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Mokady D, Charish J, Barretto-Burns P, Grisé KN, Coles BLK, Raab S, Ortin-Martinez A, Müller A, Fasching B, Jain P, Drukker M, van der Kooy D, Steger M. Small-Molecule-Directed Endogenous Regeneration of Visual Function in a Mammalian Retinal Degeneration Model. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1521. [PMID: 38338800 PMCID: PMC10855388 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031521] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Degenerative retinal diseases associated with photoreceptor loss are a leading cause of visual impairment worldwide, with limited treatment options. Phenotypic profiling coupled with medicinal chemistry were used to develop a small molecule with proliferative effects on retinal stem/progenitor cells, as assessed in vitro in a neurosphere assay and in vivo by measuring Msx1-positive ciliary body cell proliferation. The compound was identified as having kinase inhibitory activity and was subjected to cellular pathway analysis in non-retinal human primary cell systems. When tested in a disease-relevant murine model of adult retinal degeneration (MNU-induced retinal degeneration), we observed that four repeat intravitreal injections of the compound improved the thickness of the outer nuclear layer along with the regeneration of the visual function, as measured with ERG, visual acuity, and contrast sensitivity tests. This serves as a proof of concept for the use of a small molecule to promote endogenous regeneration in the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphna Mokady
- Endogena Therapeutics, Inc., 661 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 0B7, Canada (P.B.-B.)
| | - Jason Charish
- Endogena Therapeutics, Inc., 661 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 0B7, Canada (P.B.-B.)
| | | | - Kenneth N. Grisé
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Donnelly Centre Rm 1110, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Brenda L. K. Coles
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Donnelly Centre Rm 1110, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Susanne Raab
- Endogena Therapeutics, AG, Binzmuehlestrasse 170 d, CH-8050 Zuerich, Switzerland
| | - Arturo Ortin-Martinez
- Endogena Therapeutics, Inc., 661 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 0B7, Canada (P.B.-B.)
| | - Alex Müller
- Endogena Therapeutics, AG, Binzmuehlestrasse 170 d, CH-8050 Zuerich, Switzerland
| | - Bernhard Fasching
- Endogena Therapeutics, AG, Binzmuehlestrasse 170 d, CH-8050 Zuerich, Switzerland
| | - Payal Jain
- Endogena Therapeutics, Inc., 661 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 0B7, Canada (P.B.-B.)
| | - Micha Drukker
- Endogena Therapeutics, AG, Binzmuehlestrasse 170 d, CH-8050 Zuerich, Switzerland
| | - Derek van der Kooy
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Donnelly Centre Rm 1110, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Matthias Steger
- Endogena Therapeutics, AG, Binzmuehlestrasse 170 d, CH-8050 Zuerich, Switzerland
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2
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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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Grigoryan EN. Cell Sources for Retinal Regeneration: Implication for Data Translation in Biomedicine of the Eye. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233755. [PMID: 36497013 PMCID: PMC9738527 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The main degenerative diseases of the retina include macular degeneration, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, and glaucoma. Novel approaches for treating retinal diseases are based on cell replacement therapy using a variety of exogenous stem cells. An alternative and complementary approach is the potential use of retinal regeneration cell sources (RRCSs) containing retinal pigment epithelium, ciliary body, Müller glia, and retinal ciliary region. RRCSs in lower vertebrates in vivo and in mammals mostly in vitro are able to proliferate and exhibit gene expression and epigenetic characteristics typical for neural/retinal cell progenitors. Here, we review research on the factors controlling the RRCSs' properties, such as the cell microenvironment, growth factors, cytokines, hormones, etc., that determine the regenerative responses and alterations underlying the RRCS-associated pathologies. We also discuss how the current data on molecular features and regulatory mechanisms of RRCSs could be translated in retinal biomedicine with a special focus on (1) attempts to obtain retinal neurons de novo both in vivo and in vitro to replace damaged retinal cells; and (2) investigations of the key molecular networks stimulating regenerative responses and preventing RRCS-related pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora N Grigoryan
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
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4
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Coles BLK, Labib M, Poudineh M, Innes BT, Belair-Hickey J, Gomis S, Wang Z, Bader GD, Sargent EH, Kelley SO, van der Kooy D. A microfluidic platform enables comprehensive gene expression profiling of mouse retinal stem cells. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:4464-4476. [PMID: 34651637 PMCID: PMC8578462 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00790d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Loss of photoreceptors due to retinal degeneration is a major cause of untreatable visual impairment and blindness. Cell replacement therapy, using retinal stem cell (RSC)-derived photoreceptors, holds promise for reconstituting damaged cell populations in the retina. One major obstacle preventing translation to the clinic is the lack of validated markers or strategies to prospectively identify these rare cells in the retina and subsequently enrich them. Here, we introduce a microfluidic platform that combines nickel micromagnets, herringbone structures, and a design enabling varying flow velocities among three compartments to facilitate a highly efficient enrichment of RSCs. In addition, we developed an affinity enrichment strategy based on cell-surface markers that was utilized to isolate RSCs from the adult ciliary epithelium. We showed that targeting a panel of three cell surface markers simultaneously facilitates the enrichment of RSCs to 1 : 3 relative to unsorted cells. Combining the microfluidic platform with single-cell whole-transcriptome profiling, we successfully identified four differentially expressed cell surface markers that can be targeted simultaneously to yield an unprecedented 1 : 2 enrichment of RSCs relative to unsorted cells. We also identified transcription factors (TFs) that play functional roles in maintenance, quiescence, and proliferation of RSCs. This level of analysis for the first time identified a spectrum of molecular and functional properties of RSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda L K Coles
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | - Mahmoud Labib
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada.
| | - Mahla Poudineh
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | - Brendan T Innes
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Justin Belair-Hickey
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | - Surath Gomis
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | - Zongjie Wang
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
- Institute for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G4, Canada
| | - Gary D Bader
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Edward H Sargent
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | - Shana O Kelley
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada.
