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Servillo A, Sacconi R, Oldoni G, Barlocci E, Tombolini B, Battista M, Fantaguzzi F, Rissotto F, Mularoni C, Parravano M, Zucchiatti I, Querques L, Bandello F, Querques G. Advancements in Imaging and Therapeutic Options for Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Geographic Atrophy. Ophthalmol Ther 2024; 13:2067-2082. [PMID: 38833127 PMCID: PMC11246354 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-024-00970-7] [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: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in the elderly, with dry AMD (d-AMD) leading to geographic atrophy (GA) and significant visual impairment. Multimodal imaging plays a crucial role in d-AMD diagnosis and management, allowing for detailed classification of patient phenotypes and aiding in treatment planning and prognosis determination. Treatment approaches for d-AMD have recently witnessed profound change with the development of specific drugs targeting the complement cascade, with the first anticomplement agents recently approved for GA treatment. Additionally, emerging strategies such as gene therapy and laser treatments may offer potential benefits, though further research is needed to fully establish their efficacy. However, the lack of effective therapies capable of restoring damaged retinal cells remains a major challenge. In the future, genetic treatments aimed at preventing the progression of d-AMD may emerge as a powerful approach. Currently, however, their development is still in the early stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Servillo
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Division of Head and Neck, Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Riccardo Sacconi
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Division of Head and Neck, Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Gloria Oldoni
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Division of Head and Neck, Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Eugenio Barlocci
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Division of Head and Neck, Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Beatrice Tombolini
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Division of Head and Neck, Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Battista
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Division of Head and Neck, Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Fantaguzzi
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Division of Head and Neck, Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Rissotto
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Division of Head and Neck, Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Mularoni
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Division of Head and Neck, Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Ilaria Zucchiatti
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Division of Head and Neck, Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Lea Querques
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Division of Head and Neck, Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Bandello
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Division of Head and Neck, Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Querques
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
- Division of Head and Neck, Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy.
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Zhao N, Hao XN, Huang JM, Song ZM, Tao Y. Crosstalk Between Microglia and Müller Glia in the Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Role and Therapeutic Value of Neuroinflammation. Aging Dis 2024; 15:1132-1154. [PMID: 37728589 PMCID: PMC11081163 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0823-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive neurodegeneration disease that causes photoreceptor demise and vision impairments. In AMD pathogenesis, the primary death of retinal neurons always leads to the activation of resident microglia. The migration of activated microglia to the ongoing retinal lesion and their morphological transformation from branching to ameboid-like are recognized as hallmarks of AMD pathogenesis. Activated microglia send signals to Müller cells and promote them to react correspondingly to damaging stimulus. Müller cells are a type of neuroglia cells that maintain the normal function of retinal neurons, modulating innate inflammatory responses, and stabilize retinal structure. Activated Müller cells can accelerate the progression of AMD by damaging neurons and blood vessels. Therefore, the crosstalk between microglia and Müller cells plays a homeostatic role in maintaining the retinal environment, and this interaction is complicatedly modulated. In particular, the mechanism of mutual regulation between the two glia populations is complex under pathological conditions. This paper reviews recent findings on the crosstalk between microglia and Müller glia during AMD pathology process, with special emphasis on its therapeutic potentials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Zhao
- Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Xiao-Na Hao
- Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Jie-Min Huang
- Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Zong-Ming Song
- Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Ye Tao
- Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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3
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Voisin A, Pénaguin A, Gaillard A, Leveziel N. Stem cell therapy in retinal diseases. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:1478-1485. [PMID: 36571345 PMCID: PMC10075102 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.361537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Alteration of the outer retina leads to various diseases such as age-related macular degeneration or retinitis pigmentosa characterized by decreased visual acuity and ultimately blindness. Despite intensive research in the field of retinal disorders, there is currently no curative treatment. Several therapeutic approaches such as cell-based replacement and gene therapies are currently in development. In the context of cell-based therapies, different cell sources such as embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, or multipotent stem cells can be used for transplantation. In the vast majority of human clinical trials, retinal pigment epithelial cells and photoreceptors are the cell types considered for replacement cell therapies. In this review, we summarize the progress made in stem cell therapies ranging from the pre-clinical studies to clinical trials for retinal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Voisin
