1
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Liu YV, Santiago CP, Sogunro A, Konar GJ, Hu MW, McNally MM, Lu YC, Flores-Bellver M, Aparicio-Domingo S, Li KV, Li ZL, Agakishiev D, Hadyniak SE, Hussey KA, Creamer TJ, Orzolek LD, Teng D, Canto-Soler MV, Qian J, Jiang Z, Johnston RJ, Blackshaw S, Singh MS. Single-cell transcriptome analysis of xenotransplanted human retinal organoids defines two migratory cell populations of nonretinal origin. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:1138-1154. [PMID: 37163980 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Human retinal organoid transplantation could potentially be a treatment for degenerative retinal diseases. How the recipient retina regulates the survival, maturation, and proliferation of transplanted organoid cells is unknown. We transplanted human retinal organoid-derived cells into photoreceptor-deficient mice and conducted histology and single-cell RNA sequencing alongside time-matched cultured retinal organoids. Unexpectedly, we observed human cells that migrated into all recipient retinal layers and traveled long distances. Using an unbiased approach, we identified these cells as astrocytes and brain/spinal cord-like neural precursors that were absent or rare in stage-matched cultured organoids. In contrast, retinal progenitor-derived rods and cones remained in the subretinal space, maturing more rapidly than those in the cultured controls. These data suggest that recipient microenvironment promotes the maturation of transplanted photoreceptors while inducing or facilitating the survival of migratory cell populations that are not normally derived from retinal progenitors. These findings have important implications for potential cell-based treatments of retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying V Liu
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Clayton P Santiago
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Akin Sogunro
- Department of Biology, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gregory J Konar
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ming-Wen Hu
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Minda M McNally
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yu-Chen Lu
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Miguel Flores-Bellver
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Program, Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Silvia Aparicio-Domingo
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Program, Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kang V Li
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Program, Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Zhuo-Lin Li
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dzhalal Agakishiev
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sarah E Hadyniak
- Department of Biology, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Katarzyna A Hussey
- Department of Biology, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tyler J Creamer
- Institute for Basic Biomedical Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Linda D Orzolek
- Institute for Basic Biomedical Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Derek Teng
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - M Valeria Canto-Soler
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Program, Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jiang Qian
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zheng Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robert J Johnston
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Biology, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Seth Blackshaw
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Mandeep S Singh
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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2
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Ho MT, Ortin-Martinez A, Yan NE, Comanita L, Gurdita A, Pham Truong V, Cui H, Wallace VA, Shoichet MS. Hydrogel assisted photoreceptor delivery inhibits material transfer. Biomaterials 2023; 298:122140. [PMID: 37163876 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Cell therapy holds tremendous promise for vision restoration; yet donor cell survival and integration continue to limit efficacy of these strategies. Transplanted photoreceptors, which mediate light sensitivity in the retina, transfer cytoplasmic components to host photoreceptors instead of integrating into the tissue. Donor cell material transfer could, therefore, function as a protein augmentation strategy to restore photoreceptor function. Biomaterials, such as hyaluronan-based hydrogels, can support donor cell survival but have not been evaluated for effects on material transfer. With increased survival, we hypothesized that we would achieve greater material transfer; however, the opposite occurred. Photoreceptors delivered to the subretinal space in mice in a hyaluronan and methylcellulose (HAMC) hydrogel showed reduced material transfer. We examined mitochondria transfer in vitro and cytosolic protein transfer in vivo and demonstrate that HAMC significantly reduced transfer in both contexts, which we ascribe to reduced cell-cell contact. Nanotube-like donor cell protrusions were significantly reduced in the hydrogel-transplanted photoreceptors compared to the saline control group, which suggests that HAMC limits the contact required to the host retina for transfer. Thus, HAMC can be used to manipulate the behaviour of transplanted donor cells in cell therapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret T Ho
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Arturo Ortin-Martinez
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicole E Yan
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lacrimioara Comanita
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Akshay Gurdita
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Victor Pham Truong
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hong Cui
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Valerie A Wallace
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Molly S Shoichet
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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3
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Liu YV, Konar G, Aziz K, Tun SBB, Hua CHE, Tan B, Tian J, Luu CD, Barathi VA, Singh MS. Localized Structural and Functional Deficits in a Nonhuman Primate Model of Outer Retinal Atrophy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:8. [PMID: 34643661 PMCID: PMC8525844 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.13.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Cell-based therapy development for geographic atrophy (GA) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is hampered by the paucity of models of localized photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) degeneration. We aimed to characterize the structural and functional deficits in a laser-induced nonhuman primate model, including an analysis of the choroid. Methods Macular laser photocoagulation was applied in four macaques. Fundus photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), dye angiography, and OCT-angiography were conducted over 4.5 months, with histological correlation. Longitudinal changes in spatially resolved macular dysfunction were measured using multifocal electroretinography (MFERG). Results Lesion features, depending on laser settings, included photoreceptor layer degeneration, inner retinal sparing, skip lesions, RPE elevation, and neovascularization. The intralesional choroid was degenerated. The normalized mean MFERG amplitude within lesions was consistently lower than control regions (0.94 ± 0.35 vs. 1.10 ± 0.27, P = 0.032 at month 1, 0.67 ± 0.22 vs. 0.83 ± 0.15, P = 0.0002 at month 2, and 0.97 ± 0.31 vs. 1.20 ± 0.21, P < 0.0001 at month 3.5). The intertest variation of mean MFERG amplitudes in rings 1 to 5 ranged from 13.0% to 26.0% in normal eyes. Conclusions Laser application in this model caused localized outer retinal, RPE, and choriocapillaris loss. Localized dysfunction was apparent by MFERG in the first month after lesion induction. Correlative structure-function testing may be useful for research on the functional effects of stem cell-based therapy for GA. MFERG amplitude data should be interpreted in the context of relatively high intertest variability of the rings that correspond to the central macula. Sustained choroidal insufficiency may limit long-term subretinal graft viability in this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying V Liu