- Institute for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G4, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Derek van der Kooy
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
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5
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Haghighat M, Iranbakhsh A, Baharara J, Ebadi M, Sotoodehnejadnematalahia F. Evaluation of the Potential Effects of Retinol and Alginate/Gelatin-Based Scaffolds on Differentiation Capacity of Mouse Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) into Retinal Cells. Int J Stem Cells 2021; 15:183-194. [PMID: 34711698 PMCID: PMC9148832 DOI: 10.15283/ijsc21062] [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: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Retinal stem cells (RSCs) resided in ciliary epithelium have shown to possess a high capacity to self-renew and differentiate into retinal cells. RSCs could be induced to differentiate when they are exposed to stimuli like natural compounds and suitable contexts such as biomaterials. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of Retinol and alginate/gelatin-based scaffolds on differentiation potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) originated from mouse ciliary epithelium. Methods and Results MSCs were extracted from mouse ciliary epithelium, and their identity was verified by detecting specific surface antigens. To provide a three-dimensional in vitro culture system, 2% alginate, 0.5% gelatin and the mixed alginate-gelatin hydrogels were fabricated and checked by SEM. Retinol treatment was performed on MSCs expanded on alginate/gelatin hydrogels and the survival rate and the ability of MSCs to differentiate were examined through measuring expression alterations of retina-specific genes by ICC and qPCR. The cell population isolated from ciliary epithelium contained more than 93.4% cells positive for MSC-specific marker CD105. Alginate/gelatin scaffolds showed to provide an acceptable viability (over 70%) for MSC cultures. Retinol treatment could induce a high expression of rhodopsin protein in MSCs expanded in alginate and alginate-gelatin mixtures. An elevated presentation of Nestin, RPE65 and Rhodopsin genes was detected in retinol-treated cultures expanded on alginate and alginate-gelatin scaffolds. Conclusions The results presented here elucidate that retinol treatment of MSCs grown on alginate scaffolds would promote the mouse ciliary epithelium-derived MSCs to differentiate towards retinal neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahtab Haghighat
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Iranbakhsh
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Baharara
- Department of Biology, Applied Biology Research Center, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mostafa Ebadi
- Department of Biology, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran
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6
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Grisé KN, Coles BLK, Bautista NX, van der Kooy D. Activation of adult mammalian retinal stem cells in vivo via antagonism of BMP and sFRP2. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:560. [PMID: 34717744 PMCID: PMC8557620 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02630-0] [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: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The adult mammalian retina does not have the capacity to regenerate cells lost due to damage or disease. Therefore, retinal injuries and blinding diseases result in irreversible vision loss. However, retinal stem cells (RSCs), which participate in retinogenesis during development, persist in a quiescent state in the ciliary epithelium (CE) of the adult mammalian eye. Moreover, RSCs retain the ability to generate all retinal cell types when cultured in vitro, including photoreceptors. Therefore, it may be possible to activate endogenous RSCs to induce retinal neurogenesis in vivo and restore vision in the adult mammalian eye. Methods To investigate if endogenous RSCs can be activated, we performed combinatorial intravitreal injections of antagonists to BMP and sFRP2 proteins (two proposed mediators of RSC quiescence in vivo), with or without growth factors FGF and Insulin. We also investigated the effects of chemically-induced N-methyl-N-Nitrosourea (MNU) retinal degeneration on RSC activation, both alone and in combination withthe injected factors. Further, we employed inducible Msx1-CreERT2 genetic lineage labeling of the CE followed by stimulation paradigms to determine if activated endogenous RSCs could migrate into the retina and differentiate into retinal neurons. Results We found that in vivo antagonism of BMP and sFRP2 proteins induced CE cells in the RSC niche to proliferate and expanded the RSC population. BMP and sFRP2 antagonism also enhanced CE cell proliferation in response to exogenous growth factor stimulation and MNU-induced retinal degeneration. Furthermore, Msx1-CreERT2 genetic lineage tracing revealed that CE cells migrated into the retina following stimulation and/or injury, where they expressed markers of mature photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells. Conclusions Together, these results indicate that endogenous adult mammalian RSCs may have latent regenerative potential that can be activated by modulating the RSC niche and hold promise as a means for endogenous retinal cell therapy to repair the retina and improve vision. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-021-02630-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth N Grisé
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Donnelly Centre Rm 1110, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada.
| | - Brenda L K Coles
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Donnelly Centre Rm 1110, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Nelson X Bautista
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Donnelly Centre Rm 1110, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Derek van der Kooy
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Donnelly Centre Rm 1110, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
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7
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Hidalgo-Alvarez V, Dhowre HS, Kingston OA, Sheridan CM, Levis HJ. Biofabrication of Artificial Stem Cell Niches in the Anterior Ocular Segment. Bioengineering (Basel) 2021; 8:135. [PMID: 34677208 PMCID: PMC8533470 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering8100135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The anterior segment of the eye is a complex set of structures that collectively act to maintain the integrity of the globe and direct light towards the posteriorly located retina. The eye is exposed to numerous physical and environmental insults such as infection, UV radiation, physical or chemical injuries. Loss of transparency to the cornea or lens (cataract) and dysfunctional regulation of intra ocular pressure (glaucoma) are leading causes of worldwide blindness. Whilst traditional therapeutic approaches can improve vision, their effect often fails to control the multiple pathological events that lead to long-term vision loss. Regenerative medicine approaches in the eye have already had success with ocular stem cell therapy and ex vivo production of cornea and conjunctival tissue for transplant recovering patients' vision. However, advancements are required to increase the efficacy of these as well as develop other ocular cell therapies. One of the most important challenges that determines the success of regenerative approaches is the preservation of the stem cell properties during expansion culture in vitro. To achieve this, the environment must provide the physical, chemical and biological factors that ensure the maintenance of their undifferentiated state, as well as their proliferative capacity. This is likely to be accomplished by replicating the natural stem cell niche in vitro. Due to the complex nature of the cell microenvironment, the creation of such artificial niches requires the use of bioengineering techniques which can replicate the physico-chemical properties and the dynamic cell-extracellular matrix interactions that maintain the stem cell phenotype. This review discusses the progress made in the replication of stem cell niches from the anterior ocular segment by using bioengineering approaches and their therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Hidalgo-Alvarez
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK
| | - Hala S. Dhowre
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK; (H.S.D.); (O.A.K.)
| | - Olivia A. Kingston
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK; (H.S.D.); (O.A.K.)
| | - Carl M. Sheridan
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK; (H.S.D.); (O.A.K.)
| | - Hannah J. Levis
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK; (H.S.D.); (O.A.K.)
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8
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Forouzanfar F, Soleimannejad M, Soltani A, Sadat Mirsafaee P, Asgharzade S. Retinoic acid and taurine enhance differentiation of the human bone marrow stem cells into cone photoreceptor cells and retinal ganglion cells. J Cell Biochem 2021; 122:1915-1924. [PMID: 34569079 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Degeneration and apoptotic death of the photoreceptor cell-layer of retina are a major cause of irreversible blindness in the development era. The stem cell replacement therapy is one of the strategies for the retinal repairing. In addition, exogenous signals critically contribute to the direction of lineage decisions that causes the fate-restricted photoreceptor progenitors from stem cell progeny in culture. It has been found that epidermal growth factor (EGF), taurine, and retinoic acid (RA) initially act in the instructive as well as lineage-restricted way in the progenitor lineage for producing neuroretinal cells or photoreceptor like cells from stem cell. The study aims to investigate the effect of RA and taurine in differentiation of the human bone marrow stem cell into cone photoreceptors cells and retinal ganglion cells. Mesenchymal stem cell was derived from human bone marrow of the term delivery. Therefore, the cultured cells have been treated with Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM)/high glucose (H+ ). After the four-cell passage, basal medium was replaced with DMEM/F12 complemented with 50 μmol/L taurine, RA (1 µM) and EGF (1 µg/ml). Subsequently cellular change morphology was detected following 7 and 14 days. Then, gene expression of neuroretinal and photoreceptor cell biomarkers (CRX, OTX2, PKC-α, recoverin, and Rho) were examined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR). Also, cells were cultured, fixed, and then immunocytochemical analyzed. Primary antibodies included CRX and Rho. Cellular morphology demonstrated spindle elongated morphology. Taurine alone and combination of RA upregulate neuroretinal and photoreceptor cell biomarkers in messenger RNA and protein levels but along with EGF have not significant effect. Our data showed that taurine combination with RA can differentiate bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into neuroretinal or photoreceptor like cells in vitro that can offer an attractive treatment ground for transplantation in the cell-replacement therapy for some forms of the retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Forouzanfar
- Medical Toxicology Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mostafa Soleimannejad
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Amin Soltani
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Parisa Sadat Mirsafaee
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Samira Asgharzade
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
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9
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Retinal Stem Cell 'Retirement Plans': Growth, Regulation and Species Adaptations in the Retinal Ciliary Marginal Zone. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126528. [PMID: 34207050 PMCID: PMC8234741 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The vertebrate retina develops from a specified group of precursor cells that adopt distinct identities and generate lineages of either the neural retina, retinal pigmented epithelium, or ciliary body. In some species, including teleost fish and amphibians, proliferative cells with stem-cell-like properties capable of continuously supplying new retinal cells post-embryonically have been characterized and extensively studied. This region, termed the ciliary or circumferential marginal zone (CMZ), possibly represents a conserved retinal stem cell niche. In this review, we highlight the research characterizing similar CMZ-like regions, or stem-like cells located at the peripheral margin, across multiple different species. We discuss the proliferative parameters, multipotency and growth mechanisms of these cells to understand how they behave in vivo and how different molecular factors and signalling networks converge at the CMZ niche to regulate their activity. The evidence suggests that the mature retina may have a conserved propensity for homeostatic growth and plasticity and that dysfunction in the regulation of CMZ activity may partially account for dystrophic eye growth diseases such as myopia and hyperopia. A better understanding of the properties of CMZ cells will enable important insight into how an endogenous generative tissue compartment can adapt to altered retinal physiology and potentially even restore vision loss caused by retinal degenerative conditions.