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Université de Poitiers, INSERM 1084; Department of Ophthalmology, CHU Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Amaury Pénaguin
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Université de Poitiers, INSERM 1084, Poitiers; Laboratoires Thea, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Afsaneh Gaillard
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Université de Poitiers, INSERM 1084, Poitiers, France
| | - Nicolas Leveziel
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Université de Poitiers, INSERM 1084; Department of Ophthalmology, CHU Poitiers, Poitiers, France
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Li P, Li Q, Biswas N, Xin H, Diemer T, Liu L, Perez Gutierrez L, Paternostro G, Piermarocchi C, Domanskyi S, Wang RK, Ferrara N. LIF, a mitogen for choroidal endothelial cells, protects the choriocapillaris: implications for prevention of geographic atrophy. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e14511. [PMID: 34779136 PMCID: PMC8749470 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202114511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the course of our studies aiming to discover vascular bed-specific endothelial cell (EC) mitogens, we identified leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) as a mitogen for bovine choroidal EC (BCE), although LIF has been mainly characterized as an EC growth inhibitor and an anti-angiogenic molecule. LIF stimulated growth of BCE while it inhibited, as previously reported, bovine aortic EC (BAE) growth. The JAK-STAT3 pathway mediated LIF actions in both BCE and BAE cells, but a caspase-independent proapoptotic signal mediated by cathepsins was triggered in BAE but not in BCE. LIF administration directly promoted activation of STAT3 and increased blood vessel density in mouse eyes. LIF also had protective effects on the choriocapillaris in a model of oxidative retinal injury. Analysis of available single-cell transcriptomic datasets shows strong expression of the specific LIF receptor in mouse and human choroidal EC. Our data suggest that LIF administration may be an innovative approach to prevent atrophy associated with AMD, through protection of the choriocapillaris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin Li
- Department of PathologyUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
| | - Qin Li
- Department of OphthalmologyUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
| | - Nilima Biswas
- Department of PathologyUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
| | - Hong Xin
- Department of PathologyUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
| | - Tanja Diemer
- Department of PathologyUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
| | - Lixian Liu
- Department of PathologyUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
| | | | | | - Carlo Piermarocchi
- Department of Physics and AstronomyMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMIUSA
| | - Sergii Domanskyi
- Department of Physics and AstronomyMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMIUSA
| | - Ruikang K Wang
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | - Napoleone Ferrara
- Department of PathologyUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
- Department of OphthalmologyUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
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Rizzolo LJ, Nasonkin IO, Adelman RA. OUP accepted manuscript. Stem Cells Transl Med 2022; 11:269-281. [PMID: 35356975 PMCID: PMC8968686 DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szac001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells grown on a scaffold, an RPE patch, have potential to ameliorate visual impairment in a limited number of retinal degenerative conditions. This tissue-replacement therapy is suited for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and related diseases. RPE cells must be transplanted before the disease reaches a point of no return, represented by the loss of photoreceptors. Photoreceptors are specialized, terminally differentiated neurosensory cells that must interact with RPE’s apical processes to be functional. Human photoreceptors are not known to regenerate. On the RPE’s basal side, the RPE transplant must induce the reformation of the choriocapillaris, thereby re-establishing the outer blood-retinal barrier. Because the scaffold is positioned between the RPE and choriocapillaris, it should ideally degrade and be replaced by the natural extracellular matrix that separates these tissues. Besides biodegradable, the scaffolds need to be nontoxic, thin enough to not affect the focal length of the eye, strong enough to survive the transplant procedure, yet flexible enough to conform to the curvature of the retina. The challenge is patients with progressing AMD treasure their remaining vision and fear that a risky surgical procedure will further degrade their vision. Accordingly, clinical trials only treat eyes with severe impairment that have few photoreceptors to interact with the transplanted patch. Although safety has been demonstrated, the cell-replacement mechanism and efficacy remain difficult to validate. This review covers the structure of the retina, the pathology of AMD, the limitations of cell therapy approaches, and the recent progress in developing retinal therapies using biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence J Rizzolo
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Surgery, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Corresponding author: Lawrence J. Rizzolo, PhD, 24 Long Hill Farm, Guilford, CT 06437, USA. Tel: 203-676-5583;
| | - Igor O Nasonkin
- Phythera Therapeutics LLC, San Leandro, CA, USA
- Igor O. Nasonkin, Phythera Therapeutics, 3021 Teagarden street, San Leandro, CA 92612, USA. Telephone: 510-205-7828;
| | - Ron A Adelman
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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Mannino G, Cristaldi M, Giurdanella G, Perrotta RE, Lo Furno D, Giuffrida R, Rusciano D. ARPE-19 conditioned medium promotes neural differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:1783-1796. [PMID: 34909123 PMCID: PMC8641022 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i11.1783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) have been increasingly explored for cell-based medicine because of their numerous advantages in terms of easy availability, high proliferation rate, multipotent differentiation ability and low immunogenicity. In this respect, they have been widely investigated in the last two decades to develop therapeutic strategies for a variety of human pathologies including eye disease. In ocular diseases involving the retina, various cell types may be affected, such as Müller cells, astrocytes, photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which plays a fundamental role in the homeostasis of retinal tissue, by secreting a variety of growth factors that support retinal cells.