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Gregory Konar
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Kanza Aziz
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Sai Bo Bo Tun
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Center, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Candice Ho Ee Hua
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Center, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bingyao Tan
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Center, Singapore, Singapore.,SERI-NTU Advanced Ocular Engineering (STANCE), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jing Tian
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, United States
| | - Chi D Luu
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Victoria, Australia.,Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Veluchamy A Barathi
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Center, Singapore, Singapore.,Academic Clinical Program in Ophthalmology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mandeep S Singh
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
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4
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Jemni-Damer N, Guedan-Duran A, Fuentes-Andion M, Serrano-Bengoechea N, Alfageme-Lopez N, Armada-Maresca F, Guinea GV, Perez-Rigueiro J, Rojo F, Gonzalez-Nieto D, Kaplan DL, Panetsos F. Biotechnology and Biomaterial-Based Therapeutic Strategies for Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Part II: Cell and Tissue Engineering Therapies. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:588014. [PMID: 33363125 PMCID: PMC7758210 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.588014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is an up-to-date untreatable chronic neurodegenerative eye disease of multifactorial origin, and the main causes of blindness in over 65 y.o. people. It is characterized by a slow progression and the presence of a multitude of factors, highlighting those related to diet, genetic heritage and environmental conditions, present throughout each of the stages of the illness. Current therapeutic approaches, mainly consisting on intraocular drug delivery, are only used for symptoms relief and/or to decelerate the progression of the disease. Furthermore, they are overly simplistic and ignore the complexity of the disease and the enormous differences in the symptomatology between patients. Due to the wide impact of the AMD and the up-to-date absence of clinical solutions, Due to the wide impact of the AMD and the up-to-date absence of clinical solutions, different treatment options have to be considered. Cell therapy is a very promising alternative to drug-based approaches for AMD treatment. Cells delivered to the affected tissue as a suspension have shown poor retention and low survival rate. A solution to these inconveniences has been the encapsulation of these cells on biomaterials, which contrive to their protection, gives them support, and favor their retention of the desired area. We offer a two-papers critical review of the available and under development AMD therapeutic approaches, from a biomaterials and biotechnological point of view. We highlight benefits and limitations and we forecast forthcoming alternatives based on novel biomaterials and biotechnology methods. In this second part we review the preclinical and clinical cell-replacement approaches aiming at the development of efficient AMD-therapies, the employed cell types, as well as the cell-encapsulation and cell-implant systems. We discuss their advantages and disadvantages and how they could improve the survival and integration of the implanted cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahla Jemni-Damer
- Neuro-computing and Neuro-robotics Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Innovation Group, Institute for Health Research San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Atocha Guedan-Duran
- Neuro-computing and Neuro-robotics Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Innovation Group, Institute for Health Research San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
| | - María Fuentes-Andion
- Neuro-computing and Neuro-robotics Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Innovation Group, Institute for Health Research San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nora Serrano-Bengoechea
- Neuro-computing and Neuro-robotics Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Innovation Group, Institute for Health Research San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Silk Biomed SL, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria Alfageme-Lopez
- Neuro-computing and Neuro-robotics Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Innovation Group, Institute for Health Research San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Silk Biomed SL, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Gustavo V. Guinea
- Silk Biomed SL, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcon, Spain
- Department of Material Science, Civil Engineering Superior School, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Perez-Rigueiro
- Silk Biomed SL, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcon, Spain
- Department of Material Science, Civil Engineering Superior School, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Rojo
- Silk Biomed SL, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcon, Spain
- Department of Material Science, Civil Engineering Superior School, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Gonzalez-Nieto
- Silk Biomed SL, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Pozuelo de Alarcon, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Madrid, Spain
| | - David L. Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
| | - Fivos Panetsos
- Neuro-computing and Neuro-robotics Research Group, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Innovation Group, Institute for Health Research San Carlos Clinical Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Silk Biomed SL, Madrid, Spain
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5
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Sher I, Moverman D, Ketter-Katz H, Moisseiev E, Rotenstreich Y. In vivo retinal imaging in translational regenerative research. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:1096. [PMID: 33145315 PMCID: PMC7575995 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-4355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Regenerative translational studies must include a longitudinal assessment of the changes in retinal structure and function that occur as part of the natural history of the disease and those that result from the studied intervention. Traditionally, retinal structural changes have been evaluated by histological analysis which necessitates sacrificing the animals. In this review, we describe key imaging approaches such as fundus imaging, optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT-angiography, adaptive optics (AO), and confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (cSLO) that enable noninvasive, non-contact, and fast in vivo imaging of the posterior segment. These imaging technologies substantially reduce the number of animals needed and enable progression analysis and longitudinal follow-up in individual animals for accurate assessment of disease natural history, effects of interventions and acute changes. We also describe the benefits and limitations of each technology, as well as outline possible future directions that can be taken in translational retinal imaging studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifat Sher
- Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Daniel Moverman
- Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Hadas Ketter-Katz
- Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Elad Moisseiev
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Ophthalmology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel
| | - Ygal Rotenstreich
- Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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6