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10
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New In Vitro Cellular Model for Molecular Studies of Retinitis Pigmentosa. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126440. [PMID: 34208617 PMCID: PMC8235468 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited form of retinal degeneration characterized by primary rod photoreceptor cell death followed by cone loss. Mutations in several genes linked to the disease cause increased levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and calcium ion influxes. The purpose of this project was to develop a new in vitro photoreceptor degeneration model for molecular studies of RP. 661W cells were genetically modified to stably express the neural retina leucine zipper (NRL) transcription factor. One clone (661W-A11) was selected based on the expression of Nrl target genes. 661W-A11 showed a significant increase in expression of rod-specific genes but not of cone-specific genes, compared with 661W cells. Zaprinast was used to inhibit phosphodiesterase 6 (PDE6) activity to mimic photoreceptor degeneration in vitro. The activation of cell death pathways resulting from PDE6 inhibition was confirmed by detection of decreased viability and increased intracellular cGMP and calcium, as well as activation of protein kinase G (PKG) and calpains. In this new in vitro system, we validated the effects of previously published neuroprotective drugs. The 661W-A11 cells may serve as a new model for molecular studies of RP and for high-throughput drug screening.
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11
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A defined subset of clonal retinal stem cell spheres is biased to RPE differentiation. iScience 2021; 24:102574. [PMID: 34151227 PMCID: PMC8188557 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal stem cells (RSCs) are rare pigmented cells found in the pigmented ciliary layer of the mammalian retina. Studies show that RSCs can replicate to maintain the stem cell pool and produce retinal progenitors that differentiate into all retinal cell types. We classified RSCs based on their level and distribution of pigment into heavily pigmented (HP), lightly pigmented (LP), and centrally pigmented (CP) spheres. We report that CP spheres are capable of generating large cobblestone lawns of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. The other clonal sphere types (HP and LP) primarily produce cells with neural morphology and fewer RPE cells. The RSCs are homogeneous, but their downstream progenitors are different. We found that CP spheres contain highly proliferative populations of early RPE progenitors that respond to proliferative signals from the surrounding non-pigmented cells. HP and LP spheres contain late RPE progenitors which are not affected by proliferative signals. Three types of clonal retinal stem cell spheres form from the same single stem cell Centrally pigmented spheres contain populations of early RPE progenitors Heavily and lightly pigmented spheres contain populations of late RPE progenitors Downstream RPE progenitors are different due to extrinsic and intrinsic factors
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12
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Grisé KN, Bautista NX, Jacques K, Coles BLK, van der Kooy D. Glucocorticoid agonists enhance retinal stem cell self-renewal and proliferation. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:83. [PMID: 33494791 PMCID: PMC7831262 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02136-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adult mammalian retinal stem cells (RSCs) readily proliferate, self-renew, and generate progeny that differentiate into all retinal cell types in vitro. RSC-derived progeny can be induced to differentiate into photoreceptors, making them a potential source for retinal cell transplant therapies. Despite their proliferative propensity in vitro, RSCs in the adult mammalian eye do not proliferate and do not have a regenerative response to injury. Thus, identifying and modulating the mechanisms that regulate RSC proliferation may enhance the capacity to produce RSC-derived progeny in vitro and enable RSC activation in vivo. METHODS Here, we used medium-throughput screening to identify small molecules that can expand the number of RSCs and their progeny in culture. In vitro differentiation assays were used to assess the effects of synthetic glucocorticoid agonist dexamethasone on RSC-derived progenitor cell fate. Intravitreal injections of dexamethasone into adult mouse eyes were used to investigate the effects on endogenous RSCs. RESULTS We discovered that high-affinity synthetic glucocorticoid agonists increase RSC self-renewal and increase retinal progenitor proliferation up to 6-fold without influencing their differentiation in vitro. Intravitreal injection of synthetic glucocorticoid agonist dexamethasone induced in vivo proliferation in the ciliary epithelium-the niche in which adult RSCs reside. CONCLUSIONS Together, our results identify glucocorticoids as novel regulators of retinal stem and progenitor cell proliferation in culture and provide evidence that GCs may activate endogenous RSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth N Grisé
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada.
| | - Nelson X Bautista
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Krystal Jacques
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Brenda L K Coles
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Derek van der Kooy
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
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13
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Ikelle L, Al-Ubaidi MR, Naash MI. Pluripotent Stem Cells for the Treatment of Retinal Degeneration: Current Strategies and Future Directions. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:743. [PMID: 32923439 PMCID: PMC7457054 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cells have been part of the biomedical landscape since the early 1960s. However, the translation of stem cells to effective therapeutics have met significant challenges, especially for retinal diseases. The retina is a delicate and complex architecture of interconnected cells that are steadfastly interdependent. Degenerative mechanisms caused by acquired or inherited diseases disrupt this interconnectivity, devastating the retina and causing severe vision loss in many patients. Consequently, retinal differentiation of exogenous and endogenous stem cells is currently being explored as replacement therapies in the debilitating diseases. In this review, we will examine the mechanisms involved in exogenous stem cells differentiation and the challenges of effective integration to the host retina. Furthermore, we will explore the current advancements in trans-differentiation of endogenous stem cells, primarily Müller glia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Ikelle
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Muayyad R Al-Ubaidi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Muna I Naash
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
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14
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Grigoryan EN. Potential Endogenous Cell Sources for Retinal Regeneration in Vertebrates and Humans: Progenitor Traits and Specialization. Biomedicines 2020; 8:E208. [PMID: 32664635 PMCID: PMC7400588 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8070208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal diseases often cause the loss of photoreceptor cells and, consequently, impairment of vision. To date, several cell populations are known as potential endogenous retinal regeneration cell sources (RRCSs): the eye ciliary zone, the retinal pigment epithelium, the iris, and Müller glia. Factors that can activate the regenerative responses of RRCSs are currently under investigation. The present review considers accumulated data on the relationship between the progenitor properties of RRCSs and the features determining their differentiation. Specialized RRCSs (all except the ciliary zone in low vertebrates), despite their differences, appear to be partially "prepared" to exhibit their plasticity and be reprogrammed into retinal neurons due to the specific gene expression and epigenetic landscape. The "developmental" characteristics of RRCS gene expression are predefined by the pathway by which these cell populations form during eye morphogenesis; the epigenetic features responsible for chromatin organization in RRCSs are under intracellular regulation. Such genetic and epigenetic readiness is manifested in vivo in lower vertebrates and in vitro in higher ones under conditions permissive for cell phenotype transformation. Current studies on gene expression in RRCSs and changes in their epigenetic landscape help find experimental approaches to replacing dead cells through recruiting cells from endogenous resources in vertebrates and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora N Grigoryan
- Koltsov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
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15
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dnmt1 function is required to maintain retinal stem cells within the ciliary marginal zone of the zebrafish eye. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11293. [PMID: 32647199 PMCID: PMC7347529 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68016-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The ciliary marginal zone (CMZ) of the zebrafish retina contains a population of actively proliferating resident stem cells, which generate retinal neurons throughout life. The maintenance methyltransferase, dnmt1, is expressed within the CMZ. Loss of dnmt1 function results in gene misregulation and cell death in a variety of developmental contexts, however, its role in retinal stem cell (RSC) maintenance is currently unknown. Here, we demonstrate that zebrafish dnmt1s872 mutants possess severe defects in RSC maintenance within the CMZ. Using a combination of immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and a transgenic reporter assay, our results demonstrate a requirement for dnmt1 activity in the regulation of RSC proliferation, gene expression and in the repression of endogenous retroelements (REs). Ultimately, cell death is elevated in the dnmt1−/− CMZ, but in a p53-independent manner. Using a transgenic reporter for RE transposition activity, we demonstrate increased transposition in the dnmt1−/− CMZ. Taken together our data identify a critical role for dnmt1 function in RSC maintenance in the vertebrate eye.
