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Liu H, Lu S, Chen M, Gao N, Yang Y, Hu H, Ren Q, Liu X, Chen H, Zhu Q, Li S, Su J. Towards Stem/Progenitor Cell-Based Therapies for Retinal Degeneration. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:1459-1479. [PMID: 38809490 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10740-4] [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] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Retinal degeneration (RD) is a leading cause of blindness worldwide and includes conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and Stargardt's disease (STGD). These diseases result in the permanent loss of vision due to the progressive and irreversible degeneration of retinal cells, including photoreceptors (PR) and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The adult human retina has limited abilities to regenerate and repair itself, making it challenging to achieve complete self-replenishment and functional repair of retinal cells. Currently, there is no effective clinical treatment for RD. Stem cell therapy, which involves transplanting exogenous stem cells such as retinal progenitor cells (RPCs), embryonic stem cells (ESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), or activating endogenous stem cells like Müller Glia (MG) cells, holds great promise for regenerating and repairing retinal cells in the treatment of RD. Several preclinical and clinical studies have shown the potential of stem cell-based therapies for RD. However, the clinical translation of these therapies for the reconstruction of substantial vision still faces significant challenges. This review provides a comprehensive overview of stem/progenitor cell-based therapy strategies for RD, summarizes recent advances in preclinical studies and clinical trials, and highlights the major challenges in using stem/progenitor cell-based therapies for RD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Liu
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Shuaiyan Lu
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Ming Chen
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Na Gao
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Yuhe Yang
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Huijuan Hu
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Qing Ren
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Hongxu Chen
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Qunyan Zhu
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325011, China
| | - Shasha Li
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, 325001, China.
| | - Jianzhong Su
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325011, China.
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, 325001, China.
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Niu Y, Ji J, Yao K, Fu Q. Regenerative treatment of ophthalmic diseases with stem cells: Principles, progress, and challenges. ADVANCES IN OPHTHALMOLOGY PRACTICE AND RESEARCH 2024; 4:52-64. [PMID: 38586868 PMCID: PMC10997875 DOI: 10.1016/j.aopr.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Background Degenerate eye disorders, such as glaucoma, cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), are prevalent causes of blindness and visual impairment worldwide. Other eye disorders, including limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), dry eye diseases (DED), and retinitis pigmentosa (RP), result in symptoms such as ocular discomfort and impaired visual function, significantly impacting quality of life. Traditional therapies are limited, primarily focus on delaying disease progression, while emerging stem cell therapy directly targets ocular tissues, aiming to restore ocular function by reconstructing ocular tissue. Main text The utilization of stem cells for the treatment of diverse degenerative ocular diseases is becoming increasingly significant, owing to the regenerative and malleable properties of stem cells and their functional cells. Currently, stem cell therapy for ophthalmopathy involves various cell types, such as embryonic stem cells (ESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and retinal progenitor cells (RPCs). In the current article, we will review the current progress regarding the utilization of stem cells for the regeneration of ocular tissue covering key eye tissues from the cornea to the retina. These therapies aim to address the loss of functional cells, restore damaged ocular tissue and or in a paracrine-mediated manner. We also provide an overview of the ocular disorders that stem cell therapy is targeting, as well as the difficulties and opportunities in this field. Conclusions Stem cells can not only promote tissue regeneration but also release exosomes to mitigate inflammation and provide neuroprotection, making stem cell therapy emerge as a promising approach for treating a wide range of eye disorders through multiple mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Niu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Junfeng Ji
- Center of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ke Yao
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qiuli Fu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
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Ahluwalia K, Du Z, Martinez-Camarillo JC, Naik A, Thomas BB, Pollalis D, Lee SY, Dave P, Zhou E, Li Z, Chester C, Humayun MS, Louie SG. Unveiling Drivers of Retinal Degeneration in RCS Rats: Functional, Morphological, and Molecular Insights. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3749. [PMID: 38612560 PMCID: PMC11011632 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073749] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases, including age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa, significantly contribute to adult blindness. The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat is a well-established disease model for studying these dystrophies; however, molecular investigations remain limited. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of retinal degeneration in RCS rats, including an immunodeficient RCS (iRCS) sub-strain, using ocular coherence tomography, electroretinography, histology, and molecular dissection using transcriptomics and immunofluorescence. No significant differences in retinal degeneration progression were observed between the iRCS and immunocompetent RCS rats, suggesting a minimal role of adaptive immune responses in disease. Transcriptomic alterations were primarily in inflammatory signaling pathways, characterized by the strong upregulation of Tnfa, an inflammatory signaling molecule, and Nox1, a contributor to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Additionally, a notable decrease in Alox15 expression was observed, pointing to a possible reduction in anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving lipid mediators. These findings were corroborated by immunostaining, which demonstrated increased photoreceptor lipid peroxidation (4HNE) and photoreceptor citrullination (CitH3) during retinal degeneration. Our work enhances the understanding of molecular changes associated with retinal degeneration in RCS rats and offers potential therapeutic targets within inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways for confirmatory research and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kabir Ahluwalia
- Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (K.A.); (A.N.); (P.D.); (E.Z.); (Z.L.); (C.C.)
| | - Zhaodong Du
- USC Ginsburg Institute of for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (Z.D.); (J.C.M.-C.); (B.B.T.); (D.P.); (S.Y.L.); (M.S.H.)
| | - Juan Carlos Martinez-Camarillo
- USC Ginsburg Institute of for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (Z.D.); (J.C.M.-C.); (B.B.T.); (D.P.); (S.Y.L.); (M.S.H.)
- Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Aditya Naik
- Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (K.A.); (A.N.); (P.D.); (E.Z.); (Z.L.); (C.C.)
| | - Biju B. Thomas
- USC Ginsburg Institute of for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (Z.D.); (J.C.M.-C.); (B.B.T.); (D.P.); (S.Y.L.); (M.S.H.)
- Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Dimitrios Pollalis
- USC Ginsburg Institute of for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (Z.D.); (J.C.M.-C.); (B.B.T.); (D.P.); (S.Y.L.); (M.S.H.)
- Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Sun Young Lee
- USC Ginsburg Institute of for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (Z.D.); (J.C.M.-C.); (B.B.T.); (D.P.); (S.Y.L.); (M.S.H.)
- Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Department of Physiology & Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Priyal Dave
- Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (K.A.); (A.N.); (P.D.); (E.Z.); (Z.L.); (C.C.)
| | - Eugene Zhou
- Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (K.A.); (A.N.); (P.D.); (E.Z.); (Z.L.); (C.C.)
| | - Zeyang Li
- Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (K.A.); (A.N.); (P.D.); (E.Z.); (Z.L.); (C.C.)
| | - Catherine Chester
- Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (K.A.); (A.N.); (P.D.); (E.Z.); (Z.L.); (C.C.)
| | - Mark S. Humayun
- USC Ginsburg Institute of for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (Z.D.); (J.C.M.-C.); (B.B.T.); (D.P.); (S.Y.L.); (M.S.H.)
- Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Stan G. Louie
- Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (K.A.); (A.N.); (P.D.); (E.Z.); (Z.L.); (C.C.)
- USC Ginsburg Institute of for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (Z.D.); (J.C.M.-C.); (B.B.T.); (D.P.); (S.Y.L.); (M.S.H.)
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Khaboushan AS, Ebadpour N, Moghadam MMJ, Rezaee Z, Kajbafzadeh AM, Zolbin MM. Cell therapy for retinal degenerative disorders: a systematic review and three-level meta-analysis. J Transl Med 2024; 22:227. [PMID: 38431596 PMCID: PMC10908175 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05016-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinal degenerative disorders (RDDs) cause vision loss by damaging retinal neurons and photoreceptors, affecting individuals of all ages. Cell-based therapy has emerged as an effective approach for the treatment of RDDs with promising results. This meta-analysis aims to comprehensively evaluate the efficacy of cell therapy in treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa (RP), and Stargardt macular degeneration (SMD) as the most prevalent RDDs. METHODS PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase were searched using keywords related to various retinal diseases and cell therapy treatments until November 25th, 2023. The studies' quality was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI) checklist for quasi-experimental studies. Visual acuity measured as LogMAR score was used as our main outcome. A three-level random-effect meta-analysis was used to explore the visual acuity in patients who received cell-based therapy. Heterogeneity among the included studies was evaluated using subgroup and sensitivity analyses. Moreover, meta-regression for the type of cells, year of publication, and mean age of participants were performed. RESULTS Overall, 8345 studies were retrieved by the search, and 39 met the eligibility criteria, out of which 18 studies with a total of 224 eyes were included in the meta-analysis. There were 12 studies conducted on AMD, 7 on SMD, and 2 on RP. Cell therapy for AMD showed significant improvement in LogMAR (p < 0.05). Also, cell therapy decreased the LogMAR score in SMD and RP (p < 0.01 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Across all conditions, no substantial publication bias was detected (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The findings of the study highlight that the application of cell therapy can enhance the visual acuity in AMD, SMD, and RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Soltani Khaboushan
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Children's Medical Center, Gene, Cell and Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
- Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negar Ebadpour
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Children's Medical Center, Gene, Cell and Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Johari Moghadam
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, Tschannen Eye Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Zahra Rezaee
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Children's Medical Center, Gene, Cell and Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdol-Mohammad Kajbafzadeh
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Children's Medical Center, Gene, Cell and Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Majidi Zolbin
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Children's Medical Center, Gene, Cell and Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
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Xiao Y, McGhee CNJ, Zhang J. Adult stem cells in the eye: Identification, characterisation, and therapeutic application in ocular regeneration - A review. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2024; 52:148-166. [PMID: 38214071 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.14309] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Adult stem cells, present in various parts of the human body, are undifferentiated cells that can proliferate and differentiate to replace dying cells within tissues. Stem cells have specifically been identified in the cornea, trabecular meshwork, crystalline lens, iris, ciliary body, retina, choroid, sclera, conjunctiva, eyelid, lacrimal gland, and orbital fat. The identification of ocular stem cells broadens the potential therapeutic strategies for untreatable eye diseases. Currently, stem cell transplantation for corneal and conjunctival diseases remains the most common stem cell-based therapy in ocular clinical management. Lens epithelial stem cells have been applied in the treatment of paediatric cataracts. Several early-phase clinical trials for corneal and retinal regeneration using ocular stem cells are also underway. Extensive preclinical studies using ocular stem cells have been conducted, showing encouraging outcomes. Ocular stem cells currently demonstrate great promise in potential treatments of eye diseases. In this review, we focus on the identification, characterisation, and therapeutic application of adult stem cells in the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Xiao