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Liu YV, Sodhi SK, Xue G, Teng D, Agakishiev D, McNally MM, Harris-Bookman S, McBride C, Konar GJ, Singh MS. Quantifiable In Vivo Imaging Biomarkers of Retinal Regeneration by Photoreceptor Cell Transplantation. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:5. [PMID: 32832212 PMCID: PMC7414711 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.7.5] [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: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Short-term improvements in retinal anatomy are known to occur in preclinical models of photoreceptor transplantation. However, correlative changes over the long term are poorly understood. We aimed to develop a quantifiable imaging biomarker grading scheme, using noninvasive multimodal confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (cSLO) imaging, to enable serial evaluation of photoreceptor transplantation over the long term. Methods Photoreceptor cell suspensions or sheets from rhodopsin-green fluorescent protein mice were transplanted subretinally, into either NOD.CB17-Prkdcscid/J or C3H/HeJ-Pde6brd1 mice. Multimodal cSLO imaging was performed serially for up to three months after transplantation. Imaging biomarkers were scored, and a grade was defined for each eye by integrating the scores. Image grades were correlated with immunohistochemistry (IHC) data. Results Multimodal imaging enabled the extraction of quantitative imaging biomarkers including graft size, GFP intensity, graft length, on-target graft placement, intra-graft lamination, hemorrhage, retinal atrophy, and periretinal proliferation. Migration of transplanted material was observed. Changes in biomarker scores and grades were detected in 14/16 and 7/16 eyes, respectively. A high correlation was found between image grades and IHC parameters. Conclusions Serial evaluation of multiple imaging biomarkers, when integrated into a per-eye grading scheme, enabled comprehensive tracking of longitudinal changes in photoreceptor cell grafts over time. The application of systematic multimodal in vivo imaging could be useful in increasing the efficiency of preclinical retinal cell transplantation studies in rodents and other animal models. Translational Relevance By allowing longitudinal evaluation of the same animal over time, and providing quantifiable biomarkers, non-invasive multimodal imaging improves the efficiency of retinal transplantation studies in animal models. Such assays will facilitate the development of cell therapy for retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying V Liu
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Simrat K Sodhi
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gilbert Xue
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL, USA
| | - Derek Teng
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dzhalal Agakishiev
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL, USA
| | - Minda M McNally
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sarah Harris-Bookman
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Caitlin McBride
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gregory J Konar
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mandeep S Singh
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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7
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Ho MT, Teal CJ, Shoichet MS. A hyaluronan/methylcellulose-based hydrogel for local cell and biomolecule delivery to the central nervous system. Brain Res Bull 2019; 148:46-54. [PMID: 30898580 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2019.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Regenerative medicine strategies rely on exogenous cell transplantation and/or endogenous cell stimulation. Biomaterials can help to increase the regenerative potential of cells and biomolecules by controlling transplanted cell fate and provide a local, sustained release of biomolecules. In this review, we describe the use of a hyaluronan/methylcellulose (HAMC)-based hydrogel as a delivery vehicle to the brain, spinal cord, and retina to promote cellular survival and tissue repair. We discuss various controlled release strategies to prolong the delivery of factors for neuroprotection. The versatility of this hydrogel for a diversity of applications highlights its potential to enhance cell- and biomolecule-based treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret T Ho
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Carter J Teal
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Molly S Shoichet
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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8
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McLelland BT, Lin B, Mathur A, Aramant RB, Thomas BB, Nistor G, Keirstead HS, Seiler MJ. Transplanted hESC-Derived Retina Organoid Sheets Differentiate, Integrate, and Improve Visual Function in Retinal Degenerate Rats. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:2586-2603. [PMID: 29847666 PMCID: PMC5968836 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.17-23646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate whether sheets of retina organoids derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) can differentiate, integrate, and improve visual function in an immunodeficient rat model of severe retinal degeneration (RD). Methods 3D hESC-derived retina organoids were analyzed by quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence. Sheets dissected from retina organoids (30–65 days of differentiation) were transplanted into the subretinal space of immunodeficient rho S334ter-3 rats. Visual function was tested by optokinetic testing and electrophysiologic recording in the superior colliculus. Transplants were analyzed at 54 to 300 days postsurgery by immunohistochemistry for donor and retinal markers. Results Retina organoids contained multiple retinal cell types, including progenitor populations capable of developing new cones and rods. After transplantation into an immunodeficient rat model of severe RD, the transplanted sheets differentiated, integrated, and produced functional photoreceptors and other retinal cells, according to the longer human developmental timetable. Maturation of the transplanted retinal cells created visual improvements that were measured by optokinetic testing and electrophysiologic recording in the superior colliculus. Immunohistochemistry analysis indicated that the donor cells were synaptically active. Extensive transplant projections could be seen within the host RD retina. Optical coherence tomography imaging monitored long-term transplant growth and survival up to 10 months postsurgery. Conclusions These data demonstrate that the transplantation of sheets dissected from hESC-derived retina organoids is a potential therapeutic method for restoring vision in advanced stages of RD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryce T McLelland
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States
| | - Bin Lin
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States
| | - Anuradha Mathur
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States
| | - Robert B Aramant
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States
| | - Biju B Thomas
- University of Southern California Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Gabriel Nistor
- AIVITA Biomedical, Inc., Irvine, California, United States
| | | | - Magdalene J Seiler
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California, United States
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9