AIM To test ASC neural differentiation using conditioned medium (CM) from an RPE cell line (ARPE-19).
METHODS ASCs were isolated from adipose tissue, harvested from the subcutaneous region of healthy donors undergoing liposuction procedures. Four ASC culture conditions were investigated: ASCs cultured in basal Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM); ASCs cultured in serum-free DMEM; ASCs cultured in serum-free DMEM/F12; and ASCs cultured in a CM from ARPE-19, a spontaneously arising cell line with a normal karyotype derived from a human RPE. Cell proliferation rate and viability were assessed by crystal violet and MTT assays at 1, 4 and 8 d of culture. At the same time points, ASC neural differentiation was evaluated by immunocytochemistry and western blot analysis for typical neuronal and glial markers: Nestin, neuronal specific enolase (NSE), protein gene product (PGP) 9.5, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP).
RESULTS Depending on the culture medium, ASC proliferation rate and viability showed some significant differences. Overall, less dense populations were observed in serum-free cultures, except for ASCs cultured in ARPE-19 serum-free CM. Moreover, a different cell morphology was seen in these cultures after 8 d of treatment, with more elongated cells, often showing cytoplasmic ramifications. Immunofluorescence results and western blot analysis were indicative of ASC neural differentiation. In fact, basal levels of neural markers detected under control conditions significantly increased when cells were cultured in ARPE-19 CM. Specifically, neural marker overexpression was more marked at 8 d. The most evident increase was observed for NSE and GFAP, a modest increase was observed for nestin, and less relevant changes were observed for PGP9.5.
CONCLUSION The presence of growth factors produced by ARPE-19 cells in tissue culture induces ASCs to express neural differentiation markers typical of the neuronal and glial cells of the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliana Mannino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95123, CT, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Giurdanella
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95123, CT, Italy
| | - Rosario Emanuele Perrotta
- Department of General Surgery and Medical-Surgery Specialties, University of Catania, Catania 95100, CT, Italy
| | - Debora Lo Furno
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95123, CT, Italy
| | - Rosario Giuffrida
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95123, CT, Italy
| | - Dario Rusciano
- Research Center, SOOFT-Italia S.p.A., Catania 95123, CT, Italy
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Nashine S. Potential Therapeutic Candidates for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Cells 2021; 10:cells10092483. [PMID: 34572131 PMCID: PMC8464988 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging contributes to the risk of development of ocular diseases including, but not limited to, Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) that is a leading cause of blindness in the United States as well as worldwide. Retinal aging, that contributes to AMD pathogenesis, is characterized by accumulation of drusen deposits, alteration in the composition of Bruch’s membrane and extracellular matrix, vascular inflammation and dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and subsequent retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell senescence. Since there are limited options available for the prophylaxis and treatment of AMD, new therapeutic interventions are constantly being looked into to identify new therapeutic targets for AMD. This review article discusses the potential candidates for AMD therapy and their known mechanisms of cytoprotection in AMD. These target therapeutic candidates include APE/REF-1, MRZ-99030, Ciliary NeuroTrophic Factor (CNTF), RAP1 GTPase, Celecoxib, and SS-31/Elamipretide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonali Nashine
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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Induction of Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells for Retinal Regeneration by Using Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor in Diabetic Rats. Curr Med Sci 2021; 41:145-152. [PMID: 33582919 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-021-2329-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common cause of blindness all over the world. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been considered as a promising strategy for retinal regeneration in the treatment of DR. However, the poor viability and low levels of BMSCs engraftment limit the therapeutic potential of BMSCs. The present study aimed to examine the direct induction of BMSCs differentiation into the cell types related to retinal regeneration by using soluble cytokine ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF). We observed remarkably increased expression of cellular retinaldehyde-binding protein (CRALBP) and retinoid isomerohydrolase (RPE65) in BMSCs treated with CNTF in vitro, indicating the directional differentiation of BMSCs into the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells, which are crucial for retinal healing. In vivo, the diabetic rat model was established by use of streptozotocin (STZ), and animals treated with BMSCs+CNTF exhibited better viability and higher delivery efficiency of the transplanted cells than those treated with BMSCs injection alone. Similar to the in-vitro result, treatment with BMSCs and CNTF combined led to the differentiation of BMSCs into beneficial cells (RPE cells), and accelerated retinal healing characterized by the activation of rod photoreceptor cells and phagocytosis function of RPE cells. In conclusion, CNTF contributes to the differentiation of BMSCs into RPE cells, which may help overcome the current stem cell therapy limitations in the field of retinal regeneration.