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16
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Induction of Rod and Cone Photoreceptor-Specific Progenitors from Stem Cells. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019. [PMID: 31884669 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-27378-1_90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Retinal degeneration includes a variety of diseases for which there is no regenerative therapy. Cellular transplantation is one potential approach for future therapy for retinal degeneration, and stem cells have emerged as a promising source for future cell therapeutics. One major barrier to therapy is the ability to specify individual photoreceptor lineages from a variety of stem cell sources. In this review, we focus on photoreceptor genesis from progenitor populations in the developing embryo and how this understanding has given us the tools to manipulate cultures to specific unique rod and cone lineages from adult stem cell populations. We discuss experiments and evidence uncovering the lineage mechanisms at play in the establishment of fate-specific rod and cone photoreceptor progenitors. This may lead to an improved understanding of retinal development in vivo, as well as new cell sources for transplantation.
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17
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Ben M’Barek K, Habeler W, Regent F, Monville C. Developing Cell-Based Therapies for RPE-Associated Degenerative Eye Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1186:55-97. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-28471-8_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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18
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Baakdhah T, van der Kooy D. Expansion of retinal stem cells and their progeny using cell microcarriers in a bioreactor. Biotechnol Prog 2019; 35:e2800. [DOI: 10.1002/btpr.2800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tahani Baakdhah
- Institute of Medical ScienceUniversity of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Derek van der Kooy
- Institute of Medical ScienceUniversity of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
- Department of Molecular GeneticsUniversity of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
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19
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Grigoryan EN. Endogenous Cell Sources for Eye Retina Regeneration in Vertebrate Animals and Humans. Russ J Dev Biol 2019. [DOI: 10.1134/s106236041901003x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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20
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Abstract
Purpose Retinal degenerative diseases lead to the death of retinal neurons causing visual impairment and blindness. In lower order vertebrates, the retina and its surrounding tissue contain stem cell niches capable of regenerating damaged tissue. Here we examine these niches and review their capacity to be used as retinal stem/progenitor cells (RSC/RPCs) for retinal repair. Recent Findings Exogenous factors can control the in vitro activation of RSCs/PCs found in several niches within the adult eye including cells in the ciliary margin, the retinal pigment epithelium, iris pigment epithelium as well as the inducement of Müller and amacrine cells within the neural retina itself. Recently, factors have been identified for the activation of adult mammalian Müller cells to a RPC state in vivo. Summary Whereas cell transplantation still holds potential for retinal repair, activation of the dormant native regeneration process may lead to a more successful process including greater integration efficiency and proper synaptic targeting.
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21
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Cell Therapy for Retinal Dystrophies: From Cell Suspension Formulation to Complex Retinal Tissue Bioengineering. Stem Cells Int 2019; 2019:4568979. [PMID: 30809263 PMCID: PMC6364130 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4568979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degeneration is an irreversible phenomenon caused by various disease conditions including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP). During the course of these diseases, photoreceptors (PRs) are susceptible to degeneration due to their malfunctions or to a primary dysfunction of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Once lost, these cells could not be endogenously regenerated in humans, and cell therapy to replace the lost cells is one of the promising strategies to recover vision. Depending on the nature of the primary defect and the stage of the disease, RPE cells, PRs, or both might be transplanted to achieve therapeutic effects. We describe in this review the current knowledge and recent progress to develop such approaches. The different cell sources proposed for cell therapy including human pluripotent stem cells are presented with their advantages and limits. Another critical aspect described herein is the pharmaceutical formulation of the end product to be delivered into the eye of patients. Finally, we also outline the future research directions in order to develop a complex multilayered retinal tissue for end-stage patients.
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22
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Khalili S, Ballios BG, Belair-Hickey J, Donaldson L, Liu J, Coles BLK, Grisé KN, Baakdhah T, Bader GD, Wallace VA, Bernier G, Shoichet MS, van der Kooy D. Induction of rod versus cone photoreceptor-specific progenitors from retinal precursor cells. Stem Cell Res 2018; 33:215-227. [PMID: 30453152 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2018.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
During development, multipotent progenitors undergo temporally-restricted differentiation into post-mitotic retinal cells; however, the mechanisms of progenitor division that occurs during retinogenesis remain controversial. Using clonal analyses (lineage tracing and single cell cultures), we identify rod versus cone lineage-specific progenitors derived from both adult retinal stem cells and embryonic neural retinal precursors. Taurine and retinoic acid are shown to act in an instructive and lineage-restricted manner early in the progenitor lineage hierarchy to produce rod-restricted progenitors from stem cell progeny. We also identify an instructive, but lineage-independent, mechanism for the specification of cone-restricted progenitors through the suppression of multiple differentiation signaling pathways. These data indicate that exogenous signals play critical roles in directing lineage decisions and resulting in fate-restricted rod or cone photoreceptor progenitors in culture. Additional factors may be involved in governing photoreceptor fates in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Khalili
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Brian G Ballios
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, 340 College Street, Suite 400, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3A9, Canada
| | - Justin Belair-Hickey
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Laura Donaldson
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 2757 King Street East, Hamilton, Ontario L8G 4X3, Canada
| | - Jeff Liu
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Brenda L K Coles
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Kenneth N Grisé
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Tahani Baakdhah
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Gary D Bader
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Valerie A Wallace
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, 340 College Street, Suite 400, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3A9, Canada; Donald K Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, 60 Leonard Ave., Rm 8KD413, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Gilbert Bernier
- Stem Cell and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, 5415 Boul. l'Assomption, Montréal H1T 2M4, Canada; Faculté de Médecine, Départment de Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Molly S Shoichet
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Derek van der Kooy
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada.
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23
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Gomis S, Labib M, Coles BLK, van der Kooy D, Sargent EH, Kelley SO. Single-Cell Tumbling Enables High-Resolution Size Profiling of Retinal Stem Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2018; 10:34811-34816. [PMID: 30265796 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b10513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Retinal stem cells (RSCs) are promising candidates for patient-derived cell therapy to repair damage to the eye; however, RSCs are rare in retinal samples and lack validated markers, making cell sorting a significant challenge. Here we report a high-resolution deterministic lateral displacement microfluidic device that profiles RSCs in distinct size populations. Only by developing a chip that promotes cell tumbling do we limit cell deformation through apertured channels and thereby increase the size-sorting resolution of the device. We systematically explore a spectrum of microstructures, including optimized notched pillars, to study and then rationally promote cell tumbling. We find that RSCs exhibit larger diameters than most ciliary epithelial cells, an insight into RSC morphology that allows enrichment from biological samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surath Gomis
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering , University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario M5S 3G4 , Canada
| | - Mahmoud Labib
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario M5S 3M2 , Canada
| | - Brenda L K Coles
- Department of Molecular Genetics , University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario M5S 1A8 , Canada
| | - Derek van der Kooy
- Department of Molecular Genetics , University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario M5S 1A8 , Canada
| | - Edward H Sargent
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering , University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario M5S 3G4 , Canada
| | - Shana O Kelley
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario M5S 3M2 , Canada
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24
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Canto-Soler V, Flores-Bellver M, Vergara MN. Stem Cell Sources and Their Potential for the Treatment of Retinal Degenerations. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 57:ORSFd1-9. [PMID: 27116661 PMCID: PMC6892419 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.16-19127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cells offer unprecedented opportunities for the development of strategies geared toward the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases. A variety of cellular sources have been investigated for various potential clinical applications, including tissue regeneration, disease modeling, and screening for non–cell-based therapeutic agents. As the field transitions from more than a decade of preclinical research to the first phase I/II clinical trials, we provide a concise overview of the stem cell sources most commonly used, weighing their therapeutic potential on the basis of their technical strengths/limitations, their ethical implications, and the extent of the progress achieved to date. This article serves as a framework for further in-depth analyses presented in the following chapters of this Special Issue.