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Ben M'Barek K, Habeler W, Plancheron A, Jarraya M, Regent F, Terray A, Yang Y, Chatrousse L, Domingues S, Masson Y, Sahel JA, Peschanski M, Goureau O, Monville C. Human ESC-derived retinal epithelial cell sheets potentiate rescue of photoreceptor cell loss in rats with retinal degeneration. Sci Transl Med 2018; 9:9/421/eaai7471. [PMID: 29263231 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aai7471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Revised: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Replacing defective retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells with those derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) or human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) is a potential strategy for treating retinal degenerative diseases. Early clinical trials have demonstrated that hESC-derived or hiPSC-derived RPE cells can be delivered safely as a suspension to the human eye. The next step is transplantation of hESC/hiPSC-derived RPE cells as cell sheets that are more physiological. We have developed a tissue-engineered product consisting of hESC-derived RPE cells grown as sheets on human amniotic membrane as a biocompatible substrate. We established a surgical approach to engraft this tissue-engineered product into the subretinal space of the eyes of rats with photoreceptor cell loss. We show that transplantation of the hESC-RPE cell sheets grown on a human amniotic membrane scaffold resulted in rescue of photoreceptor cell death and improved visual acuity in rats with retinal degeneration compared to hESC-RPE cells injected as a cell suspension. These results suggest that tissue-engineered hESC-RPE cell sheets produced under good manufacturing practice conditions may be a useful approach for treating diseases of retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Ben M'Barek
- INSERM U861, I-Stem, Association Française contre les Myopathies (AFM), Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France.,UEVE U861, I-Stem, AFM, Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France.,CECS, I-Stem, AFM, Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Walter Habeler
- INSERM U861, I-Stem, Association Française contre les Myopathies (AFM), Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France.,UEVE U861, I-Stem, AFM, Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France.,CECS, I-Stem, AFM, Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Alexandra Plancheron
- INSERM U861, I-Stem, Association Française contre les Myopathies (AFM), Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France.,UEVE U861, I-Stem, AFM, Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France.,CECS, I-Stem, AFM, Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Mohamed Jarraya
- Banque de tissus humain, Hôpital Saint Louis, AP-HP Paris, France
| | - Florian Regent
- INSERM U861, I-Stem, Association Française contre les Myopathies (AFM), Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France.,UEVE U861, I-Stem, AFM, Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Angélique Terray
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Ying Yang
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, 75012 Paris, France.,CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DHOS CIC, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Laure Chatrousse
- INSERM U861, I-Stem, Association Française contre les Myopathies (AFM), Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France.,UEVE U861, I-Stem, AFM, Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France.,CECS, I-Stem, AFM, Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Sophie Domingues
- INSERM U861, I-Stem, Association Française contre les Myopathies (AFM), Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France.,UEVE U861, I-Stem, AFM, Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France.,CECS, I-Stem, AFM, Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Yolande Masson
- INSERM U861, I-Stem, Association Française contre les Myopathies (AFM), Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France.,UEVE U861, I-Stem, AFM, Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France.,CECS, I-Stem, AFM, Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, 75012 Paris, France.,CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, DHU Sight Restore, INSERM-DHOS CIC, 75012 Paris, France.,Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild, 75019 Paris, France.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Marc Peschanski
- INSERM U861, I-Stem, Association Française contre les Myopathies (AFM), Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France.,UEVE U861, I-Stem, AFM, Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France.,CECS, I-Stem, AFM, Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Olivier Goureau
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, 75012 Paris, France.
| | - Christelle Monville
- INSERM U861, I-Stem, Association Française contre les Myopathies (AFM), Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France. .,UEVE U861, I-Stem, AFM, Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
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10
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Nickerson PEB, Ortin-Martinez A, Wallace VA. Material Exchange in Photoreceptor Transplantation: Updating Our Understanding of Donor/Host Communication and the Future of Cell Engraftment Science. Front Neural Circuits 2018; 12:17. [PMID: 29559897 PMCID: PMC5845679 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2018.00017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Considerable research effort has been invested into the transplantation of mammalian photoreceptors into healthy and degenerating mouse eyes. Several platforms of rod and cone fluorescent reporting have been central to refining the isolation, purification and transplantation of photoreceptors. The tracking of engrafted cells, including identifying the position, morphology and degree of donor cell integration post-transplant is highly dependent on the use of fluorescent protein reporters. Improvements in imaging and analysis of transplant recipients have revealed that donor cell fluorescent reporters can transfer into host tissue though a process termed material exchange (ME). This recent discovery has chaperoned a new era of interpretation when reviewing the field’s use of dissociated donor cell preparations, and has prompted scientists to re-examine how we use and interpret the information derived from fluorescence-based tracking tools. In this review, we describe the status of our understanding of ME in photoreceptor transplantation. In addition, we discuss the impact of this discovery on several aspects of historical rod and cone transplantation data, and provide insight into future standards and approaches to advance the field of cell engraftment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip E B Nickerson
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Arturo Ortin-Martinez
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Valerie A Wallace
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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11
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Cellular regeneration strategies for macular degeneration: past, present and future. Eye (Lond) 2018; 32:946-971. [PMID: 29503449 PMCID: PMC5944658 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-018-0061-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite considerable effort and significant therapeutic advances, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains the commonest cause of blindness in the developed world. Progressive late-stage AMD with outer retinal degeneration currently has no proven treatment. There has been significant interest in the possibility that cellular treatments may slow or reverse visual loss in AMD. A number of modes of action have been suggested, including cell replacement and rescue, as well as immune modulation to delay the neurodegenerative process. Their appeal in this enigmatic disease relate to their generic, non-pathway-specific effects. The outer retina in particular has been at the forefront of developments in cellular regenerative therapies being surgically accessible, easily observable, as well as having a relatively simple architecture. Both the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptors have been considered for replacement therapies as both sheets and cell suspensions. Studies using autologous RPE, and to a lesser extent, foetal retina, have shown proof of principle. A wide variety of cell sources have been proposed with pluripotent stem cell-derived cells currently holding the centre stage. Recent early-phase trials using these cells for RPE replacement have met safety endpoints and hinted at possible efficacy. Animal studies have confirmed the promise that photoreceptor replacement, even in a completely degenerated outer retina may restore some vision. Many challenges, however, remain, not least of which include avoiding immune rejection, ensuring long-term cellular survival and maximising effect. This review provides an overview of progress made, ongoing studies and challenges ahead.