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Charles N J McGhee
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Liu YV, Li KV, Li Z, Lu Y, McNally MM, Esposito EP, Aziz K, Singh MS. Transpupillary-Guided Trans-Scleral Transplantation of Subretinal Grafts in a Retinal Degeneration Mouse Model. J Vis Exp 2024:10.3791/65448. [PMID: 38345250 PMCID: PMC11294988 DOI: 10.3791/65448] [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] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Transplantation of photoreceptor cells and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells provide a potential therapy for retinal degeneration diseases. Subretinal transplantation of therapeutic donor cells into mouse recipients is challenging due to the limited surgical space allowed by the small volume of the mouse eye. We developed a trans-scleral surgical transplantation platform with direct transpupillary vision guidance to facilitate the subretinal delivery of exogenous cells in mouse recipients. The platform was tested using retinal cell suspensions and three-dimensional retinal sheets collected from rod-rich Rho::EGFP mice and cone-rich OPN1LW-EGFP;NRL-/- mice, respectively. Live/dead assay showed low cell mortality for both forms of donor cells. Retinal grafts were successfully delivered into the subretinal space of a mouse model of retinal degeneration, Rd1/NS, with minimum surgical complications as detected by multimodal confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope (cSLO) imaging. Two months post-transplantation, histological staining demonstrated evidence of advanced maturation of the retinal grafts into 'adult' rods and cones (by robust Rho::EGFP, S-opsin, and OPN1LW:EGFP expression, respectively) in the subretinal space. Here, we provide a surgical platform that can enable highly accurate subretinal delivery with a low rate of complications in mouse recipients. This technique offers precision and relative ease of skill acquisition. Furthermore, the technique could be used not only for studies of subretinal cell transplantation but also for other intraocular therapeutic studies including gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying V Liu
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Kang V Li
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Zhuolin Li
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Yuchen Lu
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Minda M McNally
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | | | - Kanza Aziz
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Mandeep S Singh
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine;
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Santa Cruz-Pavlovich FJ, Bolaños-Chang AJ, Del Rio-Murillo XI, Aranda-Preciado GA, Razura-Ruiz EM, Santos A, Navarro-Partida J. Beyond Vision: An Overview of Regenerative Medicine and Its Current Applications in Ophthalmological Care. Cells 2024; 13:179. [PMID: 38247870 PMCID: PMC10814238 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Regenerative medicine (RM) has emerged as a promising and revolutionary solution to address a range of unmet needs in healthcare, including ophthalmology. Moreover, RM takes advantage of the body's innate ability to repair and replace pathologically affected tissues. On the other hand, despite its immense promise, RM faces challenges such as ethical concerns, host-related immune responses, and the need for additional scientific validation, among others. The primary aim of this review is to present a high-level overview of current strategies in the domain of RM (cell therapy, exosomes, scaffolds, in vivo reprogramming, organoids, and interspecies chimerism), centering around the field of ophthalmology. A search conducted on clinicaltrials.gov unveiled a total of at least 209 interventional trials related to RM within the ophthalmological field. Among these trials, there were numerous early-phase studies, including phase I, I/II, II, II/III, and III trials. Many of these studies demonstrate potential in addressing previously challenging and degenerative eye conditions, spanning from posterior segment pathologies like Age-related Macular Degeneration and Retinitis Pigmentosa to anterior structure diseases such as Dry Eye Disease and Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency. Notably, these therapeutic approaches offer tailored solutions specific to the underlying causes of each pathology, thus allowing for the hopeful possibility of bringing forth a treatment for ocular diseases that previously seemed incurable and significantly enhancing patients' quality of life. As advancements in research and technology continue to unfold, future objectives should focus on ensuring the safety and prolonged viability of transplanted cells, devising efficient delivery techniques, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J. Santa Cruz-Pavlovich
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64849, Mexico; (F.J.S.C.-P.); (A.J.B.-C.); (X.I.D.R.-M.); (E.M.R.-R.); (A.S.)
| | - Andres J. Bolaños-Chang
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64849, Mexico; (F.J.S.C.-P.); (A.J.B.-C.); (X.I.D.R.-M.); (E.M.R.-R.); (A.S.)
| | - Ximena I. Del Rio-Murillo
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64849, Mexico; (F.J.S.C.-P.); (A.J.B.-C.); (X.I.D.R.-M.); (E.M.R.-R.); (A.S.)
| | | | - Esmeralda M. Razura-Ruiz
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64849, Mexico; (F.J.S.C.-P.); (A.J.B.-C.); (X.I.D.R.-M.); (E.M.R.-R.); (A.S.)
| | - Arturo Santos
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64849, Mexico; (F.J.S.C.-P.); (A.J.B.-C.); (X.I.D.R.-M.); (E.M.R.-R.); (A.S.)
| | - Jose Navarro-Partida
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64849, Mexico; (F.J.S.C.-P.); (A.J.B.-C.); (X.I.D.R.-M.); (E.M.R.-R.); (A.S.)
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Bai Y, He H, Ren B, Ren J, Zou T, Chen X, Liu Y. Sstr2 Defines the Cone Differentiation-Competent Late-Stage Retinal Progenitor Cells in the Developing Mouse Retina. Stem Cells Transl Med 2024; 13:83-99. [PMID: 37935630 PMCID: PMC10785222 DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szad073] [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] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cone cell death is a characteristic shared by various retinal degenerative disorders, such as cone-rod dystrophy, Stargardt disease, achromatopsia, and retinitis pigmentosa. This leads to conditions like color blindness and permanently impaired visual acuity. Stem cell therapy focused on photoreceptor replacement holds promise for addressing these conditions. However, identifying surface markers that aid in enriching retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) capable of differentiating into cones remains a complex task. In this study, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing to scrutinize the transcriptome of developing retinas in C57BL/6J mice. This revealed the distinctive expression of somatostatin receptor 2 (Sstr2), a surface protein, in late-stage RPCs exhibiting the potential for photoreceptor differentiation. In vivo lineage tracing experiments verified that Sstr2+ cells within the late embryonic retina gave rise to cones, amacrine and horizontal cells during the developmental process. Furthermore, Sstr2+ cells that were isolated from the late embryonic mouse retina displayed RPC markers and exhibited the capability to differentiate into cones in vitro. Upon subretinal transplantation into both wild-type and retinal degeneration 10 (rd10) mice, Sstr2+ cells survived and expressed cone-specific markers. This study underscores the ability of Sstr2 to enrich late-stage RPCs primed for cone differentiation to a large extent. It proposes the utility of Sstr2 as a biomarker for RPCs capable of generating cones for transplantation purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihan Bai
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Han He
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bangqi Ren
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiayun Ren
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ting Zou
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong Liu
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, China
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Chen X, Xu N, Li J, Zhao M, Huang L. Stem cell therapy for inherited retinal diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:286. [PMID: 37798796 PMCID: PMC10557171 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03526-x] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Stem cell therapy is a promising therapeutic approach for inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). This study aims to quantitatively examine the effectiveness and safety of stem cell therapy for patients with IRDs, including retinitis pigmentosa and Stargardt disease (STGD). METHODS We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library databases, and the ClinicalTrials.gov website. The latest retrieval time was August 20, 2023. The primary outcomes were rates and mean difference (MD) of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improvement. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to administration routes and stem cell types. This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022349271). RESULTS Twenty-one prospective studies, involving 496 eyes (404 RP and 92 STGD) of 382 patients (306 RP and 76 STGD), were included in this study. For RP, the rate of BCVA improvement was 49% and 30% at 6 months and 12 months, respectively, and the BCVA was significantly improved in the operative eyes at 6 months post-treatment (MD = - 0.12 logMAR, 95% CI .17 to - 0.06 logMAR; P < 0.001), while there was no significant difference at 12 months post-treatment (MD = -0.06 logMAR; 95% CI - 0.13 to 0.01 logMAR; P = 0.10). For STGD, the rate of BCVA improvement was 60% and 55% at 6 months and 12 months, respectively, and the BCVA was significantly improved in the operative eyes at 6 months (MD = - 0.14 logMAR, 95% CI - 0.22 to - 0.07 logMAR; P = 0.0002) and 12 months (MD = - 0.17 logMAR, 95% CI - 0.29 to - 0.04 logMAR; P = 0.01). Subgroup analyses showed suprachoroidal space injection of stem cells may be more efficient for RP. Eleven treated-related ocular adverse events from three studies and no related systemic adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests stem cell therapy may be effective and safe for patients with RP or STGD. The long-term vision improvement may be limited for RP patients. Suprachoroidal space injection of stem cells may be a promising administration route for RP patients. Limited by the low grade of evidence, large sample size randomized clinical trials are required in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Eye Diseases and Optometry Institute, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Beijing, China
- College of Optometry, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Ningda Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Eye Diseases and Optometry Institute, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Beijing, China
- College of Optometry, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jiarui Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Eye Diseases and Optometry Institute, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Beijing, China
- College of Optometry, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Mingwei Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Eye Diseases and Optometry Institute, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Beijing, China
- College of Optometry, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Lvzhen Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Eye Diseases and Optometry Institute, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Beijing, China.
- College of Optometry, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.
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Shome I, Thathapudi NC, Aramati BMR, Kowtharapu BS, Jangamreddy JR. Stages, pathogenesis, clinical management and advancements in therapies of age-related macular degeneration. Int Ophthalmol 2023; 43:3891-3909. [PMID: 37347455 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-023-02767-2] [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: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a retinal degenerative disorder prevalent in the elderly population, which leads to the loss of central vision. The disease progression can be managed, if not prevented, either by blocking neovascularization ("wet" form of AMD) or by preserving retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptor cells ("dry" form of AMD). Although current therapeutic modalities are moderately successful in delaying the progression and management of the disease, advances over the past years in regenerative medicine using iPSC, embryonic stem cells, advanced materials (including nanomaterials) and organ bio-printing show great prospects in restoring vision and efficient management of either forms of AMD. This review focuses on the molecular mechanism of the disease, model systems (both cellular and animal) used in studying AMD, the list of various regenerative therapies and the current treatments available. The article also highlights on the recent clinical trials using regenerative therapies and management of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishita Shome
- UR Advanced Therapeutics Private Limited, ASPIRE-BioNest, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Neethi C Thathapudi
- Centre de Recherche Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Bindu Madhav Reddy Aramati
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Bhavani S Kowtharapu
- UR Advanced Therapeutics Private Limited, ASPIRE-BioNest, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Jaganmohan R Jangamreddy
- UR Advanced Therapeutics Private Limited, ASPIRE-BioNest, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, 500046, India.