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25
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P-Cadherin is necessary for retinal stem cell behavior in vitro, but not in vivo. Stem Cell Res 2017; 21:141-147. [PMID: 28494434 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult retinal stem cells (RSCs) are rare quiescent cells within the ciliary epithelium of the eye, which is made up of non-pigmented N-Cadherin+ve inner and pigmented P-Cadherin+ve outer cell layers. Through FACs and single cell analyses, we have shown that RSCs arise from single cells from within the pigmented CE and express P-Cadherin. However, whether the expression of P-Cadherin is required for maintenance of the stem cell in vivo or in the formation of the clonal stem cell spheres in vitro is not known. Using cadherin functional blocking antibody experiments and a P-Cadherin -/- mouse to test whether the RSC population is affected by the loss of P-Cadherin expression, our experiments demonstrate that the RSCs reside in the pigmented CE layer and express P-Cadherin, which is important to the formation of adherent sphere colonies in vitro, however P-Cadherin is not required for maintenance of RSCs in vivo.
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26
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Manthey AL, Liu W, Jiang ZX, Lee MHK, Ji J, So KF, Lai JSM, Lee VWH, Chiu K. Using Electrical Stimulation to Enhance the Efficacy of Cell Transplantation Therapies for Neurodegenerative Retinal Diseases: Concepts, Challenges, and Future Perspectives. Cell Transplant 2017; 26:949-965. [PMID: 28155808 DOI: 10.3727/096368917x694877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Disease or trauma-induced loss or dysfunction of neurons in any central nervous system (CNS) tissue will have a significant impact on the health of the affected patient. The retina is a multilayered tissue that originates from the neuroectoderm, much like the brain and spinal cord. While sight is not required for life, neurodegeneration-related loss of vision not only affects the quality of life for the patient but also has societal implications in terms of health care expenditure. Thus, it is essential to develop effective strategies to repair the retina and prevent disease symptoms. To address this need, multiple techniques have been investigated for their efficacy in treating retinal degeneration. Recent advances in cell transplantation (CT) techniques in preclinical, animal, and in vitro culture studies, including further evaluation of endogenous retinal stem cells and the differentiation of exogenous adult stem cells into various retinal cell types, suggest that this may be the most appropriate option to replace lost retinal neurons. Unfortunately, the various limitations of CT, such as immune rejection or aberrant cell behavior, have largely prevented this technique from becoming a widely used clinical treatment option. In parallel with the advances in CT methodology, the use of electrical stimulation (ES) to treat retinal degeneration has also been recently evaluated with promising results. In this review, we propose that ES could be used to enhance CT therapy, whereby electrical impulses can be applied to the retina to control both native and transplanted stem cell behavior/survival in order to circumvent the limitations associated with retinal CT. To highlight the benefits of this dual treatment, we have briefly outlined the recent developments and limitations of CT with regard to its use in the ocular environment, followed by a brief description of retinal ES, as well as described their combined use in other CNS tissues.
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27
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Zalis MC, Johansson S, Englund-Johansson U. Immunocytochemical Profiling of Cultured Mouse Primary Retinal Cells. J Histochem Cytochem 2017; 65:223-239. [PMID: 28151698 PMCID: PMC5407564 DOI: 10.1369/0022155416689675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary retinal cell cultures and immunocytochemistry are important experimental platforms in ophthalmic research. Translation of retinal cells from their native environment to the in vitro milieu leads to cellular stress, jeopardizing their in vivo phenotype features. Moreover, the specificity and stability of many retinal immunochemical markers are poorly evaluated in retinal cell cultures. Hence, we here evaluated the expression profile of 17 retinal markers, that is, recoverin, rhodopsin, arrestin, Chx10, PKC, DCX, CRALBP, GS, vimentin, TPRV4, RBPMS, Brn3a, β-tubulin III, NeuN, MAP2, GFAP, and synaptophysin. At 7 and 18 days of culture, the marker expression profiles of mouse postnatal retinal cells were compared with their age-matched in vivo retinas. We demonstrate stable in vitro expression of all markers, except for arrestin and CRALBP. Differences in cellular expression and location of some markers were observed, both over time in culture and compared with the age-matched retina. We hypothesize that these differences are likely culture condition dependent. Taken together, we suggest a thorough evaluation of the antibodies in specific culture settings, before extrapolating the in vitro results to an in vivo setting. Moreover, the identification of specific cell types may require a combination of different genes expressed or markers with structural information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina C Zalis
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Sciences in Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden (MCZ, SJ, UEJ)
| | - Sebastian Johansson
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Sciences in Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden (MCZ, SJ, UEJ)
| | - Ulrica Englund-Johansson
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Sciences in Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden (MCZ, SJ, UEJ)
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28
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Bélanger MC, Robert B, Cayouette M. Msx1-Positive Progenitors in the Retinal Ciliary Margin Give Rise to Both Neural and Non-neural Progenies in Mammals. Dev Cell 2016; 40:137-150. [PMID: 28011038 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2016.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2016] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In lower vertebrates, stem/progenitor cells located in a peripheral domain of the retina, called the ciliary margin zone (CMZ), cooperate with retinal domain progenitors to build the mature neural retina. In mammals, it is believed that the CMZ lacks neurogenic potential and that the retina develops from one pool of multipotent retinal progenitor cells (RPCs). Here we identify a population of Msx1-expressing progenitors in the mouse CMZ that is both molecularly and functionally distinct from RPCs. Using genetic lineage tracing, we report that Msx1 progenitors have unique developmental properties compared with RPCs. Msx1 lineages contain both neural retina and non-neural ciliary epithelial progenies and overall generate fewer photoreceptors than classical RPC lineages. Furthermore, we show that the endocytic adaptor protein Numb regulates the balance between neural and non-neural fates in Msx1 progenitors. These results uncover a population of CMZ progenitors, distinct from classical RPCs, that also contributes to mammalian retinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Claude Bélanger
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montreal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Benoit Robert
- Department of Molecular Genetics of Morphogenesis, Institut Pasteur, Paris 75015, France
| | - Michel Cayouette
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montreal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada; Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.
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29
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Jeon S, Oh IH. Regeneration of the retina: toward stem cell therapy for degenerative retinal diseases. BMB Rep 2016; 48:193-9. [PMID: 25560700 PMCID: PMC4436854 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2015.48.4.276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Degenerative retinal diseases affect millions of people worldwide, which can lead to the loss of vision. However, therapeutic approaches that can reverse this process are limited. Recent efforts have allowed the possibility of the stem cell-based regeneration of retinal cells and repair of injured retinal tissues. Although the direct differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into terminally differentiated photoreceptor cells comprises one approach, a series of studies revealed the intrinsic regenerative potential of the retina using endogenous retinal stem cells. Muller glial cells, ciliary pigment epithelial cells, and retinal pigment epithelial cells are candidates for such retinal stem cells that can differentiate into multiple types of retinal cells and be integrated into injured or developing retina. In this review, we explore our current understanding of the cellular identity of these candidate retinal stem cells and their therapeutic potential for cell therapy against degenerative retinal diseases. [BMB Reports 2015; 48(4): 193-199]
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohee Jeon
- Catholic High-Performance Cell Therapy Center & Department of Medical Lifescience; Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-701, Korea
| | - Il-Hoan Oh
- Catholic High-Performance Cell Therapy Center & Department of Medical Lifescience, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-701, Korea
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30
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Dhamodaran K, Subramani M, Ponnalagu M, Shetty R, Das D. Ocular stem cells: a status update! Stem Cell Res Ther 2015; 5:56. [PMID: 25158127 PMCID: PMC4055087 DOI: 10.1186/scrt445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2013] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cells are unspecialized cells that have been a major focus of the field of regenerative medicine, opening new frontiers and regarded as the future of medicine. The ophthalmology branch of the medical sciences was the first to directly benefit from stem cells for regenerative treatment. The success stories of regenerative medicine in ophthalmology can be attributed to its accessibility, ease of follow-up and the eye being an immune-privileged organ. Cell-based therapies using stem cells from the ciliary body, iris and sclera are still in animal experimental stages but show potential for replacing degenerated photoreceptors. Limbal, corneal and conjunctival stem cells are still limited for use only for surface reconstruction, although they might have potential beyond this. Iris pigment epithelial, ciliary body epithelial and choroidal epithelial stem cells in laboratory studies have shown some promise for retinal or neural tissue replacement. Trabecular meshwork, orbital and sclera stem cells have properties identical to cells of mesenchymal origin but their potential has yet to be experimentally determined and validated. Retinal and retinal pigment epithelium stem cells remain the most sought out stem cells for curing retinal degenerative disorders, although treatments using them have resulted in variable outcomes. The functional aspects of the therapeutic application of lenticular stem cells are not known and need further attention. Recently, embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium has been used for treating patients with Stargardts disease and age-related macular degeneration. Overall, the different stem cells residing in different components of the eye have shown some success in clinical and animal studies in the field of regenerative medicine.