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12
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LaVail MM, Nishikawa S, Steinberg RH, Naash MI, Duncan JL, Trautmann N, Matthes MT, Yasumura D, Lau-Villacorta C, Chen J, Peterson WM, Yang H, Flannery JG. Phenotypic characterization of P23H and S334ter rhodopsin transgenic rat models of inherited retinal degeneration. Exp Eye Res 2018; 167:56-90. [PMID: 29122605 PMCID: PMC5811379 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2017.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We produced 8 lines of transgenic (Tg) rats expressing one of two different rhodopsin mutations in albino Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Three lines were generated with a proline to histidine substitution at codon 23 (P23H), the most common autosomal dominant form of retinitis pigmentosa in the United States. Five lines were generated with a termination codon at position 334 (S334ter), resulting in a C-terminal truncated opsin protein lacking the last 15 amino acid residues and containing all of the phosphorylation sites involved in rhodopsin deactivation, as well as the terminal QVAPA residues important for rhodopsin deactivation and trafficking. The rates of photoreceptor (PR) degeneration in these models vary in proportion to the ratio of mutant to wild-type rhodopsin. The models have been widely studied, but many aspects of their phenotypes have not been described. Here we present a comprehensive study of the 8 Tg lines, including the time course of PR degeneration from the onset to one year of age, retinal structure by light and electron microscopy (EM), hemispheric asymmetry and gradients of rod and cone degeneration, rhodopsin content, gene dosage effect, rapid activation and invasion of the outer retina by presumptive microglia, rod outer segment disc shedding and phagocytosis by the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE), and retinal function by the electroretinogram (ERG). The biphasic nature of PR cell death was noted, as was the lack of an injury-induced protective response in the rat models. EM analysis revealed the accumulation of submicron vesicular structures in the interphotoreceptor space during the peak period of PR outer segment degeneration in the S334ter lines. This is likely due to the elimination of the trafficking consensus domain as seen before as with other rhodopsin mutants lacking the C-terminal QVAPA. The 8 rhodopsin Tg lines have been, and will continue to be, extremely useful models for the experimental study of inherited retinal degenerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M LaVail
- Beckman Vision Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0730, USA.
| | - Shimpei Nishikawa
- Beckman Vision Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0730, USA.
| | - Roy H Steinberg
- Beckman Vision Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0730, USA
| | - Muna I Naash
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, 3517 Cullen Blvd., Room 2011, Houston, TX 77204-5060, USA.
| | - Jacque L Duncan
- Beckman Vision Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0730, USA.
| | - Nikolaus Trautmann
- Beckman Vision Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0730, USA.
| | - Michael T Matthes
- Beckman Vision Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0730, USA.
| | - Douglas Yasumura
- Beckman Vision Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0730, USA
| | - Cathy Lau-Villacorta
- Beckman Vision Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0730, USA.
| | - Jeannie Chen
- Zilka Neurogenetic Institute, USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90089-2821, USA.
| | - Ward M Peterson
- Beckman Vision Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0730, USA.
| | - Haidong Yang
- Beckman Vision Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0730, USA.
| | - John G Flannery
- School of Optometry, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-2020, USA.
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13
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Divya MS, Rasheed VA, Schmidt T, Lalitha S, Hattar S, James J. Intraocular Injection of ES Cell-Derived Neural Progenitors Improve Visual Function in Retinal Ganglion Cell-Depleted Mouse Models. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:295. [PMID: 28979193 PMCID: PMC5611488 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) transplantation is a promising strategy to restore visual function resulting from irreversible RGC degeneration occurring in glaucoma or inherited optic neuropathies. We previously demonstrated FGF2 induced differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (ESC) to RGC lineage, capable of retinal ganglion cell layer (GCL) integration upon transplantation. Here, we evaluated possible improvement of visual function by transplantation of ES cell derived neural progenitors in RGC depleted glaucoma mice models. ESC derived neural progenitors (ES-NP) were transplanted into N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) injected, RGC-ablated mouse models and a pre-clinical glaucoma mouse model (DBA/2J) having sustained higher intra ocular pressure (IOP). Visual acuity and functional integration was evaluated by behavioral experiments and immunohistochemistry, respectively. GFP-expressing ES-NPs transplanted in NMDA-injected RGC-depleted mice differentiated into RGC lineage and possibly integrating into GCL. An improvement in visual acuity was observed after 2 months of transplantation, when compared to the pre-transplantation values. Expression of c-Fos in the transplanted cells, upon light induction, further suggests functional integration into the host retinal circuitry. However, the transplanted cells did not send axonal projections into optic nerve. Transplantation experiments in DBA/2J mouse showed no significant improvement in visual functions, possibly due to both host and transplanted retinal cell death which could be due to an inherent high IOP. We showed that, ES NPs transplanted into the retina of RGC-ablated mouse models could survive, differentiate to RGC lineage, and possibly integrate into GCL to improve visual function. However, for the survival of transplanted cells in glaucoma, strategies to control the IOP are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mundackal S Divya
- Neuro-Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Neurobiology Division, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for BiotechnologyThiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Vazhanthodi A Rasheed
- Neuro-Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Neurobiology Division, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for BiotechnologyThiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Tiffany Schmidt
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore, MD, United States
| | - Soundararajan Lalitha
- Neuro-Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Neurobiology Division, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for BiotechnologyThiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Samer Hattar
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jackson James
- Neuro-Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Neurobiology Division, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for BiotechnologyThiruvananthapuram, India
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14
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Kole C, Klipfel L, Yang Y, Ferracane V, Blond F, Reichman S, Millet-Puel G, Clérin E, Aït-Ali N, Pagan D, Camara H, Delyfer MN, Nandrot EF, Sahel JA, Goureau O, Léveillard T. Otx2-Genetically Modified Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Rescue Photoreceptors after Transplantation. Mol Ther 2017; 26:219-237. [PMID: 28988713 PMCID: PMC5762984 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2017.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal degenerations are blinding diseases characterized by the loss of photoreceptors. Their extreme genetic heterogeneity complicates treatment by gene therapy. This has motivated broader strategies for transplantation of healthy retinal pigmented epithelium to protect photoreceptors independently of the gene causing the disease. The limited clinical benefit for visual function reported up to now is mainly due to dedifferentiation of the transplanted cells that undergo an epithelial-mesenchymal transition. We have studied this mechanism in vitro and revealed the role of the homeogene OTX2 in preventing dedifferentiation through the regulation of target genes. We have overexpressed OTX2 in retinal pigmented epithelial cells before their transplantation in the eye of a model of retinitis pigmentosa carrying a mutation in Mertk, a gene specifically expressed by retinal pigmented epithelial cells. OTX2 increases significantly the protection of photoreceptors as seen by histological and functional analyses. We observed that the beneficial effect of OTX2 is non-cell autonomous, and it is at least partly mediated by unidentified trophic factors. Transplantation of OTX2-genetically modified cells may be medically effective for other retinal diseases involving the retinal pigmented epithelium as age-related macular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christo Kole
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Laurence Klipfel
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Ying Yang
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Vanessa Ferracane
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Frederic Blond
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Sacha Reichman
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Géraldine Millet-Puel
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Emmanuelle Clérin
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Najate Aït-Ali
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Delphine Pagan
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Hawa Camara
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Marie-Noëlle Delyfer
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France; Unité Rétine, Uvéite et Neuro-Ophtalmologie, Département d'Ophtalmologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Emeline F Nandrot
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Jose-Alain Sahel
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Olivier Goureau
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Thierry Léveillard
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France.