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Potential neuroprotective biomolecules in ophthalmology. Int Ophthalmol 2020; 41:1103-1109. [PMID: 33180279 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-020-01634-8] [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: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSES Retinal neurodegenerative diseases are responsible for a huge number of ocular problems worldwide. It seems that the progression of these diseases can be managed by the application of neuroprotective molecules particularly in the early stages. This article focuses on the most common neuroprotective bioagents under investigation in ophthalmology. METHODS We searched the web of science, PubMed and Scopus databases with these keywords: "glaucoma," "diabetic retinopathy," "age-related macular degeneration," "optic neuropathy and retinal degeneration" and/or "neuroprotection." RESULTS The most commonly utilized neuroprotective drugs for ophthalmology diseases were introduced in this study. It seems that these agents can be divided into three categories according to their mechanism of action: (A) neurotrophins, (B) decreasing effect on intraocular pressure and (C) inhibition of retinal neuron apoptosis. CONCLUSION A broad range of drugs has been illustrated in the literature for treatment of neuro-ophthalmic diseases. A good classification of the most applied drugs in this field can help specialists to prescribe the best matched drug considering the stage and progression of disease. However, controlled clinical trials are needed for better evaluation of the effects of these products.
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Kantor A, Krawczenko A, Bielawska-Pohl A, Duś D, Grillon C, Kieda C, Charkiewicz K, Paprocka M. Activity of the human immortalized endothelial progenitor cell line HEPC-CB.1 supporting in vitro angiogenesis. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:5911-5925. [PMID: 32705508 PMCID: PMC7455590 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05662-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The human HEPC-CB.1 cell line with many characteristics of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) was tested for its proangiogenic properties as a potentially therapeutic compound. HEPC-CB.1 cells’ potential to differentiate into endothelial cells was revealed after treating the cells with a mixture of ATRA, cAMP and VEGF, as shown by the reduced expression levels of CD133, CD271 and CD90 antigens, augmentation of CD146 and CD31, and a decrease in cell clonogenicity. The cooperation of HEPC-CB.1 with the endothelial cell line HSkMEC.2 resulted in the formation of a common network. Tube formation was significantly more effective when resulting from HEPC-CB.1 and HSkMEC.2 cell co-culture as compared to a monoculture of each cell line. The exocrine mechanism of HEPC-CB.1 and HSkMEC.2 cross talk by secreted factors was evidenced using the HEPC-CB.1 supernatant to increase the efficacy of HSkMEC.2 tube formation. The proangiogenic factors produced by HEPC-CB.1 were identified using cytokine antibody array. Out of 120 examined factors, the HEPC-CB.1 cell line produced 63, some with known angiogenic activity. As in vivo the angiogenic process occurs at low oxygen tension, it was observed that in hypoxia, the production of defined factors was augmented. The presented results demonstrate that HEPC-CB.1 cells are able to both cooperate and integrate in a newly formed network and produce factors that help the network formation. The results suggest that HEPC-CB.1 cells are indeed endothelial progenitors and may prove to be an effective tool in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Kantor
- Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolfa Weigla 12, 53-114, Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Krawczenko
- Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolfa Weigla 12, 53-114, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Bielawska-Pohl
- Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolfa Weigla 12, 53-114, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Danuta Duś
- Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolfa Weigla 12, 53-114, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Catherine Grillon
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR 4301, Rue Charles Sadron, 45071, Orléans, France
| | - Claudine Kieda
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR 4301, Rue Charles Sadron, 45071, Orléans, France
