPE activated the complement immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Gong
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Hui Cai
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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- The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) Research Institute, New York, New York
| | - Scott Noggle
- The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) Research Institute, New York, New York
| | - Daniel Paull
- The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) Research Institute, New York, New York
| | - Lawrence J Rizzolo
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Lucian V Del Priore
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Mark A Fields
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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Liu S, Xie B, Song X, Zheng D, He L, Li G, Gao G, Peng F, Yu M, Ge J, Zhong X. Self-Formation of RPE Spheroids Facilitates Enrichment and Expansion of hiPSC-Derived RPE Generated on Retinal Organoid Induction Platform. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:5659-5669. [PMID: 30489625 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.17-23613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and neural retina could be generated concurrently through retinal organoid induction approaches using human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), providing valuable sources for cell therapy of retinal degenerations. This study aims to enrich and expand hiPSC-RPE acquired with this platform and explore characteristics of serially passaged RPE cells. Methods RPE has been differentiated from hiPSCs with a published retinal organoid induction method. After detachment of neural retina on the 4th week, the remaining mixture was scraped from the dish and subjected to suspension culture for the formation of RPE spheroids. RPE sheets were isolated and digested for expansion. The cellular, molecular, and functional features of expanded RPE cells were evaluated by different assays. Results Under suspension culture, hiPSC-RPE spheroids with pigmentation self-formed were readily enriched by removing the non-retinal tissues. RPE sheets were further dissected and purified from the spheroids. The individualized RPE cells could be passaged every week for at least 5 times in serum medium, yielding large numbers of cells with high quality in a short period. In addition, when switched to a serum-free medium, the passaged RPE cells could mature in cellular, molecular, and physiological levels, including repigmentation, markers expression, and phagocytosis. Conclusions We developed a simple and novel RPE spheroids formation approach to enrich and expand hiPSC-RPE cells generated along with retinal neurons on a universal retinal organoid induction platform. This achievement will reduce the cost and time in producing retinal cells for basic and translational researches, in particular for retinal cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengxu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Bingbing Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaojing Song
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dandan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Liwen He
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guilan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guanjie Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Fuhua Peng
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Minzhong Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Jian Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiufeng Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Correction to: Differentiation of RPE cells from integration-free iPS cells and their cell biological characterization. Stem Cell Res Ther 2019; 10:52. [PMID: 30755264 PMCID: PMC6373121 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-019-1147-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Organoid-Induced Differentiation of Conventional T Cells from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Cell Stem Cell 2019; 24:376-389.e8. [PMID: 30661959 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2018.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The ability to generate T cells from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) has the potential to transform autologous T cell immunotherapy by facilitating universal, off-the-shelf cell products. However, differentiation of human PSCs into mature, conventional T cells has been challenging with existing methods. We report that a continuous 3D organoid system induced an orderly sequence of commitment and differentiation from PSC-derived embryonic mesoderm through hematopoietic specification and efficient terminal differentiation to naive CD3+CD8αβ+ and CD3+CD4+ conventional T cells with a diverse T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire. Introduction of an MHC class I-restricted TCR in PSCs produced naive, antigen-specific CD8αβ+ T cells that lacked endogenous TCR expression and showed anti-tumor efficacy in vitro and in vivo. Functional assays and RNA sequencing aligned PSC-derived T cells with primary naive CD8+ T cells. The PSC-artificial thymic organoid (ATO) system presented here is an efficient platform for generating functional, mature T cells from human PSCs.
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Umapathy A, Williams DS. Live Imaging of Organelle Motility in RPE Flatmounts. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1185:389-393. [PMID: 31884643 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-27378-1_64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) performs several functions that are crucial for normal retinal function and vision, including the daily phagocytosis of photoreceptor outer segment (POS) membranes. Defects in the motility and degradation of POS phagosomes may be associated with some inherited and age-related retinal degenerations. Given the apical to basal translocation of phagosomes during maturation and degradation, studies of the underlying mechanisms require analyses of the dynamics in 3-D. In this chapter, we report a method for investigating the 3-D motility of POS phagosomes and lysosomes, utilizing high-speed, spinning disk confocal microscopy of live RPE flatmounts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Umapathy
- Department of Ophthalmology and Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA),, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David S Williams
- Department of Ophthalmology and Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Molecular Biology Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Brain Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Surgical Approaches for Cell Therapeutics Delivery to the Retinal Pigment Epithelium and Retina. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1186:141-170. [PMID: 31654389 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-28471-8_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Developing successful surgical strategies to deliver cell therapeutics to the back of the eye is an essential pillar to success for stem cell-based applications in blinding retinal diseases. Within this chapter, we have attempted to gather all key considerations during preclinical animal trials.Guidance is provided for choices on animal models, options for immunosuppression, as well as anesthesia. Subsequently we cover surgical strategies for RPE graft delivery, both as suspension as well as in monolayers in small rodents, rabbits, pigs, and nonhuman primate. A detailed account is given in particular on animal variations in vitrectomy and subretinal surgery, which requires a considerable learning curve, when transiting from human to animal. In turn, however, many essential subretinal implantation techniques in large-eyed animals are directly transferrable to human clinical trial protocols.A dedicated subchapter on photoreceptor replacement provides insights on preparation of suspension as well as sheet grafts, to subsequently outline the basics of subretinal delivery via both the transscleral and transvitreal route. In closing, a future outlook on vision restoration through retinal cell-based therapeutics is presented.