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15
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Zarbin M. Cell-Based Therapy for Degenerative Retinal Disease. Trends Mol Med 2016; 22:115-134. [PMID: 26791247 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2015.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2015] [Revised: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptors (PRs) have restored vision in preclinical models of human retinal degenerative disease. This review discusses characteristics of stem cell therapy in the eye and the challenges to clinical implementation that are being confronted today. Based on encouraging results from Phase I/II trials, the first Phase II clinical trials of stem cell-derived RPE transplantation are underway. PR transplant experiments have demonstrated restoration of visual function in preclinical models of retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration, but also indicate that no single approach is likely to succeed in overcoming PR loss in all cases. A greater understanding of the mechanisms controlling synapse formation as well as the immunoreactivity of transplanted retinal cells is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Zarbin
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
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16
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Chen Y, Tang H, Seibel W, Papoian R, Li X, Lambert NA, Palczewski K. A High-Throughput Drug Screening Strategy for Detecting Rhodopsin P23H Mutant Rescue and Degradation. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2015; 56:2553-67. [PMID: 25783607 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.14-16298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Inherent instability of the P23H mutant opsin accounts for approximately 10% of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa cases. Our purpose was to develop an overall set of reliable screening strategies to assess if either stabilization or enhanced degradation of mutant rhodopsin could rescue rod photoreceptors expressing this mutant protein. These strategies promise to reveal active compounds and clarify molecular mechanisms of biologically important processes, such as inhibition of target degradation or enhanced target folding. METHODS Cell-based bioluminescence reporter assays were developed and validated for high-throughput screening (HTS) of compounds that promote either stabilization or degradation of P23H mutant opsin. Such assays were further complemented by immunoblotting and image-based analyses. RESULTS Two stabilization assays of P23H mutant opsin were developed and validated, one based on β-galactosidase complementarity and a second assay involving bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) technology. Moreover, two additional assays evaluating mutant protein degradation also were employed, one based on the disappearance of luminescence and another employing the ALPHA immunoassay. Imaging of cells revealed the cellular localization of mutant rhodopsin, whereas immunoblots identified changes in the aggregation and glycosylation of P23H mutant opsin. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that these initial HTS and following assays can identify active therapeutic compounds, even for difficult targets such as mutant rhodopsin. The assays are readily scalable and their function has been proven with model compounds. High-throughput screening, supported by automated imaging and classic immunoassays, can further characterize multiple steps and pathways in the biosynthesis and degradation of this essential visual system protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Chen
- Department of Pharmacology Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Hong Tang
- Drug Discovery Center, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
| | - William Seibel
- Drug Discovery Center, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
| | - Ruben Papoian
- Drug Discovery Center, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Department of Pharmacology Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Nevin A Lambert
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia, United States
| | - Krzysztof Palczewski
- Department of Pharmacology Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
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17
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Orhan E, Dalkara D, Neuillé M, Lechauve C, Michiels C, Picaud S, Léveillard T, Sahel JA, Naash MI, Lavail MM, Zeitz C, Audo I. Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of P23H line 1 rat model. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0127319. [PMID: 26009893 PMCID: PMC4444340 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Rod-cone dystrophy, also known as retinitis pigmentosa (RP), is the most common inherited degenerative photoreceptor disease, for which no therapy is currently available. The P23H rat is one of the most commonly used autosomal dominant RP models. It has been created by incorporation of a mutated mouse rhodopsin (Rho) transgene in the wild-type (WT) Sprague Dawley rat. Detailed genetic characterization of this transgenic animal has however never been fully reported. Here we filled this knowledge gap on P23H Line 1 rat (P23H-1) and provide additional phenotypic information applying non-invasive and state-of-the-art in vivo techniques that are relevant for preclinical therapeutic evaluations. Transgene sequence was analyzed by Sanger sequencing. Using quantitative PCR, transgene copy number was calculated and its expression measured in retinal tissue. Full field electroretinography (ERG) and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were performed at 1-, 2-, 3- and 6-months of age. Sanger sequencing revealed that P23H-1 rat carries the mutated mouse genomic Rho sequence from the promoter to the 3’ UTR. Transgene copy numbers were estimated at 9 and 18 copies in the hemizygous and homozygous rats respectively. In 1-month-old hemizygous P23H-1 rats, transgene expression represented 43% of all Rho expressed alleles. ERG showed a progressive rod-cone dysfunction peaking at 6 months-of-age. SD-OCT confirmed a progressive thinning of the photoreceptor cell layer leading to the disappearance of the outer retina by 6 months with additional morphological changes in the inner retinal cell layers in hemizygous P23H-1 rats. These results provide precise genotypic information of the P23H-1 rat with additional phenotypic characterization that will serve basis for therapeutic interventions, especially for those aiming at gene editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Orhan
- INSERM, U968, Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Deniz Dalkara
- INSERM, U968, Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Marion Neuillé
- INSERM, U968, Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Lechauve
- INSERM, U968, Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Christelle Michiels
- INSERM, U968, Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Serge Picaud
- INSERM, U968, Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Thierry Léveillard
- INSERM, U968, Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- INSERM, U968, Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
- Centre Hospitalier National d’Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, DHU ViewMaintain, INSERM-DHOS CIC 1423, Paris, France
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College of London, London, United Kingdom
- Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild, Paris, France
- Academie des Sciences, Institut de France, Paris, France
| | - Muna I. Naash
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Matthew M. Lavail
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California United States of America
| | - Christina Zeitz
- INSERM, U968, Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Audo
- INSERM, U968, Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
- Centre Hospitalier National d’Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts, DHU ViewMaintain, INSERM-DHOS CIC 1423, Paris, France