| | - Karol Charkiewicz
- Medical University of Bialystok, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24A, 15-276, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Maria Paprocka
- Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolfa Weigla 12, 53-114, Wroclaw, Poland
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Itkonen J, Annala A, Tavakoli S, Arango-Gonzalez B, Ueffing M, Toropainen E, Ruponen M, Casteleijn MG, Urtti A. Characterization, Stability, and in Vivo Efficacy Studies of Recombinant Human CNTF and Its Permeation into the Neural Retina in ex Vivo Organotypic Retinal Explant Culture Models. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12070611. [PMID: 32629980 PMCID: PMC7408322 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12070611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is one of the most studied neuroprotective agents with acknowledged potential in treating diseases of the posterior eye segment. Although its efficacy and mechanisms of action in the retina have been studied extensively, it is still not comprehensively understood which retinal cells mediate the therapeutic effects of CNTF. As with therapeutic proteins in general, it is poorly elucidated whether exogenous CNTF administered into the vitreous can enter and distribute into the retina and hence reach potentially responsive target cells. Here, we have characterized our purified recombinant human CNTF (rhCNTF), studied the protein’s in vitro bioactivity in a cell-based assay, and evaluated the thermodynamic and oligomeric status of the protein during storage. Biological activity of rhCNTF was further evaluated in vivo in an animal model of retinal degeneration. The retinal penetration and distribution of rhCNTF after 24 h was studied utilizing two ex vivo retina models. Based on our characterization findings, our rhCNTF is correctly folded and biologically active. Moreover, based on initial screening and subsequent follow-up, we identified two buffers in which rhCNTF retains its stability during storage. Whereas rhCNTF did not show photoreceptor preservative effect or improve the function of photoreceptors in vivo, this could possibly be due to the used disease model or the short duration of action with a single intravitreal injection of rhCNTF. On the other hand, the lack of in vivo efficacy was shown to not be due to distribution limitations; permeation into the retina was observed in both retinal explant models as in 24 h rhCNTF penetrated the inner limiting membrane, and being mostly observed in the ganglion cell layer, distributed to different layers of the neural retina. As rhCNTF can reach deeper retinal layers, in general, having direct effects on resident CNTF-responsive target cells is plausible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaakko Itkonen
- Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland; (S.T.); (M.G.C.)
- Correspondence: (J.I.); (A.U.)
| | - Ada Annala
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (A.A.); (E.T.); (M.R.)
- Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Science, Utrecht University, David de Wiedgebouw, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Shirin Tavakoli
- Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland; (S.T.); (M.G.C.)
| | - Blanca Arango-Gonzalez
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Strasse 7, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany; (B.A.-G.); (M.U.)
| | - Marius Ueffing
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Strasse 7, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany; (B.A.-G.); (M.U.)
| | - Elisa Toropainen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (A.A.); (E.T.); (M.R.)
| | - Marika Ruponen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (A.A.); (E.T.); (M.R.)
| | - Marco G. Casteleijn
- Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland; (S.T.); (M.G.C.)
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Solutions for Natural Resources and Environment, Tietotie 2, Espoo, P.O. Box 1000, FI-02044 VTT, Finland
| | - Arto Urtti
- Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland; (S.T.); (M.G.C.)
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (A.A.); (E.T.); (M.R.)
- Laboratory of Biohybrid Technologies, Institute of Chemistry, St. Petersburg State University, Universitetskii pr. 26, Peterhoff, 198504 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Correspondence: (J.I.); (A.U.)