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Fan Y, Goh ELK, Chan JKY. Neural Cells for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Clinical Trials. Stem Cells Transl Med 2023; 12:510-526. [PMID: 37487111 PMCID: PMC10427968 DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szad041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (ND) are an entire spectrum of clinical conditions that affect the central and peripheral nervous system. There is no cure currently, with treatment focusing mainly on slowing down progression or symptomatic relief. Cellular therapies with various cell types from different sources are being conducted as clinical trials for several ND diseases. They include neural, mesenchymal and hemopoietic stem cells, and neural cells derived from embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells. In this review, we present the list of cellular therapies for ND comprising 33 trials that used neural stem progenitors, 8 that used differentiated neural cells ,and 109 trials that involved non-neural cells in the 7 ND. Encouraging results have been shown in a few early-phase clinical trials that require further investigations in a randomized setting. However, such definitive trials may not be possible given the relative cost of the trials, and in the setting of rare diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiping Fan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Experimental Fetal Medicine Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Academic Clinical Program in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Eyleen L K Goh
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Faculty, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jerry Kok Yen Chan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Experimental Fetal Medicine Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Academic Clinical Program in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
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12
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Zhao H, Wang H, Zhang M, Weng C, Liu Y, Yin Z. Chromatic pupillometry isolation and evaluation of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell-driven pupillary light response in patients with retinitis pigmentosa. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1212398. [PMID: 37533585 PMCID: PMC10390747 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1212398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The pupil light response (PLR) is driven by rods, cones, and intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs). We aimed to isolate ipRGC-driven pupil responses using chromatic pupillometry and to determine the effect of advanced retinitis pigmentosa (RP) on ipRGC function. Methods A total of 100 eyes from 67 patients with advanced RP and 18 healthy controls (HCs) were included. Patients were divided into groups according to severity of visual impairment: no light perception (NLP, 9 eyes), light perception (LP, 19 eyes), faint form perception (FFP, 34 eyes), or form perception (FP, 38 eyes). Pupil responses to rod-weighted (487 nm, -1 log cd/m2, 1 s), cone-weighted (630 nm, 2 log cd/m2, 1 s), and ipRGC-weighted (487 nm, 2 log cd/m2, 1 s) stimuli were recorded. ipRGC function was evaluated by the postillumination pupil response (PIPR) and three metrics of pupil kinetics: maximal contraction velocity (MCV), contraction duration, and maximum dilation velocity (MDV). Results We found a slow, sustained PLR response to the ipRGC-weighted stimulus in most patients with NLP (8/9), but these patients had no detectable rod- or cone-driven PLR. The ipRGC-driven PLR had an MCV of 0.269 ± 0.150%/s and contraction duration of 2.562 ± 0.902 s, both of which were significantly lower than those of the rod and cone responses. The PIPRs of the RP groups did not decrease compared with those of the HCs group and were even enhanced in the LP group. At advanced stages, ipRGC responses gradually became the main component of the PLR. Conclusion Chromatic pupillometry successfully isolated an ipRGC-driven PLR in patients with advanced RP. This PLR remained stable and gradually became the main driver of pupil contraction in more advanced cases of RP. Here, we present baseline data on ipRGC function; we expect these findings to contribute to evaluating and screening candidates for novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Zhao
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Minfang Zhang
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Chuanhuang Weng
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhengqin Yin
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
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13
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Voisin A, Pénaguin A, Gaillard A, Leveziel N. Stem cell therapy in retinal diseases. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:1478-1485. [PMID: 36571345 PMCID: PMC10075102 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.361537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Alteration of the outer retina leads to various diseases such as age-related macular degeneration or retinitis pigmentosa characterized by decreased visual acuity and ultimately blindness. Despite intensive research in the field of retinal disorders, there is currently no curative treatment. Several therapeutic approaches such as cell-based replacement and gene therapies are currently in development. In the context of cell-based therapies, different cell sources such as embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, or multipotent stem cells can be used for transplantation. In the vast majority of human clinical trials, retinal pigment epithelial cells and photoreceptors are the cell types considered for replacement cell therapies. In this review, we summarize the progress made in stem cell therapies ranging from the pre-clinical studies to clinical trials for retinal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Voisin
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Université de Poitiers, INSERM 1084; Department of Ophthalmology, CHU Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Amaury Pénaguin
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Université de Poitiers, INSERM 1084, Poitiers; Laboratoires Thea, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Afsaneh Gaillard
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Université de Poitiers, INSERM 1084, Poitiers, France
| | - Nicolas Leveziel
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Université de Poitiers, INSERM 1084; Department of Ophthalmology, CHU Poitiers, Poitiers, France
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14
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Huang H, Sanberg PR, Moviglia GA, Sharma A, Chen L, Chen D. Clinical results of neurorestorative cell therapies and therapeutic indications according to cellular bio-proprieties. Regen Ther 2023; 23:52-59. [PMID: 37122360 PMCID: PMC10130496 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell therapies have been explored to treat patients with nervous diseases for over 20 years. Even though most kinds of cell therapies demonstrated neurorestorative effects in non-randomized clinical trials; the effects of the majority type cells could not be confirmed by randomized controlled trials. In this review, clinical therapeutic results of neurorestorative cell therapies according to cellular bio-proprieties or cellular functions were introduced. Currently it was demonstrated from analysis of this review that some indications of cell therapies were not appropriate, they might be reasons why their neurorestorative effects could not be proved by multicenter, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Theoretically if one kind of cell therapy has neurorestorative effects according to its cellular bio-proprieties, it should have appropriate indications. The cell therapies with special bio-properties is promising if the indication selections are appropriate, such as olfactory ensheathing cells for chronic ischemic stroke, and their neurorestorative effects can be confirmed by higher level clinical trials of evidence-based medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyun Huang
- Beijing Hongtianji Neuroscience Academy, Beijing 100143, China
- Corresponding author.
| | - Paul R. Sanberg
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery & Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa 33612, Florida, USA
| | | | - Alok Sharma
- Department of Neurosurgery, LTM Medical College, LTMG Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Di Chen
- Beijing Hongtianji Neuroscience Academy, Beijing 100143, China
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15
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Liu YV, Santiago CP, Sogunro A, Konar GJ, Hu MW, McNally MM, Lu YC, Flores-Bellver M, Aparicio-Domingo S, Li KV, Li ZL, Agakishiev D, Hadyniak SE, Hussey KA, Creamer TJ, Orzolek LD, Teng D, Canto-Soler MV, Qian J, Jiang Z, Johnston RJ, Blackshaw S, Singh MS. Single-cell transcriptome analysis of xenotransplanted human retinal organoids defines two migratory cell populations of nonretinal origin. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:1138-1154. [PMID: 37163980 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Human retinal organoid transplantation could potentially be a treatment for degenerative retinal diseases. How the recipient retina regulates the survival, maturation, and proliferation of transplanted organoid cells is unknown. We transplanted human retinal organoid-derived cells into photoreceptor-deficient mice and conducted histology and single-cell RNA sequencing alongside time-matched cultured retinal organoids. Unexpectedly, we observed human cells that migrated into all recipient retinal layers and traveled long distances. Using an unbiased approach, we identified these cells as astrocytes and brain/spinal cord-like neural precursors that were absent or rare in stage-matched cultured organoids. In contrast, retinal progenitor-derived rods and cones remained in the subretinal space, maturing more rapidly than those in the cultured controls. These data suggest that recipient microenvironment promotes the maturation of transplanted photoreceptors while inducing or facilitating the survival of migratory cell populations that are not normally derived from retinal progenitors. These findings have important implications for potential cell-based treatments of retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying V Liu
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Clayton P Santiago
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Akin Sogunro
- Department of Biology, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gregory J Konar
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ming-Wen Hu
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Minda M McNally
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yu-Chen Lu
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Miguel Flores-Bellver
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Program, Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Silvia Aparicio-Domingo
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Program, Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kang V Li
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Program, Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Zhuo-Lin Li
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dzhalal Agakishiev
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sarah E Hadyniak
- Department of Biology, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Katarzyna A Hussey
- Department of Biology, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tyler J Creamer
- Institute for Basic Biomedical Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Linda D Orzolek
- Institute for Basic Biomedical Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Derek Teng
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - M Valeria Canto-Soler
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Program, Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jiang Qian
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zheng Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robert J Johnston
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Biology, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Seth Blackshaw
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Mandeep S Singh
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Nguyen XTA, Moekotte L, Plomp AS, Bergen AA, van Genderen MM, Boon CJF. Retinitis Pigmentosa: Current Clinical Management and Emerging Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087481. [PMID: 37108642 PMCID: PMC10139437 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) comprises a group of inherited retinal dystrophies characterized by the degeneration of rod photoreceptors, followed by the degeneration of cone photoreceptors. As a result of photoreceptor degeneration, affected individuals experience gradual loss of visual function, with primary symptoms of progressive nyctalopia, constricted visual fields and, ultimately, central vision loss. The onset, severity and clinical course of RP shows great variability and unpredictability, with most patients already experiencing some degree of visual disability in childhood. While RP is currently untreatable for the majority of patients, significant efforts have been made in the development of genetic therapies, which offer new hope for treatment for patients affected by inherited retinal dystrophies. In this exciting era of emerging gene therapies, it remains imperative to continue supporting patients with RP using all available options to manage their condition. Patients with RP experience a wide variety of physical, mental and social-emotional difficulties during their lifetime, of which some require timely intervention. This review aims to familiarize readers with clinical management options that are currently available for patients with RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan-Thanh-An Nguyen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lude Moekotte
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Astrid S Plomp
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arthur A Bergen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maria M van Genderen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Bartiméus, Diagnostic Center for Complex Visual Disorders, 3703 AJ Zeist, The Netherlands
| | - Camiel J F Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Chen L, Yang J, Klassen H. Immune Responses to Sequential Binocular Transplantation of Allogeneic Retinal Progenitor Cells to the Vitreous Cavity in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076205. [PMID: 37047179 PMCID: PMC10093920 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Intravitreal transplantation of allogeneic human retinal progenitor cells (hRPCs) holds promise as a treatment for blinding retinal degenerations. Prior work has shown that neural progenitors are well-tolerated as allografts following single injections; however, sequential delivery of allogeneic cells raises the potential risk of host sensitization with subsequent immune rejection of grafts. The current study was designed to assess whether an immune response would be induced by repeated intravitreal transplants of allogeneic RPCs utilizing the mouse animal model. We injected murine retinal progenitor cells (gmRPCs), originally derived from donors with a C57BL/6 genetic background, into BALB/c recipient mice in order to provide safety data as to what might be expected following repeated treatment of patients with allogeneic human cell product. Immune responses to gmRPCs were mild, consisting of T cells, B cells, neutrophils, and natural killer cells, with macrophages clearly the predominating. Animals treated with repeat doses of gmRPCs did not show evidence of sensitization, nor was there immune-mediated destruction of the grafts. Despite the absence of immunosuppressive treatments, allogeneic gmRPC grafts survived following repeat dosing, thus providing support for the preliminary observation that repeated injection of allogeneic RPCs to the vitreous cavity is tolerated in patients with retinitis pigmentosa.