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College of London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Clérin E, Yang Y, Forster V, Fontaine V, Sahel JA, Léveillard T. Vibratome sectioning mouse retina to prepare photoreceptor cultures. J Vis Exp 2014:51954. [PMID: 25548881 PMCID: PMC4354458 DOI: 10.3791/51954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The retina is a part of the central nervous system that has organized architecture, with neurons in layers from the photoreceptors, both rods and cones in contact with the retinal pigmented epithelium in the most distant part on the retina considering the direction of light, and the ganglion cells in the most proximal distance. This architecture allows the isolation of the photoreceptor layer by vibratome sectioning. The dissected neural retina of a mouse aged 8 days is flat-embedded in 4% gelatin on top of a slice of 20% gelatin photoreceptor layer facing down. Using a vibratome and a double edged razor blade, the 100 µm thick inner retina is sectioned. This section contains the ganglion cells and the inner layer with notably the bipolar cells. An intermediary section of 15 µm is discarded before 200 µm of the outer retina containing the photoreceptors is recovered. The gelatin is removed by heating at 37 °C. Pieces of outer layer are incubated in 500 µl of Ringer's solution with 2 units of activated papain for 20 min at 37 °C. The reaction is stopped by adding 500 µl 10% fetal calf serum (FCS) in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM), then 25 units of DNAse I is added before centrifugation at RT, washed several times to remove serum and the cells are resuspended in 500 µl of DMEM and seeded at 1 x 10(5) cells/cm(2). The cells are grown to 5 days in vitro and their viability scored using live/dead assay. The purity of the culture is first determined by microscopic observation during the experiment. The purity is then validated by seeding and fixing cells on a histological slide and analyzing using a rabbit polyclonal anti-SAG, a photoreceptor marker and mouse monoclonal anti-RHO, a rod photoreceptor specific marker. Alternatively, the photoreceptor layer (97% rods) can be used for gene or protein expression analysis and for transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Clérin
- Department of Genetics, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision; Sorbonne Universités, Paris 06, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision; INSERM, U968, Institut de la Vision; CNRS, UMR_7210, Institut de la Vision
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Genetics, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision; Sorbonne Universités, Paris 06, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision; INSERM, U968, Institut de la Vision; CNRS, UMR_7210, Institut de la Vision
| | - Valérie Forster
- Department of Visual Information, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision; Sorbonne Universités, Paris 06, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision; INSERM, U968, Institut de la Vision; CNRS, UMR_7210, Institut de la Vision
| | - Valérie Fontaine
- Exploratory Team, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision; Sorbonne Universités, Paris 06, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision; INSERM, U968, Institut de la Vision; CNRS, UMR_7210, Institut de la Vision
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Sorbonne Universités, Paris 06, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision; INSERM, U968, Institut de la Vision; CNRS, UMR_7210, Institut de la Vision
| | - Thierry Léveillard
- Department of Genetics, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision; Sorbonne Universités, Paris 06, UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision; INSERM, U968, Institut de la Vision; CNRS, UMR_7210, Institut de la Vision;
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Heimler B, Weisz N, Collignon O. Revisiting the adaptive and maladaptive effects of crossmodal plasticity. Neuroscience 2014; 283:44-63. [PMID: 25139761 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Revised: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 08/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
One of the most striking demonstrations of experience-dependent plasticity comes from studies of sensory-deprived individuals (e.g., blind or deaf), showing that brain regions deprived of their natural inputs change their sensory tuning to support the processing of inputs coming from the spared senses. These mechanisms of crossmodal plasticity have been traditionally conceptualized as having a double-edged sword effect on behavior. On one side, crossmodal plasticity is conceived as adaptive for the development of enhanced behavioral skills in the remaining senses of early-deaf or blind individuals. On the other side, crossmodal plasticity raises crucial challenges for sensory restoration and is typically conceived as maladaptive since its presence may prevent optimal recovery in sensory-re-afferented individuals. In the present review we stress that this dichotomic vision is oversimplified and we emphasize that the notions of the unavoidable adaptive/maladaptive effects of crossmodal reorganization for sensory compensation/restoration may actually be misleading. For this purpose we critically review the findings from the blind and deaf literatures, highlighting the complementary nature of these two fields of research. The integrated framework we propose here has the potential to impact on the way rehabilitation programs for sensory recovery are carried out, with the promising prospect of eventually improving their final outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Heimler
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMeC), University of Trento, Italy.
| | - N Weisz
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMeC), University of Trento, Italy
| | - O Collignon
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMeC), University of Trento, Italy
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Cuenca N, Fernández-Sánchez L, Campello L, Maneu V, De la Villa P, Lax P, Pinilla I. Cellular responses following retinal injuries and therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative diseases. Prog Retin Eye Res 2014; 43:17-75. [PMID: 25038518 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2014.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 296] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Revised: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Retinal neurodegenerative diseases like age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and retinitis pigmentosa each have a different etiology and pathogenesis. However, at the cellular and molecular level, the response to retinal injury is similar in all of them, and results in morphological and functional impairment of retinal cells. This retinal degeneration may be triggered by gene defects, increased intraocular pressure, high levels of blood glucose, other types of stress or aging, but they all frequently induce a set of cell signals that lead to well-established and similar morphological and functional changes, including controlled cell death and retinal remodeling. Interestingly, an inflammatory response, oxidative stress and activation of apoptotic pathways are common features in all these diseases. Furthermore, it is important to note the relevant role of glial cells, including astrocytes, Müller cells and microglia, because their response to injury is decisive for maintaining the health of the retina or its degeneration. Several therapeutic approaches have been developed to preserve retinal function or restore eyesight in pathological conditions. In this context, neuroprotective compounds, gene therapy, cell transplantation or artificial devices should be applied at the appropriate stage of retinal degeneration to obtain successful results. This review provides an overview of the common and distinctive features of retinal neurodegenerative diseases, including the molecular, anatomical and functional changes caused by the cellular response to damage, in order to establish appropriate treatments for these pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Cuenca
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain; Multidisciplinary Institute for Environmental Studies "Ramon Margalef", University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain.