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12
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Therapeutic Strategies for Attenuation of Retinal Ganglion Cell Injury in Optic Neuropathies: Concepts in Translational Research and Therapeutic Implications. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:8397521. [PMID: 31828134 PMCID: PMC6885158 DOI: 10.1155/2019/8397521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death is the central and irreversible endpoint of optic neuropathies. Current management of optic neuropathies and glaucoma focuses on intraocular pressure-lowering treatment which is insufficient. As such, patients are effectively condemned to irreversible visual impairment. This review summarizes experimental treatments targeting RGCs over the last decade. In particular, we examine the various treatment modalities and determine their viability and limitations in translation to clinical practice. Experimental RGC treatment can be divided into (1) cell replacement therapy, (2) neuroprotection, and (3) gene therapy. For cell replacement therapy, difficulties remain in successfully integrating transplanted RGCs from various sources into the complex neural network of the human retina. However, there is significant potential for achieving full visual restoration with this technique. Neuroprotective strategies, in the form of pharmacological agents, nutritional supplementation, and neurotrophic factors, are viable strategies with encouraging results from preliminary noncomparative interventional case series. It is important to note, however, that most published studies are focused on glaucoma, with few treating optic neuropathies of other etiologies. Gene therapy, through the use of viral vectors, has shown promising results in clinical trials, particularly for diseases with specific genetic mutations like Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy. This treatment technique can be further extended to nonhereditary diseases, through transfer of genes promoting cell survival and neuroprotection. Crucially though, for gene therapy, teratogenicity remains a significant issue in translation to clinical practice.
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13
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Song YM, Qian Y, Su WQ, Liu XH, Huang JH, Gong ZT, Luo HL, Gao C, Jiang RC. Differences in pathological changes between two rat models of severe traumatic brain injury. Neural Regen Res 2019; 14:1796-1804. [PMID: 31169198 PMCID: PMC6585550 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.257534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The rat high-impact free weight drop model mimics the diffuse axonal injury caused by severe traumatic brain injury in humans, while severe controlled cortical impact can produce a severe traumatic brain injury model using precise strike parameters. In this study, we compare the pathological mechanisms and pathological changes between two rat severe brain injury models to identify the similarities and differences. The severe controlled cortical impact model was produced by an electronic controlled cortical impact device, while the severe free weight drop model was produced by dropping a 500 g free weight from a height of 1.8 m through a plastic tube. Body temperature and mortality were recorded, and neurological deficits were assessed with the modified neurological severity score. Brain edema and blood-brain barrier damage were evaluated by assessing brain water content and Evans blue extravasation. In addition, a cytokine array kit was used to detect inflammatory cytokines. Neuronal apoptosis in the brain and brainstem was quantified by immunofluorescence staining. Both the severe controlled cortical impact and severe free weight drop models exhibited significant neurological impairments and body temperature fluctuations. More severe motor dysfunction was observed in the severe controlled cortical impact model, while more severe cognitive dysfunction was observed in the severe free weight drop model. Brain edema, inflammatory cytokine changes and cortical neuronal apoptosis were more substantial and blood-brain barrier damage was more focal in the severe controlled cortical impact group compared with the severe free weight drop group. The severe free weight drop model presented with more significant apoptosis in the brainstem and diffused blood-brain barrier damage, with higher mortality and lower repeatability compared with the severe controlled cortical impact group. Severe brainstem damage was not found in the severe controlled cortical impact model. These results indicate that the severe controlled cortical impact model is relatively more stable, more reproducible, and shows obvious cerebral pathological changes at an earlier stage. Therefore, the severe controlled cortical impact model is likely more suitable for studies on severe focal traumatic brain injury, while the severe free weight drop model may be more apt for studies on diffuse axonal injury. All experimental procedures were approved by the Ethics Committee of Animal Experiments of Tianjin Medical University, China (approval No. IRB2012-028-02) in February 2012.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ming Song
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Injuries, Variations and Regeneration of Nervous System, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Qian
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Injuries, Variations and Regeneration of Nervous System, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Wan-Qiang Su
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Injuries, Variations and Regeneration of Nervous System, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Xuan-Hui Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Injuries, Variations and Regeneration of Nervous System, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Jin-Hao Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Injuries, Variations and Regeneration of Nervous System, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhi-Tao Gong
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Injuries, Variations and Regeneration of Nervous System, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Hong-Liang Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Injuries, Variations and Regeneration of Nervous System, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Chuang Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Injuries, Variations and Regeneration of Nervous System, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Rong-Cai Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Injuries, Variations and Regeneration of Nervous System, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin, China