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18
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Shamsnajafabadi H, Soheili ZS, Samiee S, Ahmadieh H, Pirmardan ER, Haghighi M. Neural differentiation of human retinal pigment epithelial cells on alginate/gelatin substrate. Mol Vis 2022; 28:412-431. [PMID: 36601411 PMCID: PMC9767845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The development of biomaterials provides potent promise for the regeneration of neuroretinal cells in degenerative eye diseases and retinal tissue engineering. Biomimetic three-dimensional (3D) microenvironments and specific growth factors motivate the differentiation of human retinal pigment epithelial (hRPE) cells toward a retinal neural lineage. In this study, we evaluated alginate/gelatin (A/G) as a substrate for the culture of hRPE cells. Methods hRPE cells were isolated from neonatal human cadaver globes and cultivated on A/G substrate under different culture conditions, including 30% human amniotic fluid (HAF), 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), and serum-free Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium/nutrient mixture F-12 (DMEM/F12). The proliferation of cells in different culture conditions was determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and a cell proliferation assay. Immunocytochemistry and real-time PCR were performed to evaluate the effect of the substrate on hRPE cell differentiation. Results A significant increase in the cell proliferation rate was observed in hRPE cells cultivated on an A/G substrate. Continuous observations demonstrated that hRPE cells formed densely packed, suspended spheroids in DMEM/F12 culture conditions, with dominant transdifferentiation into amacrine cells. Small adherent clusters of hRPE cells in HAF- and FBS-treated cultures represented dedifferentiation toward retinal progenitor cells. These cultures generated amacrine, rod photoreceptors, and bipolar cells. Conclusions These findings indicated that A/G substrate induced neural retinal cell propagation in cultures and would therefore be promising for RPE-based tissue engineering studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shahram Samiee
- Ophthalmic Research Center, Research Institute for Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Ahmadieh
- Blood Transfusion Research Center High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Ranaei Pirmardan
- Molecular Biomarkers Nano-imaging Laboratory, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Karamali F, Behtaj S, Babaei-Abraki S, Hadady H, Atefi A, Savoj S, Soroushzadeh S, Najafian S, Nasr Esfahani MH, Klassen H. Potential therapeutic strategies for photoreceptor degeneration: the path to restore vision. J Transl Med 2022; 20:572. [PMID: 36476500 PMCID: PMC9727916 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03738-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptors (PRs), as the most abundant and light-sensing cells of the neuroretina, are responsible for converting light into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain. PR degeneration, including morphological and functional impairment of these cells, causes significant diminution of the retina's ability to detect light, with consequent loss of vision. Recent findings in ocular regenerative medicine have opened promising avenues to apply neuroprotective therapy, gene therapy, cell replacement therapy, and visual prostheses to the challenge of restoring vision. However, successful visual restoration in the clinical setting requires application of these therapeutic approaches at the appropriate stage of the retinal degeneration. In this review, firstly, we discuss the mechanisms of PR degeneration by focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying cell death. Subsequently, innovations, recent developments, and promising treatments based on the stage of disorder progression are further explored. Then, the challenges to be addressed before implementation of these therapies in clinical practice are considered. Finally, potential solutions to overcome the current limitations of this growing research area are suggested. Overall, the majority of current treatment modalities are still at an early stage of development and require extensive additional studies, both pre-clinical and clinical, before full restoration of visual function in PR degeneration diseases can be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fereshteh Karamali
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sanaz Behtaj
- grid.1022.10000 0004 0437 5432Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia ,grid.1022.10000 0004 0437 5432Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, QLD 4222 Australia
| | - Shahnaz Babaei-Abraki
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hanieh Hadady
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Atefeh Atefi
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Soraya Savoj
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sareh Soroushzadeh
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Samaneh Najafian
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr Esfahani
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Henry Klassen
- grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Irvine, CA USA
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20
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Huang H, Al Zoubi ZM, Moviglia G, Sharma HS, Sarnowska A, Sanberg PR, Chen L, Xue Q, Siniscalco D, Feng S, Saberi H, Guo X, Xue M, Dimitrijevic MR, Andrews RJ, Mao G, Zhao RC, Han F. Clinical cell therapy guidelines for neurorestoration (IANR/CANR 2022). JOURNAL OF NEURORESTORATOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnrt.2022.100015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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21
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Irigoyen C, Amenabar Alonso A, Sanchez-Molina J, Rodríguez-Hidalgo M, Lara-López A, Ruiz-Ederra J. Subretinal Injection Techniques for Retinal Disease: A Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11164717. [PMID: 36012955 PMCID: PMC9409835 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11164717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) affect an estimated 1 in every 2000 people, this corresponding to nearly 2 million cases worldwide. Currently, 270 genes have been associated with IRDs, most of them altering the function of photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium. Gene therapy has been proposed as a potential tool for improving visual function in these patients. Clinical trials in animal models and humans have been successful in various types of IRDs. Recently, voretigene neparvovec (Luxturna®) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of biallelic mutations in the RPE65 gene. The current state of the art in gene therapy involves the delivery of various types of viral vectors into the subretinal space to effectively transduce diseased photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium. For this, subretinal injection is becoming increasingly popular among researchers and clinicians. To date, several approaches for subretinal injection have been described in the scientific literature, all of them effective in accessing the subretinal space. The growth and development of gene therapy give rise to the need for a standardized procedure for subretinal injection that ensures the efficacy and safety of this new approach to drug delivery. The goal of this review is to offer an insight into the current subretinal injection techniques and understand the key factors in the success of this procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Irigoyen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donostia University Hospital (HUD), 20014 Donostia San-Sebastián, Spain
- Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of the Basque Country, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Asier Amenabar Alonso
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donostia University Hospital (HUD), 20014 Donostia San-Sebastián, Spain
| | - Jorge Sanchez-Molina
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donostia University Hospital (HUD), 20014 Donostia San-Sebastián, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-629950276
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22
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Lechner J, Medina RJ, Lois N, Stitt AW. Advances in cell therapies using stem cells/progenitors as a novel approach for neurovascular repair of the diabetic retina. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:388. [PMID: 35907890 PMCID: PMC9338609 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03073-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetic retinopathy, a major complication of diabetes mellitus, is a leading cause of sigh-loss in working age adults. Progressive loss of integrity of the retinal neurovascular unit is a central element in the disease pathogenesis. Retinal ischemia and inflammatory processes drive interrelated pathologies such as blood retinal barrier disruption, fluid accumulation, gliosis, neuronal loss and/or aberrant neovascularisation. Current treatment options are somewhat limited to late-stages of the disease where there is already significant damage to the retinal architecture arising from degenerative, edematous and proliferative pathology. New preventive and interventional treatments to target early vasodegenerative and neurodegenerative stages of the disease are needed to ensure avoidance of sight-loss. MAIN BODY Historically, diabetic retinopathy has been considered a primarily microvascular disease of the retina and clinically it is classified based on the presence and severity of vascular lesions. It is now known that neurodegeneration plays a significant role during the pathogenesis. Loss of neurons has been documented at early stages in pre-clinical models as well as in individuals with diabetes and, in some, even prior to the onset of clinically overt diabetic retinopathy. Recent studies suggest that some patients have a primarily neurodegenerative phenotype. Retinal pigment epithelial cells and the choroid are also affected during the disease pathogenesis and these tissues may also need to be addressed by new regenerative treatments. Most stem cell research for diabetic retinopathy to date has focused on addressing vasculopathy. Pre-clinical and clinical studies aiming to restore damaged vasculature using vasoactive progenitors including mesenchymal stromal/stem cells, adipose stem cells, CD34+ cells, endothelial colony forming cells and induced pluripotent stem cell derived endothelial cells are discussed in this review. Stem cells that could replace dying neurons such as retinal progenitor cells, pluripotent stem cell derived photoreceptors and ganglion cells as well as Müller stem cells are also discussed. Finally, challenges of stem cell therapies relevant to diabetic retinopathy are considered. CONCLUSION Stem cell therapies hold great potential to replace dying cells during early and even late stages of diabetic retinopathy. However, due to the presence of different phenotypes, selecting the most suitable stem cell product for individual patients will be crucial for successful treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Lechner
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
| | - Reinhold J Medina
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Noemi Lois
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Alan W Stitt
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
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23
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Progression Rate of Visual Function and Affecting Factors at Different Stages of Retinitis Pigmentosa. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:7204954. [PMID: 35872870 PMCID: PMC9303139 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7204954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We reviewed medical records of 121 patients/235 eyes of typical retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients who could be followed up for at least 5 years with the aim of investigating the long-term course of visual function progression at each RP stage and appropriate assessment methods. Patients were classified into three groups: mild RP (
), moderate RP (
), and late RP (
). Linear mixed-effect models were used to follow MD, the average retinal sensitivity of the central four points of the Humphrey field analyzer 10-2 program (S4), and visual acuity (VA) with increasing time. The associations among factors (baseline MD group, sex, hereditary form) and the interaction between each factor and time were also investigated. The mean reduction of the MD, S4, and VA for all patients was -0.37 dB/year, -0.25 dB/year, and 0.018/year, respectively. The moderate RP group had a faster progression than other groups in MD (-0.43 dB/year,
). The moderate (-0.31 dB/year,
) and late RP groups (-0.25 dB/year,
) had faster progression than the mild RP group in S4. The late RP group had faster progression in VA than the other groups (0.03/year,
). Females had a slower progression of the S4 (-0.15 dB/year,
) and VA (0.01/year,
) than males. The autosomal dominant group had a slower progression than the sporadic group in MD (-0.22 dB/year,
); the autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive groups had a slower VA decline than the sporadic group (0.01/year,
; 0.01/year,
). Because the progression rates of VA and visual field test differed as per the RP stage, S4 and VA can also be useful assessment methods depending on the stage. Inheritance form and sex may affect the progression rate.