| | - Laura Fernández-Sánchez
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Laura Campello
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Victoria Maneu
- Department of Optics, Pharmacology and Anatomy, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Pedro De la Villa
- Department of Systems Biology, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Pedro Lax
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Isabel Pinilla
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lozano Blesa University Hospital, Aragon Institute of Health Sciences, Zaragoza, Spain
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Dalkara D, Sahel JA. Gene therapy for inherited retinal degenerations. C R Biol 2014; 337:185-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crvi.2014.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Sutherland JE, Day MA. Advantages and disadvantages of molecular testing in ophthalmology. EXPERT REVIEW OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1586/eop.11.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Maidenbaum S, Abboud S, Amedi A. Sensory substitution: closing the gap between basic research and widespread practical visual rehabilitation. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2013; 41:3-15. [PMID: 24275274 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2013] [Revised: 10/06/2013] [Accepted: 11/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Sensory substitution devices (SSDs) have come a long way since first developed for visual rehabilitation. They have produced exciting experimental results, and have furthered our understanding of the human brain. Unfortunately, they are still not used for practical visual rehabilitation, and are currently considered as reserved primarily for experiments in controlled settings. Over the past decade, our understanding of the neural mechanisms behind visual restoration has changed as a result of converging evidence, much of which was gathered with SSDs. This evidence suggests that the brain is more than a pure sensory-machine but rather is a highly flexible task-machine, i.e., brain regions can maintain or regain their function in vision even with input from other senses. This complements a recent set of more promising behavioral achievements using SSDs and new promising technologies and tools. All these changes strongly suggest that the time has come to revive the focus on practical visual rehabilitation with SSDs and we chart several key steps in this direction such as training protocols and self-train tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shachar Maidenbaum
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91220, Israel
| | - Sami Abboud
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91220, Israel
| | - Amir Amedi
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91220, Israel; The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC), The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91220, Israel.
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Abstract
The P23H-1 transgenic rat carries a mutated mouse opsin gene, in addition to endogenous opsin genes, and undergoes progressive photoreceptor loss that is generally characteristic of human autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Here, we examined morphological changes correlated with visual function that is comparable to clinical application in the pigmented P23H-1 rat retina as photoreceptor degeneration progressed. We found that rod function was compromised as early as postnatal day 28 and was a good indicator for tracking retinal degeneration. Cone function was normal and did not change until the thickness of the photoreceptor layer was reduced by 75%. Similar to the threshold versus intensity curves used to evaluate vision of RP patients, light-adaptation curves showed that cone thresholds depended on the number of remaining functioning cones, but not on its length of outer segments (OS). By 1 year of age, both rod and cone functions were significantly compromised. Correlating with early abnormal rod function, rods and related secondary neurons also underwent progressive degeneration, including shortening of inner and OS of photoreceptors, loss of rod bipolar and horizontal cell dendrites, thickening of the outer Müller cell processes, and reduced density of pre- and postsynaptic markers. Similar early morphological modifications were also observed in cones and their related secondary neurons. However, cone function was maintained at nearly normal level for a long period. The dramatic loss of rods at late stage of degeneration may contribute to the dysfunction of cones. Attention has to be focused on preserving cone function and identifying factors that damage cones when therapeutic regimes are applied to treat retinal degeneration. As such, these findings provide a foundation for future studies involving treatments to counter photoreceptor loss.
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Gullapalli VK, Khodair MA, Wang H, Sugino IK, Madreperla S, Zarbin MA. Transplantation Frontiers. Retina 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-1-4557-0737-9.00125-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Seiler MJ, Aramant RB. Cell replacement and visual restoration by retinal sheet transplants. Prog Retin Eye Res 2012; 31:661-87. [PMID: 22771454 PMCID: PMC3472113 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2012.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2012] [Revised: 06/19/2012] [Accepted: 06/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP) affect millions of people. Replacing lost cells with new cells that connect with the still functional part of the host retina might repair a degenerating retina and restore eyesight to an unknown extent. A unique model, subretinal transplantation of freshly dissected sheets of fetal-derived retinal progenitor cells, combined with its retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), has demonstrated successful results in both animals and humans. Most other approaches are restricted to rescue endogenous retinal cells of the recipient in earlier disease stages by a 'nursing' role of the implanted cells and are not aimed at neural retinal cell replacement. Sheet transplants restore lost visual responses in several retinal degeneration models in the superior colliculus (SC) corresponding to the location of the transplant in the retina. They do not simply preserve visual performance - they increase visual responsiveness to light. Restoration of visual responses in the SC can be directly traced to neural cells in the transplant, demonstrating that synaptic connections between transplant and host contribute to the visual improvement. Transplant processes invade the inner plexiform layer of the host retina and form synapses with presumable host cells. In a Phase II trial of RP and ARMD patients, transplants of retina together with its RPE improved visual acuity. In summary, retinal progenitor sheet transplantation provides an excellent model to answer questions about how to repair and restore function of a degenerating retina. Supply of fetal donor tissue will always be limited but the model can set a standard and provide an informative base for optimal cell replacement therapies such as embryonic stem cell (ESC)-derived therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalene J Seiler
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Reeve-Irvine Research Center, Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California at Irvine, 1101 Gross Hall, 845 Health Science Rd., Irvine, CA 92697-4265, USA.
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