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Ballios BG, Cooke MJ, Donaldson L, Coles BLK, Morshead CM, van der Kooy D, Shoichet MS. A Hyaluronan-Based Injectable Hydrogel Improves the Survival and Integration of Stem Cell Progeny following Transplantation. Stem Cell Reports 2015; 4:1031-45. [PMID: 25981414 PMCID: PMC4471829 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2015.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Revised: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The utility of stem cells and their progeny in adult transplantation models has been limited by poor survival and integration. We designed an injectable and bioresorbable hydrogel blend of hyaluronan and methylcellulose (HAMC) and tested it with two cell types in two animal models, thereby gaining an understanding of its general applicability for enhanced cell distribution, survival, integration, and functional repair relative to conventional cell delivery in saline. HAMC improves cell survival and integration of retinal stem cell (RSC)-derived rods in the retina. The pro-survival mechanism of HAMC is ascribed to the interaction of the CD44 receptor with HA. Transient disruption of the retinal outer limiting membrane, combined with HAMC delivery, results in significantly improved rod survival and visual function. HAMC also improves the distribution, viability, and functional repair of neural stem and progenitor cells (NSCs). The HAMC delivery system improves cell transplantation efficacy in two CNS models, suggesting broad applicability. An injectable biomaterial improves rod survival/integration into adult retina The same material improves neural stem cell distribution/survival into adult brain Functional repair is demonstrated after cell transplantation in both retina and brain Hyaluronan-CD44 interaction is implicated in the pro-survival effect on stem cell progeny
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian G Ballios
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Michael J Cooke
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Laura Donaldson
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 2757 King Street East, Hamilton, ON L8G 4X3, Canada
| | - Brenda L K Coles
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Cindi M Morshead
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Derek van der Kooy
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada.
| | - Molly S Shoichet
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E5, Canada; Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada.
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Wan PX, Wang BW, Wang ZC. Importance of the stem cell microenvironment for ophthalmological cell-based therapy. World J Stem Cells 2015; 7:448-460. [PMID: 25815128 PMCID: PMC4369500 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v7.i2.448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2014] [Revised: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell therapy is a promising treatment for diseases that are caused by cell degeneration or death. The cells for clinical transplantation are usually obtained by culturing healthy allogeneic or exogenous tissue in vitro. However, for diseases of the eye, obtaining the adequate number of cells for clinical transplantation is difficult due to the small size of tissue donors and the frequent needs of long-term amplification of cells in vitro, which results in low cell viability after transplantation. In addition, the transplanted cells often develop fibrosis or degrade and have very low survival. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) are also promising candidates for cell therapy. Unfortunately, the differentiation of ESCs can bring immune rejection, tumorigenicity and undesired differentiated cells, limiting its clinical application. Although iPS cells can avoid the risk of immune rejection caused by ES cell differentiation post-transplantation, the low conversion rate, the risk of tumor formation and the potentially unpredictable biological changes that could occur through genetic manipulation hinder its clinical application. Thus, the desired clinical effect of cell therapy is impaired by these factors. Recent research findings recognize that the reason for low survival of the implanted cells not only depends on the seeded cells, but also on the cell microenvironment, which determines the cell survival, proliferation and even reverse differentiation. When used for cell therapy, the transplanted cells need a specific three-dimensional structure to anchor and specific extra cellular matrix components in addition to relevant cytokine signaling to transfer the required information to support their growth. These structures present in the matrix in which the stem cells reside are known as the stem cell microenvironment. The microenvironment interaction with the stem cells provides the necessary homeostasis for cell maintenance and growth. A large number of studies suggest that to explore how to reconstruct the stem cell microenvironment and strengthen its combination with the transplanted cells are key steps to successful cell therapy. In this review, we will describe the interactions of the stem cell microenvironment with the stem cells, discuss the importance of the stem cell microenvironment for cell-based therapy in ocular diseases, and introduce the progress of stem cell-based therapy for ocular diseases.
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Mead B, Berry M, Logan A, Scott RAH, Leadbeater W, Scheven BA. Stem cell treatment of degenerative eye disease. Stem Cell Res 2015; 14:243-57. [PMID: 25752437 PMCID: PMC4434205 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2015.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Revised: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell therapies are being explored extensively as treatments for degenerative eye disease, either for replacing lost neurons, restoring neural circuits or, based on more recent evidence, as paracrine-mediated therapies in which stem cell-derived trophic factors protect compromised endogenous retinal neurons from death and induce the growth of new connections. Retinal progenitor phenotypes induced from embryonic stem cells/induced pluripotent stem cells (ESCs/iPSCs) and endogenous retinal stem cells may replace lost photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and restore vision in the diseased eye, whereas treatment of injured retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) has so far been reliant on mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). Here, we review the properties of non-retinal-derived adult stem cells, in particular neural stem cells (NSCs), MSC derived from bone marrow (BMSC), adipose tissues (ADSC) and dental pulp (DPSC), together with ESC/iPSC and discuss and compare their potential advantages as therapies designed to provide trophic support, repair and replacement of retinal neurons, RPE and glia in degenerative retinal diseases. We conclude that ESCs/iPSCs have the potential to replace lost retinal cells, whereas MSC may be a useful source of paracrine factors that protect RGC and stimulate regeneration of their axons in the optic nerve in degenerate eye disease. NSC may have potential as both a source of replacement cells and also as mediators of paracrine treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Mead
- Neurotrauma Research Group, Neurobiology Section, School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK; School of Dentistry, University of Birmingham, B4 6NN, UK.
| | - Martin Berry
- Neurotrauma Research Group, Neurobiology Section, School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Ann Logan
- Neurotrauma Research Group, Neurobiology Section, School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Robert A H Scott
- Neurotrauma Research Group, Neurobiology Section, School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Wendy Leadbeater
- Neurotrauma Research Group, Neurobiology Section, School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Ben A Scheven
- School of Dentistry, University of Birmingham, B4 6NN, UK
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Jayakody SA, Gonzalez-Cordero A, Ali RR, Pearson RA. Cellular strategies for retinal repair by photoreceptor replacement. Prog Retin Eye Res 2015; 46:31-66. [PMID: 25660226 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2015.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Revised: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Loss of photoreceptors due to retinal degeneration is a major cause of blindness in the developed world. While no effective treatment is currently available, cell replacement therapy, using pluripotent stem cell-derived photoreceptor precursor cells, may be a feasible future treatment. Recent reports have demonstrated rescue of visual function following the transplantation of immature photoreceptors and we have seen major advances in our ability to generate transplantation-competent donor cells from stem cell sources. Moreover, we are beginning to realise the possibilities of using endogenous populations of cells from within the retina itself to mediate retinal repair. Here, we present a review of our current understanding of endogenous repair mechanisms together with recent progress in the use of both ocular and pluripotent stem cells for the treatment of photoreceptor loss. We consider how our understanding of retinal development has underpinned many of the recent major advances in translation and moved us closer to the goal of restoring vision by cellular means.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujatha A Jayakody
- Gene and Cell Therapy Group, Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath St, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Anai Gonzalez-Cordero
- Gene and Cell Therapy Group, Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath St, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Robin R Ali
- Gene and Cell Therapy Group, Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath St, London EC1V 9EL, UK; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, City Road, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Rachael A Pearson
- Gene and Cell Therapy Group, Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath St, London EC1V 9EL, UK.