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24
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Brown C, Agosta P, McKee C, Walker K, Mazzella M, Alamri A, Svinarich D, Chaudhry GR. Human primitive mesenchymal stem cell-derived retinal progenitor cells improved neuroprotection, neurogenesis, and vision in rd12 mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:148. [PMID: 35395806 PMCID: PMC8994263 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02828-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Currently, there is no treatment for retinal degenerative diseases (RDD) such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Stem cell-based therapies could provide promising opportunities to repair the damaged retina and restore vision. Thus far, primarily adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been investigated in preclinical and clinical studies, and the results have not been convincing. We applied a new approach in which primitive (p) MSC-derived retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) were examined to treat retinal degeneration in an rd12 mouse model of RP. Methods Well-characterized pMSCs and RPCs labeled with PKH26 were intravitreally injected into rd12 mice. The vision and retinal function of transplanted animals were analyzed using electroretinography. Animals were killed 4 and 8 weeks after cell transplantation for histological, immunological, molecular, and transcriptomic analyses of the retina. Results Transplanted RPCs significantly improved vision and retinal thickness as well as function in rd12 mice. pMSCs and RPCs homed to distinct retinal layers. pMSCs homed to the retinal pigment epithelium, and RPCs migrated to the neural layers of the retina, where they improved the thickness of the respective layers and expressed cell-specific markers. RPCs induced anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective responses as well as upregulated the expression of genes involved in neurogenesis. The transcriptomic analysis showed that RPCs promoted neurogenesis and functional recovery of the retina through inhibition of BMP and activation of JAK/STAT and MAPK signaling pathways. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that RPCs countered inflammation, provided retinal protection, and promoted neurogenesis resulting in improved retinal structure and physiological function in rd12 mice. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-02828-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, 48309, USA.,OU-WB Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Rochester, MI, 48309, USA
| | - Patrina Agosta
- Ascension Providence Hospital, Southfield, MI, 48075, USA
| | - Christina McKee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, 48309, USA.,OU-WB Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Rochester, MI, 48309, USA
| | - Keegan Walker
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, 48309, USA.,OU-WB Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Rochester, MI, 48309, USA
| | - Matteo Mazzella
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, 48309, USA.,OU-WB Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Rochester, MI, 48309, USA
| | - Ali Alamri
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, 48309, USA.,OU-WB Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Rochester, MI, 48309, USA
| | | | - G Rasul Chaudhry
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, 48309, USA. .,OU-WB Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Rochester, MI, 48309, USA.
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25
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Jin C, Ou Q, Chen J, Wang T, Zhang J, Wang Z, Wang Y, Tian H, Xu JY, Gao F, Wang J, Li J, Lu L, Xu GT. Chaperone-mediated autophagy plays an important role in regulating retinal progenitor cell homeostasis. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:136. [PMID: 35365237 PMCID: PMC8973999 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02809-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the function and regulatory mechanism of IFITM3 in mouse neural retinal progenitor cells (mNRPCs), which was found to be very important not only in the development of the retina in embryos but also in NRPCs after birth. METHODS Published single-cell sequencing data were used to analyze IFITM3 expression in mNRPCs. RNA interference was used to knock down the expression of IFITM3. CCK-8 assays were used to analyze cell viability. RNA-seq was used to assess mRNA expression, as confirmed by real-time quantitative PCR, and immunofluorescence assays and western blots were used to validate the levels of relative proteins, and autophagy flux assay. Lysosomal trackers were used to track the organelle changes. RESULTS The results of single-cell sequencing data showed that IFITM3 is highly expressed in the embryo, and after birth, RNA-seq showed high IFITM3 expression in mNRPCs. Proliferation and cell viability were greatly reduced after IFITM3 was knocked down. The cell membrane system and lysosomes were dramatically changed, and lysosomes were activated and evidently agglomerated in RAMP-treated cells. The expression of LAMP1 was significantly increased with lysosome agglomeration after treatment with rapamycin (RAMP). Further detection showed that SQSTM1/P62, HSC70 and LAMP-2A were upregulated, while no significant difference in LC3A/B expression was observed; no autophagic flux was generated. CONCLUSION IFITM3 regulates mNRPC viability and proliferation mainly through chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) but not macroautophagy (MA). IFITM3 plays a significant role in maintaining the homeostasis of progenitor cell self-renewal by sustaining low-level activation of CMA to eliminate deleterious factors in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caixia Jin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingjian Ou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jieping Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Teaching Laboratory Center of Medicine and Life Science, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haibin Tian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing-Ying Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Furong Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiao Li
- Teaching Laboratory Center of Medicine and Life Science, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lixia Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Guo-Tong Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China. .,Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
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26
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Alcalde I, Sánchez-Fernández C, Martín C, De Pablo N, Jemni-Damer N, Guinea GV, Merayo-Lloves J, Del Olmo-Aguado S. Human Stem Cell Transplantation for Retinal Degenerative Diseases: Where Are We Now? MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:102. [PMID: 35056410 PMCID: PMC8781134 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58010102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Irreversible visual impairment is mainly caused by retinal degenerative diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. Stem cell research has experienced rapid progress in recent years, and researchers and clinical ophthalmologists are trying to implement this promising technology to treat retinal degeneration. The objective of this systematic review is to analyze currently available data from clinical trials applying stem cells to treat human retinal diseases. Materials and Methods: We performed a systematic literature search in PubMed to identify articles related with stem cell therapies to retinal diseases published prior to September 2021. Furthermore, a systematic search in ClinicalTrials (NIH U.S. National Library of Medicine) was performed to identify clinical trials using stem cells to treat retinal diseases. A descriptive analysis of status, conditions, phases, interventions, and outcomes is presented here. Conclusions: To date, no available therapy based on stem cell transplantation is approved for use with patients. However, numerous clinical trials are currently finishing their initial phases and, in general, the outcomes related to implantation techniques and their long-term safety seem promising. In the next few years, we expect to see quantifiable results pertaining to visual function improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Alcalde
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo, 33012 Oviedo, Spain; (C.S.-F.); (C.M.); (N.D.P.); (J.M.-L.); (S.D.O.-A.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Cristina Sánchez-Fernández
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo, 33012 Oviedo, Spain; (C.S.-F.); (C.M.); (N.D.P.); (J.M.-L.); (S.D.O.-A.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Carla Martín
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo, 33012 Oviedo, Spain; (C.S.-F.); (C.M.); (N.D.P.); (J.M.-L.); (S.D.O.-A.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Functional Biology, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Nagore De Pablo
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo, 33012 Oviedo, Spain; (C.S.-F.); (C.M.); (N.D.P.); (J.M.-L.); (S.D.O.-A.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Nahla Jemni-Damer
- Neuro-Computing and Neuro-Robotics Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
- Innovation Group, Institute for Health Research San Carlos Clinical Hospital (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Technology (CTB), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28223 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Gustavo V. Guinea
- Center for Biomedical Technology (CTB), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28223 Madrid, Spain;
- Departamento de Ciencia de Materiales, ETSI Caminos, Canales y Puertos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN). 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Merayo-Lloves
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo, 33012 Oviedo, Spain; (C.S.-F.); (C.M.); (N.D.P.); (J.M.-L.); (S.D.O.-A.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Susana Del Olmo-Aguado
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo, 33012 Oviedo, Spain; (C.S.-F.); (C.M.); (N.D.P.); (J.M.-L.); (S.D.O.-A.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
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27
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Stem cell transplantation as a progressing treatment for retinitis pigmentosa. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 387:177-205. [PMID: 35001210 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-021-03551-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP) are of the major causes of vision loss in developed countries. Despite the unclear pathophysiology, treatment methods have been investigated vastly in the past decades. This review article mainly discusses the advances in application of stem cell and progenitor transplantation for retinitis pigmentosa. Stem cell sources such as mesenchymal stem cells, embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, neural stem cells, retinal progenitor cells, and olfactory ensheathing cells are discussed separately in addition to a brief description of two approaches for treatment of early-stage RP, including gene therapy and nutritional therapy.
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28
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Yu Y, Li L, Lin S, Hu J. Update of application of olfactory ensheathing cells and stem cells/exosomes in the treatment of retinal disorders. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:11. [PMID: 35012635 PMCID: PMC8751324 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02685-z] [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: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa and other retinal disorders are the main causes of visual impairment worldwide. In the past, these retinal diseases, especially dry age-related macular degeneration, proliferative diabetic retinopathy and retinitis pigmentosa, were treated with traditional surgery and drugs. However, the effect was moderate. In recent years, researchers have used embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, olfactory ensheathing cells and other stem cells to conduct experiments and found that stem cells can inhibit inflammation, regulate immune response, secrete neurotrophic factors, and differentiate into retinal cells to replace and promote restoration of the damaged parts. These stem cells have the potential to treat retinal diseases. Whether it is in animal experiments or clinical trials, the increase in the number of retinal cells, maintenance of function and improvement of visual function all reflect the advanced of stem cells to treat retinal diseases, but its risk preserves the donor's hidden pathogenic genes, immune rejection and tumorigenicity. With the development of exosomes study, researchers have discovered that exosomes come from a wide range of sources and can be secreted by almost all types of cells. Using exosomes with stem cell to treat retinal diseases is more effective than using stem cells alone. This review article summarizes the recent advances in the application of olfactory ensheathing cells and stem cells/exosomes in the treatment of retinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Engineering Research Center of Assistive Technology for Visual Impairment, Fujian Province University, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian Province, China
| | - Licheng Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Engineering Research Center of Assistive Technology for Visual Impairment, Fujian Province University, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian Province, China
| | - Shu Lin
- Centre of Neurological and Metabolic Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian Province, China. .,Diabetes and Metabolism Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia.
| | - Jianmin Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Engineering Research Center of Assistive Technology for Visual Impairment, Fujian Province University, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian Province, China. .,The School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350004, Fujian Province, China.