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Hazim RA, Volland S, Yen A, Burgess BL, Williams DS. Rapid differentiation of the human RPE cell line, ARPE-19, induced by nicotinamide. Exp Eye Res 2018; 179:18-24. [PMID: 30336127 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Human RPE cell lines, especially the ARPE-19 cell line, are widely-used in eye research, as well as general epithelial cell studies. In comparison with primary RPE cells, they offer relative convenience and consistency, but cultures derived from these lines are typically not well differentiated. We describe a simple, rapid method to establish cultures from ARPE-19 cells, with significantly improved epithelial cell morphology and cytoskeletal organization, and RPE-related functions. We identify the presence of nicotinamide, a member of the vitamin B family, as an essential factor in promoting the observed differentiation, indicating the importance of metabolism in RPE cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roni A Hazim
- Department of Ophthalmology and Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Stefanie Volland
- Department of Ophthalmology and Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alice Yen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Barry L Burgess
- Department of Ophthalmology and Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David S Williams
- Department of Ophthalmology and Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Zhang Q, Presswalla F, Feathers K, Cao X, Hughes BA, Zacks DN, Thompson DA, Miller JML. A platform for assessing outer segment fate in primary human fetal RPE cultures. Exp Eye Res 2018; 178:212-222. [PMID: 30336126 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The daily shedding and renewal of photoreceptor outer segments (OS) is critical for maintaining vision. This process relies on the efficient uptake, degradation, and sorting of shed OS material by the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Poor OS degradation has been linked to retinal degenerations such as Stargardt disease and may contribute to macular degeneration. While primary human fetal RPE cultures have emerged as a valuable model of in vivo human RPE function, surprisingly few studies have utilized the model for tracking the degradation and fate of OS components in the RPE. Here, we establish an improved platform for studying this topic by modifying existing protocols and creating new methods. Our human fetal culture model facilitates studies of RPE secretion in response to OS ingestion, preserves RPE differentiation and polarization during live-cell imaging of OS phagocytosis, and minimizes costs. We optimize Mer tyrosine kinase-dependent OS phagocytosis assays specifically in human fetal cultures and provide a simple and accurate method for measuring total OS consumption by the RPE. Finally, we utilize chemical transfection, dextran labeling, and immunocytochemistry to evaluate key players in OS degradation, including lysosomes and autophagy proteins. To facilitate quantification of autophagy vesicles, we develop customized image analysis macros in the Fiji/ImageJ software environment. These protocols will facilitate a broad range of studies in human fetal RPE cultures aimed at determining the ultimate fate of OS components after ingestion, a critical step in understanding the pathogenesis of numerous retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qitao Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Feriel Presswalla
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kecia Feathers
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xu Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Bret A Hughes
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - David N Zacks
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Debra A Thompson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jason M L Miller
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Marmorstein AD, Johnson AA, Bachman LA, Andrews-Pfannkoch C, Knudsen T, Gilles BJ, Hill M, Gandhi JK, Marmorstein LY, Pulido JS. Mutant Best1 Expression and Impaired Phagocytosis in an iPSC Model of Autosomal Recessive Bestrophinopathy. Sci Rep 2018. [PMID: 29540715 PMCID: PMC5852082 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21651-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy (ARB) is caused by mutations in the gene BEST1 which encodes bestrophin 1 (Best1), an anion channel expressed in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. It has been hypothesized that ARB represents the human null phenotype for BEST1 and that this occurs due to nonsense mediated decay (NMD). To test this hypothesis, we generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from a patient with ARB and her parents. After differentiation to retinal pigment epithelial (iPSC-RPE) cells, both BEST1 mRNA and Best1 protein expression were compared to controls. BEST1 mRNA expression levels, determined by quantitative PCR, were similar in ARB iPSC-RPE, parental cells, and genetically unrelated controls. Western blotting revealed that CRALBP and RPE65 were expressed within the range delineated by unrelated controls in iPSC-RPE from the ARB donor and her parents. Best1 protein was detected in different clones of ARB iPSC-RPE, but at reduced levels compared to all controls. When tested for the ability to phagocytose photoreceptor outer segments, ARB iPSC-RPE exhibited impaired internalization. These data suggest that impaired phagocytosis is a trait common to the bestrophinopathies. Furthermore, ARB is not universally the result of NMD and ARB, in this patient, is not due to the absence of Best1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan D Marmorstein
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
| | - Adiv A Johnson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Lori A Bachman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | | | - Travis Knudsen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Benjamin J Gilles
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Matthew Hill
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Jarel K Gandhi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Lihua Y Marmorstein
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Jose S Pulido
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
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Letelier J, Bovolenta P, Martínez-Morales JR. The pigmented epithelium, a bright partner against photoreceptor degeneration. J Neurogenet 2017; 31:203-215. [PMID: 29113536 DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2017.1395876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Sight depends on the intimate association between photoreceptors and pigment epithelial cells. The evolutionary origin of this cellular tandem can be traced back to the emergence of bilateral animals, at least 450 million years ago, as they define the minimal unit of the ancestral prototypic eye. Phototransduction is a demanding process from the energetic and homeostatic points of view, and not surprisingly photoreceptive cells are particularly susceptible to damage and degeneration. Here, we will examine the different ancillary roles that the pigmented cells play in the physiology and homeostasis of photoreceptors, linking each one of these processes to the most common hereditary retinal diseases. We will discuss the challenges and opportunities of recent therapeutic advances based on cell and gene replacement. The transition from animal models to clinical trials will be addressed for each one of the different therapeutic strategies with a special focus on those depending on retinal-pigmented epithelial cells. Finally, we will discuss the potential impact of combining CRISPR technologies with gene and cell therapy approaches, which - in the frame of the personalized medicine revolution - may constitute a leap forward in the treatment of retinal dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquín Letelier
- a Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (CSIC/UPO/JA) , Seville , Spain
| | - Paola Bovolenta
- b Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa," (CSIC/UAM) and CIBERER, ISCIII , Madrid , Spain
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