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Kanherkar RR, Bhatia-Dey N, Makarev E, Csoka AB. Cellular reprogramming for understanding and treating human disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2014; 2:67. [PMID: 25429365 PMCID: PMC4228919 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2014.00067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last two decades we have witnessed a paradigm shift in our understanding of cells so radical that it has rewritten the rules of biology. The study of cellular reprogramming has gone from little more than a hypothesis, to applied bioengineering, with the creation of a variety of important cell types. By way of metaphor, we can compare the discovery of reprogramming with the archeological discovery of the Rosetta stone. This stone slab made possible the initial decipherment of Egyptian hieroglyphics because it allowed us to see this language in a way that was previously impossible. We propose that cellular reprogramming will have an equally profound impact on understanding and curing human disease, because it allows us to perceive and study molecular biological processes such as differentiation, epigenetics, and chromatin in ways that were likewise previously impossible. Stem cells could be called “cellular Rosetta stones” because they allow also us to perceive the connections between development, disease, cancer, aging, and regeneration in novel ways. Here we present a comprehensive historical review of stem cells and cellular reprogramming, and illustrate the developing synergy between many previously unconnected fields. We show how stem cells can be used to create in vitro models of human disease and provide examples of how reprogramming is being used to study and treat such diverse diseases as cancer, aging, and accelerated aging syndromes, infectious diseases such as AIDS, and epigenetic diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome. While the technology of reprogramming is being developed and refined there have also been significant ongoing developments in other complementary technologies such as gene editing, progenitor cell production, and tissue engineering. These technologies are the foundations of what is becoming a fully-functional field of regenerative medicine and are converging to a point that will allow us to treat almost any disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riya R Kanherkar
- Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, Howard University Washington, DC, USA
| | - Naina Bhatia-Dey
- Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, Howard University Washington, DC, USA
| | - Evgeny Makarev
- InSilico Medicine, Emerging Technology Center, Johns Hopkins University Eastern Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Antonei B Csoka
- Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, Howard University Washington, DC, USA
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36
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Homol L. Web-based Citation Management Tools: Comparing the Accuracy of Their Electronic Journal Citations. JOURNAL OF ACADEMIC LIBRARIANSHIP 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.acalib.2014.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Kleemann B, Loos B, Scriba TJ, Lang D, Davids LM. St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) photomedicine: hypericin-photodynamic therapy induces metastatic melanoma cell death. PLoS One 2014; 9:e103762. [PMID: 25076130 PMCID: PMC4116257 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0103762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypericin, an extract from St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum L.), is a promising photosensitizer in the context of clinical photodynamic therapy due to its excellent photosensitizing properties and tumoritropic characteristics. Hypericin-PDT induced cytotoxicity elicits tumor cell death by various mechanisms including apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy-related cell death. However, limited reports on the efficacy of this photomedicine for the treatment of melanoma have been published. Melanoma is a highly aggressive tumor due to its metastasizing potential and resistance to conventional cancer therapies. The aim of this study was to investigate the response mechanisms of melanoma cells to hypericin-PDT in an in vitro tissue culture model. Hypericin was taken up by all melanoma cells and partially co-localized to the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, lysosomes and melanosomes, but not the nucleus. Light activation of hypericin induced a rapid, extensive modification of the tubular mitochondrial network into a beaded appearance, loss of structural details of the endoplasmic reticulum and concomitant loss of hypericin co-localization. Surprisingly the opposite was found for lysosomal-related organelles, suggesting that the melanoma cells may be using these intracellular organelles for hypericin-PDT resistance. In line with this speculation we found an increase in cellular granularity, suggesting an increase in pigmentation levels in response to hypericin-PDT. Pigmentation in melanoma is related to a melanocyte-specific organelle, the melanosome, which has recently been implicated in drug trapping, chemotherapy and hypericin-PDT resistance. However, hypericin-PDT was effective in killing both unpigmented (A375 and 501mel) and pigmented (UCT Mel-1) melanoma cells by specific mechanisms involving the externalization of phosphatidylserines, cell shrinkage and loss of cell membrane integrity. In addition, this treatment resulted in extrinsic (A375) and intrinsic (UCT Mel-1) caspase-dependent apoptotic modes of cell death, as well as a caspase-independent apoptotic mode that did not involve apoptosis-inducing factor (501 mel). Further research is needed to shed more light on these mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Kleemann
- Redox Laboratory and Confocal and Light Microscope Imaging Facility, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Benjamin Loos
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Thomas J. Scriba
- South African TB Vaccine Initiative, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine and School of Child and Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dirk Lang
- Redox Laboratory and Confocal and Light Microscope Imaging Facility, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lester M. Davids
- Redox Laboratory and Confocal and Light Microscope Imaging Facility, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- * E-mail:
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Bertolotti E, Neri A, Camparini M, Macaluso C, Marigo V. Stem cells as source for retinal pigment epithelium transplantation. Prog Retin Eye Res 2014; 42:130-44. [PMID: 24933042 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2014.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Revised: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Inherited maculopathies, age related macular degeneration and some forms of retinitis pigmentosa are associated with impaired function or loss of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Among potential treatments, transplantation approaches are particularly promising. The arrangement of RPE cells in a well-defined tissue layer makes the RPE amenable to cell or tissue sheet transplantation. Different cell sources have been suggested for RPE transplantation but the development of a clinical protocol faces several obstacles. The source should provide a sufficient number of cells to at least recover the macula area. Secondly, cells should be plastic enough to be able to integrate in the host tissue. Tissue sheets should be considered as well, but the substrate on which RPE cells are cultured needs to be carefully evaluated. Immunogenicity can also be an obstacle for effective transplantation as well as tumorigenicity of not fully differentiated cells. Finally, ethical concerns may represent drawbacks when embryo-derived cells are proposed for RPE transplantation. Here we discuss different cell sources that became available in recent years and their different properties. We also present data on a new source of human RPE. We provide a protocol for RPE differentiation of retinal stem cells derived from adult ciliary bodies of post-mortem donors. We show molecular characterization of the in vitro differentiated RPE tissue and demonstrate its functionality based on a phagocytosis assay. This new source may provide tissue for allogenic transplantation based on best matches through histocompatibility testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelina Bertolotti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Alberto Neri
- Ophthalmology, S.Bi.Bi.T. Department, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Monica Camparini
- Ophthalmology, S.Bi.Bi.T. Department, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Claudio Macaluso
- Ophthalmology, S.Bi.Bi.T. Department, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Valeria Marigo
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
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Balenci L, Wonders C, Coles BLK, Clarke L, van der Kooy D. Bone morphogenetic proteins and secreted frizzled related protein 2 maintain the quiescence of adult mammalian retinal stem cells. Stem Cells 2014; 31:2218-30. [PMID: 23843349 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2012] [Revised: 06/04/2013] [Accepted: 06/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Rare retinal stem cells (RSCs) within the ciliary epithelium at the retinal margin of the adult mouse and human eyes can divide in vitro in the absence of growth factors to generate clonal, self-renewing spheres which can generate all the retinal cell types. Since no regenerative properties are seen in situ in the adult mammalian eye, we sought to determine the factors that are involved in the repression of endogenous RSCs. We discovered that factors secreted by the adult lens and cornea block the proliferation of adult RSCs in vitro. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)2, BMP4, and secreted frizzled related protein 2 were identified as principal effectors of the anti-proliferative effects on RSCs. As a similar induced quiescence was observed in vitro on both mouse and human RSCs, targeting these molecules in vivo may reactivate RSCs directly in situ in the eyes of the blind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Balenci