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29
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Christelle M, Lise M, Ben M'Barek K. Challenges of cell therapies for retinal diseases. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2022; 166:49-77. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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30
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Jin N, Sha W, Gao L. Shaping the Microglia in Retinal Degenerative Diseases Using Stem Cell Therapy: Practice and Prospects. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:741368. [PMID: 34966736 PMCID: PMC8710684 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.741368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degenerative disease (RDD) refers to a group of diseases with retinal degeneration that cause vision loss and affect people's daily lives. Various therapies have been proposed, among which stem cell therapy (SCT) holds great promise for the treatment of RDDs. Microglia are immune cells in the retina that have two activation phenotypes, namely, pro-inflammatory M1 and anti-inflammatory M2 phenotypes. These cells play an important role in the pathological progression of RDDs, especially in terms of retinal inflammation. Recent studies have extensively investigated the therapeutic potential of stem cell therapy in treating RDDs, including the immunomodulatory effects targeting microglia. In this review, we substantially summarized the characteristics of RDDs and microglia, discussed the microglial changes and phenotypic transformation of M1 microglia to M2 microglia after SCT, and proposed future directions for SCT in treating RDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni Jin
- Senior Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Endocrinology, The Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Weiwei Sha
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lixiong Gao
- Senior Department of Ophthalmology, The Third Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
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31
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Chen M, Ren C, Ren B, Fang Y, Li Q, Zeng Y, Li Y, Chen F, Bian B, Liu Y. Human Retinal Progenitor Cells Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles Delay Retinal Degeneration: A Paradigm for Cell-free Therapy. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:748956. [PMID: 34912217 PMCID: PMC8667779 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.748956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal degeneration is a leading cause of irreversible vision impairment and blindness worldwide. Previous studies indicate that subretinal injection of human retinal progenitor cells (hRPCs) can delay the progression of retinal degeneration, preserve retinal function, and protect photoreceptor cells from death, albeit the mechanism is not well understood. In this study, small extracellular vesicles derived from hRPCs (hRPC-sEVs) were injected into the subretinal space of retinal dystrophic RCS rats. We find that hRPC-sEVs significantly preserve the function of retina and thickness of the outer nuclear layer (ONL), reduce the apoptosis of photoreceptors in the ONL, and suppress the inflammatory response in the retina of RCS rats. In vitro, we have shown that hRPC-sEV treatment could significantly reserve the low-glucose preconditioned apoptosis of photoreceptors and reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in microglia. Pathway analysis predicted the target genes of hRPC-sEV microRNAs involved in inflammation related biological processes and significantly enriched in processes autophagy, signal release, regulation of neuron death, and cell cycle. Collectively, our study suggests that hRPC-sEVs might be a favorable agent to delay retinal degeneration and highlights as a new paradigm for cell-free therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Chen
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Chunge Ren
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Bangqi Ren
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Yajie Fang
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiyou Li
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuxiao Zeng
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Yijian Li
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Fang Chen
- Department of Medical Technology, Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Chongqing, China
| | - Baishijiao Bian
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China.,Army 953 Hospital, Shigatse Branch of Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Shigatse, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
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Mundy DC, Goldberg JL. Nanoparticles as Cell Tracking Agents in Human Ocular Cell Transplantation Therapy. CURRENT OPHTHALMOLOGY REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40135-021-00275-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Cell Ferroptosis: New Mechanism and New Hope for Retinitis Pigmentosa. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082153. [PMID: 34440922 PMCID: PMC8393369 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a leading cause of inherited retinal degeneration, with more than 60 gene mutations. Despite the genetic heterogenicity, photoreceptor cell damage remains the hallmark of RP pathology. As a result, RP patients usually suffer from reduced night vision, loss of peripheral vision, decreased visual acuity, and impaired color perception. Although photoreceptor cell death is the primary outcome of RP, the underlying mechanisms are not completely elucidated. Ferroptosis is a novel programmed cell death, with characteristic iron overload and lipid peroxidation. Recent studies, using in vitro and in vivo RP models, discovered the involvement of ferroptosis-associated cell death, suggesting a possible new mechanism for RP pathogenesis. In this review, we discuss the association between ferroptosis and photoreceptor cell damage, and its implication in the pathogenesis of RP. We propose that ferroptotic cell death not only opens up a new research area in RP, but may also serve as a novel therapeutic target for RP.
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Lingam S, Liu Z, Yang B, Wong W, Parikh BH, Ong JY, Goh D, Wong DSL, Tan QSW, Tan GSW, Holder GE, Regha K, Barathi VA, Hunziker W, Lingam G, Zeng X, Su X. cGMP-grade human iPSC-derived retinal photoreceptor precursor cells rescue cone photoreceptor damage in non-human primates. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:464. [PMID: 34412697 PMCID: PMC8375124 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02539-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Retinal regenerative therapies hold great promise for the treatment of inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs). Studies in preclinical lower mammal models of IRDs have suggested visual improvement following retinal photoreceptor precursors transplantation, but there is limited evidence on the ability of these transplants to rescue retinal damage in higher mammals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of photoreceptor precursors derived from clinically compliant induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Methods Photoreceptor precursors were sub-retinally transplanted into non-human primates (Macaca fascicularis). The cells were transplanted both in naïve and cobalt chloride-induced retinal degeneration models who had been receiving systemic immunosuppression for one week prior to the procedure. Optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence imaging, electroretinography, ex vivo histology and immunofluorescence staining were used to evaluate retinal structure, function and survival of transplanted cells. Results There were no adverse effects of iPSC-derived photoreceptor precursors on retinal structure or function in naïve NHP models, indicating good biocompatibility. In addition, photoreceptor precursors injected into cobalt chloride-induced retinal degeneration NHP models demonstrated an ability both to survive and to mature into cone photoreceptors at 3 months post-transplant. Optical coherence tomography showed restoration of retinal ellipsoid zone post-transplantation. Conclusions These findings demonstrate the safety and therapeutic potential of clinically compliant iPSC-derived photoreceptor precursors as a cell replacement source for future clinical trials. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-021-02539-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swathi Lingam
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
| | - Zengping Liu
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), Singapore, 169856, Singapore
| | - Binxia Yang
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Wendy Wong
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
| | - Bhav Harshad Parikh
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
| | - Jun Yi Ong
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Debbie Goh
- Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
| | - Daniel Soo Lin Wong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
| | - Queenie Shu Woon Tan
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Gavin S W Tan
- Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), Singapore, 169856, Singapore.,Academic Clinical Program in Ophthalmology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Graham E Holder
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore, 119074, Singapore.,UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Kakkad Regha
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
| | - Veluchamy Amutha Barathi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), Singapore, 169856, Singapore.,Academic Clinical Program in Ophthalmology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Walter Hunziker
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Gopal Lingam
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), Singapore, 169856, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
| | - Xianmin Zeng
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117593, Singapore.,RxCell Inc, Novato, CA, 94949, USA
| | - Xinyi Su
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore. .,Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), Singapore, 169856, Singapore. .,Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, Singapore, 119074, Singapore.
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Atefi A, Kojouri PS, Karamali F, Irani S, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Construction and characterization of EGFP reporter plasmid harboring putative human RAX promoter for in vitro monitoring of retinal progenitor cells identity. BMC Mol Cell Biol 2021; 22:40. [PMID: 34348662 PMCID: PMC8335887 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-021-00378-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In retinal degenerative disease, progressive and debilitating conditions result in deterioration of retinal cells and visual loss. In human, retina lacks the inherent capacity for regeneration. Therefore, regeneration of retinal layer from human retinal progenitor cells (hRPCs) is a challenging task and restricted in vitro maintenance of hRPCs remains as the main hurdle. Retina and anterior neural fold homeobox gene (RAX) play critical roles in developing retina and maintenance of hRPCs. In this study, for the first time regulatory regions of human RAX gene with potential promoter activity were experimentally investigated. RESULTS For this purpose, after in silico analysis of regulatory regions of human RAX gene, the expression of EGFP reporter derived by putative promoter sequences was first evaluated in 293 T cells and then in hRPCS derived from human embryonic stem cells. The candidate region (RAX-3258 bp) showed the highest EGFP expression in hRPCs. This reporter construct can be used for in vitro monitoring of hRPC identity and verification of an efficient culture medium for maintenance of these cells. CONCLUSIONS Furthermore, our findings provide a platform for better insight into regulatory regions of human RAX gene and molecular mechanisms underlying its vital functions in retina development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Atefi
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Pendar Shojaei Kojouri
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Karamali
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shiva Irani
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
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Samoila O, Samoila L. Stem Cells in the Path of Light, from Corneal to Retinal Reconstruction. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9080873. [PMID: 34440077 PMCID: PMC8389604 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9080873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The future of eye reconstruction invariably includes stem cells transplantation. Corneal limbus, corneal stroma, trabeculum, retinal cells, optic nerve, and all structures that are irreversibly damaged and have no means to be repaired or replaced, through conventional treatment or surgery, represent targets for stem cell reconstruction. This review tries to answer the question if there is any clinical validation for stem therapies, so far, starting from the cornea and, on the path of light, arriving to the retina. The investigation covers the last 10 years of publications. From 2385 published sources, we found 56 clinical studies matching inclusion criteria, 39 involving cornea, and 17 involving retina. So far, corneal epithelial reconstruction seems well validated clinically. Enough clinical data are collected to allow some form of standardization for the stem cell transplant procedures. Cultivated limbal epithelial stem cells (CLET), simple limbal epithelial transplant (SLET), and oral mucosa transplantation are implemented worldwide. In comparison, far less patients are investigated in retinal stem reconstructions, with lower anatomical and clinical success, so far. Intravitreal, subretinal, and suprachoroidal approach for retinal stem therapies face specific challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ovidiu Samoila
- Ophthalmology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu”, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence:
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He XY, Zhao CJ, Xu H, Chen K, Bian BSJ, Gong Y, Weng CH, Zeng YX, Fu Y, Liu Y, Yin ZQ. Synaptic repair and vision restoration in advanced degenerating eyes by transplantation of retinal progenitor cells. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:1805-1817. [PMID: 34214489 PMCID: PMC8282465 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell transplantation shows enormous potential for treatment of incurable retinal degeneration (RD). To determine if and how grafts connect with the neural circuits of the advanced degenerative retina (ADR) and improve vision, we perform calcium imaging of GCaMP5-positive grafts in retinal slices. The organoid-derived C-Kit+/SSEA1- (C-Kit+) retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) become synaptically organized and build spontaneously active synaptic networks in three major layers of ADR. Light stimulation of the host photoreceptors elicits distinct neuronal responses throughout the graft RPCs. The graft RPCs and their differentiated offspring cells in inner nuclear layer synchronize their activities with the host cells and exhibit presynaptic calcium flux patterns that resemble intact retinal neurons. Once graft-to-host network is established, progressive vision loss is stabilized while control eyes continually lose vision. Therefore, transplantation of organoid-derived C-Kit+ RPCs can form functional synaptic networks within ADR and it holds promising avenue for advanced RD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Yu He
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, P.R. China; Department of Ophthalmology, the 958th Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, P.R. China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, P.R. China; Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing 100853, P.R. China
| | - Cong-Jian Zhao
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, P.R. China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Haiwei Xu
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, P.R. China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Kang Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, the 958th Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
| | - Bai-Shi-Jiao Bian
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, P.R. China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Yu Gong
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, P.R. China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Chuan-Huang Weng
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, P.R. China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Xiao Zeng
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, P.R. China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Yan Fu
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, P.R. China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Yong Liu
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, P.R. China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, P.R. China.
| | - Zheng-Qin Yin
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, P.R. China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, P.R. China; Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing 100853, P.R. China.
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Maturation and Protection Effect of Retinal Tissue-Derived Bioink for 3D Cell Printing Technology. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13070934. [PMID: 34201702 PMCID: PMC8309106 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13070934] [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: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal degeneration is a leading cause of incurable vision loss and blindness. The increasing incidence of retinal degeneration has triggered research into the development of in vitro retinal models for drug development and retinal alternatives for transplantation. However, the complex retinal structure and the retinal microenvironment pose serious challenges. Although 3D cell printing technology has been widely used in tissue engineering, including in vitro model development and regeneration medicine, currently available bioinks are insufficient to recapitulate the complex extracellular matrix environment of the retina. Therefore, in this study, we developed a retinal decellularized extracellular matrix (RdECM) from the porcine retina and evaluated its characteristics. The RdECM conserved the ECM components from the native retina without cellular components. Then, we mixed the RdECM with collagen to form a bioink and confirmed its suitability for 3D cell printing. We further studied the effect of the RdECM bioink on the differentiation of Muller cells. The retinal protective effect of the RdECM bioink was confirmed through a retinal degeneration animal model. Thus, we believe that the RdECM bioink is a promising candidate for retinal tissue engineering.
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Ahani-Nahayati M, Niazi V, Moradi A, Pourjabbar B, Roozafzoon R, Baradaran-Rafii A, Keshel SH. Cell-based therapy for ocular disorders: A promising frontier. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 17:147-165. [PMID: 34161213 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x16666210622124555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
As the ocular disorders causing long-term blindness or optical abnormalities of the ocular tissue affect the quality of life of patients to a large extent, awareness of their corresponding pathogenesis and the earlier detection and treatment need more consideration. Though current therapeutics result in desirable outcomes, they do not offer an inclusive solution for development of visual impairment to blindness. Accordingly, stem cells, because of their particular competencies, have gained extensive attention for application in regenerative medicine of ocular diseases. In the last decades, a wide spectrum of stem cells surrounding mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC), neural stem cells (NSCs), and embryonic/induced pluripotent stem cells (ESCs/iPSCs) accompanied by Müller glia, ciliary epithelia-derived stem cells, and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) stem cells have been widely investigated to report their safety and efficacy in preclinical models and also human subjects. In this regard, in the first interventions, RPE cell suspensions were successfully utilized to ameliorate visual defects of the patients suffering from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) after subretinal transplantation. Herein, we will explain the pathogenesis of ocular diseases and highlight the novel discoveries and recent findings in the context of stem cell-based therapies in these disorders, focusing on the in vivo reports published during the last decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Ahani-Nahayati
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Science, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Niazi
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Science, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Moradi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahareh Pourjabbar
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Science, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Roozafzoon
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Science, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Saeed Heidari Keshel
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Science, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
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40
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Wiącek MP, Gosławski W, Grabowicz A, Sobuś A, Kawa MP, Baumert B, Paczkowska E, Milczarek S, Osękowska B, Safranow K, Zawiślak A, Lubiński W, Machaliński B, Machalińska A. Long-Term Effects of Adjuvant Intravitreal Treatment with Autologous Bone Marrow-Derived Lineage-Negative Cells in Retinitis Pigmentosa. Stem Cells Int 2021; 2021:6631921. [PMID: 34122558 PMCID: PMC8192192 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6631921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autologous bone marrow-derived lineage-negative (Lin-) cells present antiapoptotic and neuroprotective activity. The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of novel autologous Lin- cell therapy during a 12-month follow-up period. METHODS Intravitreal injection of Lin- cells in 30 eyes with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) was performed. The fellow eyes (FEs) were considered control eyes. Functional and morphological eye examinations were performed before and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the injection. RESULTS Patients whose symptoms started less than 10 years ago gained 14 ± 10 letters, while those with a longer disease duration gained 2.86 ± 8.54 letters compared to baseline at the 12-month follow-up (p = 0.021). There were significantly higher differences in response densities of P1-wave amplitudes in the first ring of multifocal ERGs in treated eyes than FE recordings in all follow-up points were detected. Accordingly, the mean deviation in 10-2 static perimetry improved significantly in the treated eyes compared with fellow eyes 12 months after the procedure. The QoL scores improved significantly and lasted until the 9-month visit. CONCLUSION Lin- cell-based therapy is safe and effective, especially for a well-selected group of RP patients who still maintained good function of the foveal cones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta P. Wiącek
- First Department of Ophthalmology, Pomeranian Medical University, Powst. Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Wojciech Gosławski
- Second Department of Ophthalmology, Pomeranian Medical University, Powst. Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Grabowicz
- First Department of Ophthalmology, Pomeranian Medical University, Powst. Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Anna Sobuś
- Department of General Pathology, Pomeranian Medical University, Powst. Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Miłosz P. Kawa
- Department of General Pathology, Pomeranian Medical University, Powst. Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej Baumert
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation, Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Pomeranian Medical University, Unii Lubelskiej 1, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Edyta Paczkowska
- Department of General Pathology, Pomeranian Medical University, Powst. Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation, Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Pomeranian Medical University, Unii Lubelskiej 1, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Sławomir Milczarek
- Department of General Pathology, Pomeranian Medical University, Powst. Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation, Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Pomeranian Medical University, Unii Lubelskiej 1, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Bogumiła Osękowska
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation, Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Pomeranian Medical University, Unii Lubelskiej 1, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Safranow
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University, Powst. Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Alicja Zawiślak
- Department of General Pathology, Pomeranian Medical University, Powst. Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Wojciech Lubiński
- Second Department of Ophthalmology, Pomeranian Medical University, Powst. Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Bogusław Machaliński
- Department of General Pathology, Pomeranian Medical University, Powst. Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation, Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Pomeranian Medical University, Unii Lubelskiej 1, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Anna Machalińska
- First Department of Ophthalmology, Pomeranian Medical University, Powst. Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
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Stem Cell Therapy, Ophthalmic Applications, and the Current Controversies With Direct-to-Consumer Marketing. Int Ophthalmol Clin 2021; 60:179-192. [PMID: 33093325 DOI: 10.1097/iio.0000000000000329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Koh AEH, Subbiah SK, Farhana A, Alam MK, Mok PL. Mitigation of Sodium Iodate-Induced Cytotoxicity in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells in vitro by Transgenic Erythropoietin-Expressing Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:652065. [PMID: 33937251 PMCID: PMC8082501 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.652065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have shown promise in restoring the vision of patients in clinical trials. However, this therapeutic effect is not observed in every treated patient and is possibly due to the inefficacies of cell delivery and high cell death following transplantation. Utilizing erythropoietin can significantly enhance the regenerative properties of MSCs and hence improve retinal neuron survivability in oxidative stress. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the efficacy of conditioned medium (CM) obtained from transgenic human erythropoietin-expressing MSCs (MSC EPO ) in protecting human retinal pigment epithelial cells from sodium iodate (NaIO3)-induced cell death. Human MSC and MSC EPO were first cultured to obtain conditioned media (CM). The IC50 of NaIO3 in the ARPE-19 culture was then determined by an MTT assay. After that, the efficacy of both MSC-CM and MSC-CM EPO in ARPE-19 cell survival were compared at 24 and 48 h after NaIO3 treatment with MTT. The treatment effects on mitochondrial membrane potential was then measured by a JC-1 flow cytometric assay. The MTT results indicated a corresponding increase in cell survivability (5-58%) in the ARPE-19 cell cultures. In comparison to MSC-CM, the use of conditioned medium collected from the MSC-CM EPO further enhanced the rate of ARPE-19 survivability at 24 h (P < 0.05) and 48 h (P < 0.05) in the presence of NaIO3. Furthermore, more than 90% were found viable with the JC-1 assay after MSC-CM EPO treatment, showing a positive implication on the mitochondrial dynamics of ARPE-19. The MSC-CM EPO provided an enhanced mitigating effect against NaIO3-induced ARPE-19 cell death over that of MSC-CM alone during the early phase of the treatment, and it may act as a future therapy in treating retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avin Ee-Hwan Koh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia
| | - Suresh Kumar Subbiah
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia.,Genetics and Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia.,Department of Biotechnology, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | - Aisha Farhana
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Pooi Ling Mok
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia.,Genetics and Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Seri Kembangan, Malaysia.,Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
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43
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Long-term effects of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal cell transplantation in Pde6b knockout rats. Exp Mol Med 2021; 53:631-642. [PMID: 33828232 PMCID: PMC8102536 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-021-00588-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal degenerative disorders, including age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa (RP), are characterized by the irreversible loss of photoreceptor cells and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells; however, the long-term effect of implanting both human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived RPE and photoreceptor for retinal regeneration has not yet been investigated. In this study, we evaluated the long-term effects of hiPSC-derived RPE and photoreceptor cell transplantation in Pde6b knockout rats to study RP; cells were injected into the subretinal space of the right eyes of rats before the appearance of signs of retinal degeneration at 2-3 weeks of age. Ten months after transplantation, we evaluated the cells using fundus photography, optical coherence tomography, and histological evaluation, and no abnormal cell proliferation was observed. A relatively large number of transplanted cells persisted during the first 4 months; subsequently, the number of these cells decreased gradually. Notably, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the hiPSC-derived retinal cells showed characteristics of both RPE cells and photoreceptors of human origin after transplantation. Functional analysis of vision by scotopic electroretinogram revealed significant preservation of vision after transplantation. Our study suggests that the transplantation of hiPSC-derived retinal cells, including RPE cells and photoreceptors, has a potential therapeutic effect against irreversible retinal degenerative diseases.