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Fischer AJ, Bosse JL, El-Hodiri HM. Reprint of: the ciliary marginal zone (CMZ) in development and regeneration of the vertebrate eye. Exp Eye Res 2014; 123:115-20. [PMID: 24811219 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2014.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/25/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The ciliary marginal zone (CMZ) is a circumferential ring of cells found at the extreme periphery of the maturing and mature neural retina that consists of retinal stem and progenitor cells. It functions to add retinal neurons to the periphery of the neural retina in larval and adult fish, larval frogs, and birds. Additionally, the CMZ may contribute to regeneration of the damaged retina in frogs and fish. In mammals, cells from the ciliary epithelium can be induced to express retinal stem cell-like characteristics in culture but may not comprise a classically defined CMZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy J Fischer
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, USA; Graduate Program in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, The Ohio State University, USA
| | - Jennifer L Bosse
- Graduate Program in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, The Ohio State University, USA
| | - Heithem M El-Hodiri
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, USA; Graduate Program in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, The Ohio State University, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, USA; Center for Molecular and Human Genetics, Nationwide Children's Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Janssen SF, Gorgels TG, Ten Brink JB, Jansonius NM, Bergen AA. Gene expression-based comparison of the human secretory neuroepithelia of the brain choroid plexus and the ocular ciliary body: potential implications for glaucoma. Fluids Barriers CNS 2014; 11:2. [PMID: 24472183 PMCID: PMC3909915 DOI: 10.1186/2045-8118-11-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Accepted: 01/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The neuroepithelia of the choroid plexus (CP) in the brain and the ciliary body (CB) of the eye have common embryological origins and share similar micro-structure and functions. The CP epithelium (CPE) and the non-pigmented epithelium (NPE) of the CB produce the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the aqueous humor (AH) respectively. Production and outflow of the CSF determine the intracranial pressure (ICP); production and outflow of the AH determine the intraocular pressure (IOP). Together, the IOP and ICP determine the translaminar pressure on the optic disc which may be involved in the pathophysiology of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). The aim of this study was to compare the molecular machinery of the secretory neuroepithelia of the CP and CB (CPE versus NPE) and to determine their potential role in POAG. Methods We compared the transcriptomes and functional annotations of healthy human CPE and NPE. Microarray and bioinformatic studies were performed using an Agilent platform and the Ingenuity Knowledge Database (IPA). Results Based on gene expression profiles, we found many similar functions for the CPE and NPE including molecular transport, neurological disease processes, and immunological functions. With commonly-used selection criteria (fold-change > 2.5, p-value < 0.05), 14% of the genes were expressed significantly differently between CPE and NPE. When we used stricter selection criteria (fold-change > 5, p-value < 0.001), still 4.5% of the genes were expressed differently, which yielded specific functions for the CPE (ciliary movement and angiogenesis/hematopoiesis) and for the NPE (neurodevelopmental properties). Apart from a few exceptions (e.g. SLC12A2, SLC4A4, SLC4A10, KCNA5, and SCN4B), all ion transport protein coding genes involved in CSF and AH production had similar expression profiles in CPE and NPE. Three POAG disease genes were expressed significantly higher in the CPE than the NPE, namely CDH1, CDKN2B and SIX1. Conclusions The transcriptomes of the CPE and NPE were less similar than we previously anticipated. High expression of CSF/AH production genes and candidate POAG disease genes in the CPE and NPE suggest that both might be involved in POAG.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Arthur Ab Bergen
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Ophthalmogenetics, the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN), Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Meibergdreef 47, Amsterdam 1105 BA, The Netherlands.
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Fischer AJ, Bosse JL, El-Hodiri HM. The ciliary marginal zone (CMZ) in development and regeneration of the vertebrate eye. Exp Eye Res 2013; 116:199-204. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2013.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2013] [Revised: 08/23/2013] [Accepted: 08/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Does the adult human ciliary body epithelium contain "true" retinal stem cells? BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:531579. [PMID: 24286080 PMCID: PMC3826557 DOI: 10.1155/2013/531579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2013] [Revised: 08/26/2013] [Accepted: 08/31/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Recent reports of retinal stem cells being present in several locations of the adult eye have sparked great hopes that they may be used to treat the millions of people worldwide who suffer from blindness as a result of retinal disease or injury. A population of proliferative cells derived from the ciliary body epithelium (CE) has been considered one of the prime stem cell candidates, and as such they have received much attention in recent years. However, the true nature of these cells in the adult human eye has still not been fully elucidated, and the stem cell claim has become increasingly controversial in light of new and conflicting reports. In this paper, we will try to answer the question of whether the available evidence is strong enough for the research community to conclude that the adult human CE indeed harbors stem cells.
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Del Debbio CB, Peng X, Xiong H, Ahmad I. Adult ciliary epithelial stem cells generate functional neurons and differentiate into both early and late born retinal neurons under non-cell autonomous influences. BMC Neurosci 2013; 14:130. [PMID: 24148749 PMCID: PMC3856605 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2202-14-130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 10/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The neural stem cells discovered in the adult ciliary epithelium (CE) in higher vertebrates have emerged as an accessible source of retinal progenitors; these cells can self-renew and possess retinal potential. However, recent studies have cast doubt as to whether these cells could generate functional neurons and differentiate along the retinal lineage. Here, we have systematically examined the pan neural and retinal potential of CE stem cells. Results Molecular and cellular analysis was carried out to examine the plasticity of CE stem cells, obtained from mice expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the influence of the promoter of the rod photoreceptor-specific gene, Nrl, using the neurospheres assay. Differentiation was induced by specific culture conditions and evaluated by both transcripts and protein levels of lineage-specific regulators and markers. Temporal pattern of their levels were examined to determine the expression of genes and proteins underlying the regulatory hierarchy of cells specific differentiation in vitro. Functional attributes of differentiation were examined by the presence of current profiles and pharmacological mobilization of intracellular calcium using whole cell recordings and Fura-based calcium imaging, respectively. We demonstrate that stem cells in adult CE not only have the capacity to generate functional neurons, acquiring the expression of sodium and potassium channels, but also respond to specific cues in culture and preferentially differentiate along the lineages of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and rod photoreceptors, the early and late born retinal neurons, respectively. The retinal differentiation of CE stem cells was characterized by the temporal acquisition of the expression of the regulators of RGCs and rod photoreceptors, followed by the display of cell type-specific mature markers and mobilization of intracellular calcium. Conclusions Our study demonstrates the bonafide retinal potential of adult CE stem cells and suggests that their plasticity could be harnessed for clinical purposes once barriers associated with any lineage conversion, i.e., low efficiency and fidelity is overcome through the identification of conducive culture conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Iqbal Ahmad
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Durham Research Center 1, Room 4044, 985840 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5840, USA.
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Retinal Progenitor Cells contingents in the adult human eye with retinal injury: a specific differentiation potential according to the localization? Exp Eye Res 2012; 105:79-80. [PMID: 23063470 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2012.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2012] [Accepted: 09/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Clarke L, Ballios BG, van der Kooy D. Generation and clonal isolation of retinal stem cells from human embryonic stem cells. Eur J Neurosci 2012; 36:1951-9. [PMID: 22591375 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2012.08123.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Retinal stem cells (RSCs) are present within the pigmented ciliary epithelium (CE) of the adult human eye and produce progeny that differentiate in vitro into all neural retinal subtypes and retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE). We hypothesized that a RSC population, similar to the adult CE-derived RSC, is contained within pigmented colonies that arise in long-term cultures of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) suggested to recapitulate retinal development in vitro. Single pigmented hESC-derived cells were isolated and plated in serum-free media containing growth factors and, after 2 weeks, clonal sphere colonies containing both pigmented and non-pigmented cells were observed. These colonies expressed the early retinal transcription factors Rx, Chx10 and Pax6, and could be dissociated and replated as single cells to form secondary clonal colonies. When allowed to differentiate, expression of markers for both RPE and neurons was observed. Rhodopsin expression was detected after explant co-culture and transplantation into the developing mouse eye as well as following treatment with soluble factors in vitro. We show that RSCs emerge in an in vitro model of retinal development and are a potential source of human photoreceptors for use in transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Clarke
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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