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Identification of 13 novel USH2A mutations in Chinese retinitis pigmentosa and Usher syndrome patients by targeted next-generation sequencing. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:221779. [PMID: 31904091 PMCID: PMC6974426 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20193536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The USH2A gene encodes usherin, a basement membrane protein that is involved in the development and homeostasis of the inner ear and retina. Mutations in USH2A are linked to Usher syndrome type II (USH II) and non-syndromic retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Molecular diagnosis can provide insight into the pathogenesis of these diseases, facilitate clinical diagnosis, and identify individuals who can most benefit from gene or cell replacement therapy. Here, we report 21 pathogenic mutations in the USH2A gene identified in 11 Chinese families by using the targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. Methods: In all, 11 unrelated Chinese families were enrolled, and NGS was performed to identify mutations in the USH2A gene. Variant analysis, Sanger validation, and segregation tests were utilized to validate the disease-causing mutations in these families. Results: We identified 21 pathogenic mutations, of which 13, including 5 associated with non-syndromic RP and 8 with USH II, have not been previously reported. The novel variants segregated with disease phenotype in the affected families and were absent from the control subjects. In general, visual impairment and retinopathy were consistent between the USH II and non-syndromic RP patients with USH2A mutations. Conclusions: These findings provide a basis for investigating genotype–phenotype relationships in Chinese USH II and RP patients and for clarifying the pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms of the diseases associated with USH2A mutations.
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Cell therapy with hiPSC-derived RPE cells and RPCs prevents visual function loss in a rat model of retinal degeneration. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 20:688-702. [PMID: 33738324 PMCID: PMC7937540 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Photoreceptor loss is the principal cause of blindness in retinal degenerative diseases (RDDs). Whereas some therapies exist for early stages of RDDs, no effective treatment is currently available for later stages, and once photoreceptors are lost, the only option to rescue vision is cell transplantation. With the use of the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat model of retinal degeneration, we sought to determine whether combined transplantation of human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived retinal precursor cells (RPCs) and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells was superior to RPE or RPC transplantation alone in preserving retinal from degeneration. hiPSC-derived RPCs and RPE cells expressing (GFP) were transplanted into the subretinal space of rats. In vivo monitoring showed that grafted cells survived 12 weeks in the subretinal space, and rats treated with RPE + RPC therapy exhibited better conservation of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) and visual response than RPE-treated or RPC-treated rats. Transplanted RPE cells integrated in the host RPE layer, whereas RPC mostly remained in the subretinal space, although a limited number of cells integrated in the ONL. In conclusion, the combined transplantation of hiPSC-derived RPE and RPCs is a potentially superior therapeutic approach to protect retina from degeneration in RDDs.
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The Future of Regenerative Medicine: Cell Therapy Using Pluripotent Stem Cells and Acellular Therapies Based on Extracellular Vesicles. Cells 2021; 10:cells10020240. [PMID: 33513719 PMCID: PMC7912181 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid progress in the field of stem cell research has laid strong foundations for their use in regenerative medicine applications of injured or diseased tissues. Growing evidences indicate that some observed therapeutic outcomes of stem cell-based therapy are due to paracrine effects rather than long-term engraftment and survival of transplanted cells. Given their ability to cross biological barriers and mediate intercellular information transfer of bioactive molecules, extracellular vesicles are being explored as potential cell-free therapeutic agents. In this review, we first discuss the state of the art of regenerative medicine and its current limitations and challenges, with particular attention on pluripotent stem cell-derived products to repair organs like the eye, heart, skeletal muscle and skin. We then focus on emerging beneficial roles of extracellular vesicles to alleviate these pathological conditions and address hurdles and operational issues of this acellular strategy. Finally, we discuss future directions and examine how careful integration of different approaches presented in this review could help to potentiate therapeutic results in preclinical models and their good manufacturing practice (GMP) implementation for future clinical trials.
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Quantitative assessment of visual pathway function in blind retinitis pigmentosa patients. Clin Neurophysiol 2021; 132:392-403. [PMID: 33450562 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2020.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The current methods used to assess visual function in blind retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients are mostly subjective. We aimed to identify effective, objective methods. METHODS We enrolled patients diagnosed with blindness associated with RP; we finally selected 26 patients (51 eyes) with a visual field radius less than 10 degrees and divided them into the following 4 groups by best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA): group 1, no light perception (NLP, 4 eyes); group 2, light perception (LP, 12 eyes); group 3, hand movement or finger counting (faint form perception, FFP, 22 eyes); and group 4, BCVA from 0.1 to 0.8 (form perception, FP, 13 eyes). All patients underwent optometry, optical coherence tomography (OCT), color fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence (FAF), full field electroretinography (ffERG), pattern electroretinography (PERG), multifocal electroretinography (mf-ERG), pattern visual evoked potential (PVEP), flash visual evoked potential (FVEP), and pupillary light response (PLR) assessments. Five patients in groups 1, 2, and 3 (1, 2, and 2 subjects, respectively) underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans and were compared with five healthy subjects. RESULTS The outer plexiform layer was thinner in group 1, and the outer nuclear layer was thinner in groups 1 and 2. The ffERG, PERG, and mf-ERG findings were unrecordable in all four groups. The P2 amplitude of the FVEP was significantly lower in groups 1 and 2, while the P100 amplitude of the PVEP was higher in groups 2, 3 and 4 than in group 1. After white- and blue-light stimuli, the PLR thresholds in the patients without form perception were significantly higher. The threshold of the PLR stimulated by blue and white light was negatively correlated with the amplitudes of P2 and P100. Moreover, the fMRI findings showed that some RP patients have significant visual cortex activation in response to certain types of stimulation. However, statistical analysis was not performed because of the small number of cases. CONCLUSIONS OCT, VEP, PLR and fMRI assessments can evaluate residual visual pathway function in blind RP patients. SIGNIFICANCE Our study may have clinical significance for the potential prediction of RP patient prognoses and the effects after clinical trials.
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Tuekprakhon A, Sangkitporn S, Trinavarat A, Pawestri AR, Vamvanij V, Ruangchainikom M, Luksanapruksa P, Pongpaksupasin P, Khorchai A, Dambua A, Boonchu P, Yodtup C, Uiprasertkul M, Sangkitporn S, Atchaneeyasakul LO. Intravitreal autologous mesenchymal stem cell transplantation: a non-randomized phase I clinical trial in patients with retinitis pigmentosa. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:52. [PMID: 33422139 PMCID: PMC7796606 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-02122-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a progressive inherited retinal disease with great interest for finding effective treatment modalities. Stem cell-based therapy is one of the promising candidates. We aimed to investigate the safety, feasibility, and short-term efficacy of intravitreal injection of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in participants with advanced stage RP. Methods This non-randomized phase I clinical trial enrolled 14 participants, categorized into three groups based on a single dose intravitreal BM-MSC injection of 1 × 106, 5 × 106, or 1 × 107 cells. We evaluated signs of inflammation and other adverse events (AEs). We also assessed the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), visual field (VF), central subfield thickness (CST), and subjective experiences. Results During the 12-month period, we noticed several mild and transient AEs. Interestingly, we found statistically significant improvements in the BCVA compared to baseline, although they returned to the baseline at 12 months. The VF and CST were stable, indicating no remarkable disease progression. We followed 12 participants beyond the study period, ranging from 1.5 to 7 years, and observed one severe but manageable AE at year 3. Conclusion Intravitreal injection of BM-MSCs appears to be safe and potentially effective. All adverse events during the 12-month period required observation without any intervention. For the long-term follow-up, only one participant needed surgical treatment for a serious adverse event and the vision was restored. An enrollment of larger number of participants with less advanced RP and long-term follow-up is required to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this intervention. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01531348. Registered on February 10, 2012 Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-020-02122-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aekkachai Tuekprakhon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Road, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Siripakorn Sangkitporn
- Stem cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, National Institute of Health, 88/7 Tivanon Road, Muang, Nonthaburi, 11000, Thailand
| | - Adisak Trinavarat
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Road, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | | | - Visit Vamvanij
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Monchai Ruangchainikom
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Panya Luksanapruksa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Phitchapa Pongpaksupasin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Road, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand.,Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Areerat Khorchai
- Stem cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, National Institute of Health, 88/7 Tivanon Road, Muang, Nonthaburi, 11000, Thailand
| | - Acharaporn Dambua
- Stem cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, National Institute of Health, 88/7 Tivanon Road, Muang, Nonthaburi, 11000, Thailand
| | - Patcharaporn Boonchu
- Stem cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, National Institute of Health, 88/7 Tivanon Road, Muang, Nonthaburi, 11000, Thailand
| | - Chonlada Yodtup
- Stem cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, National Institute of Health, 88/7 Tivanon Road, Muang, Nonthaburi, 11000, Thailand
| | - Mongkol Uiprasertkul
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Somchai Sangkitporn
- Stem cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, National Institute of Health, 88/7 Tivanon Road, Muang, Nonthaburi, 11000, Thailand.
| | - La-Ongsri Atchaneeyasakul
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Road, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand.
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Combined Cell Therapy in the Treatment of Neurological Disorders. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8120613. [PMID: 33333803 PMCID: PMC7765161 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8120613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell therapy of neurological diseases is gaining momentum. Various types of stem/progenitor cells and their derivatives have shown positive therapeutic results in animal models of neurological disorders and in clinical trials. Each tested cell type proved to have its advantages and flaws and unique cellular and molecular mechanism of action, prompting the idea to test combined transplantation of two or more types of cells (combined cell therapy). This review summarizes the results of combined cell therapy of neurological pathologies reported up to this point. The number of papers describing experimental studies or clinical trials addressing this subject is still limited. However, its successful application to the treatment of neurological pathologies including stroke, spinal cord injury, neurodegenerative diseases, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and retinal degeneration has been reported in both experimental and clinical studies. The advantages of combined cell therapy can be realized by simple summation of beneficial effects of different cells. Alternatively, one kind of cells can support the survival and functioning of the other by enhancing the formation of optimum environment or immunomodulation. No significant adverse events were reported. Combined cell therapy is a promising approach for the treatment of neurological disorders, but further research needs to be conducted.
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50
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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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