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14
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Wang SB, Xu T, Peng S, Singh D, Ghiassi-Nejad M, Adelman RA, Rizzolo LJ. Disease-associated mutations of claudin-19 disrupt retinal neurogenesis and visual function. Commun Biol 2019; 2:113. [PMID: 30937396 PMCID: PMC6433901 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-019-0355-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations of claudin-19 cause Familial Hypomagnesaemia and Hypercalciuria, Nephrocalcinosis with Ocular Involvement. To study the ocular disease without the complications of the kidney disease, naturally occurring point mutations of human CLDN19 were recreated in human induced pluripotent cells or overexpressed in the retinae of newborn mice. In human induced pluripotent cells, we show that the mutation affects retinal neurogenesis and maturation of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). In mice, the mutations diminish the P1 wave of the electroretinogram, activate apoptosis in the outer nuclear layer, and alter the morphology of bipolar cells. If mice are given 9-cis-retinal to counter the loss of retinal isomerase, the P1 wave is partially restored. The ARPE19 cell line fails to express claudin-19. Exogenous expression of wild type, but not mutant claudin-19, increases the expression of RPE signature genes. Mutated claudin-19 affects multiple stages of RPE and retinal differentiation through its effects on multiple functions of the RPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Bin Wang
- Department of Surgery, Yale University, PO Box 208062, New Haven, CT USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yale University, 40 Temple Street, New Haven, CT USA
- Present Address: Center for Advanced Vision Science, Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
| | - Tao Xu
- Department of Surgery, Yale University, PO Box 208062, New Haven, CT USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yale University, 40 Temple Street, New Haven, CT USA
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, 198 Furong Middle Ave Section 2, Tianxin District, Changsha, China
| | - Shaomin Peng
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, 198 Furong Middle Ave Section 2, Tianxin District, Changsha, China
| | - Deepti Singh
- Department of Surgery, Yale University, PO Box 208062, New Haven, CT USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yale University, 40 Temple Street, New Haven, CT USA
- Present Address: Department of Ophthalmology, The Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, 20 Staniford St., Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Maryam Ghiassi-Nejad
- Department of Surgery, Yale University, PO Box 208062, New Haven, CT USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yale University, 40 Temple Street, New Haven, CT USA
| | - Ron A. Adelman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yale University, 40 Temple Street, New Haven, CT USA
| | - Lawrence J. Rizzolo
- Department of Surgery, Yale University, PO Box 208062, New Haven, CT USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yale University, 40 Temple Street, New Haven, CT USA
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15
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Pietrucha-Dutczak M, Amadio M, Govoni S, Lewin-Kowalik J, Smedowski A. The Role of Endogenous Neuroprotective Mechanisms in the Prevention of Retinal Ganglion Cells Degeneration. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:834. [PMID: 30524222 PMCID: PMC6262299 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00834] [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: 08/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal neurons are not able to undergo spontaneous regeneration in response to damage. A variety of stressors, i.e., UV radiation, high temperature, ischemia, allergens, and others, induce reactive oxygen species production, resulting in consecutive alteration of stress-response gene expression and finally can lead to cell apoptosis. Neurons have developed their own endogenous cellular protective systems. Some of them are preventing cell death and others are allowing functional recovery after injury. The high efficiency of these mechanisms is crucial for cell survival. In this review we focus on the contribution of the most recently studied endogenous neuroprotective factors involved in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival, among which, neurotrophic factors and their signaling pathways, processes regulating the redox status, and different pathways regulating cell death are the most important. Additionally, we summarize currently ongoing clinical trials for therapies for RGC degeneration and optic neuropathies, including glaucoma. Knowledge of the endogenous cellular protective mechanisms may help in the development of effective therapies and potential novel therapeutic targets in order to achieve progress in the treatment of retinal and optic nerve diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marita Pietrucha-Dutczak
- Chair and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Marialaura Amadio
- Department of Drug Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano Govoni
- Department of Drug Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Joanna Lewin-Kowalik
- Chair and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Adrian Smedowski
- Chair and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
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16
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Liu Y, Xu HW, Wang L, Li SY, Zhao CJ, Hao J, Li QY, Zhao TT, Wu W, Wang Y, Zhou Q, Qian C, Wang L, Yin ZQ. Human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium transplants as a potential treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration. Cell Discov 2018; 4:50. [PMID: 30245845 PMCID: PMC6143607 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-018-0053-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cell therapy may provide a safe and promising treatment for retinal diseases. Wet age-related macular degeneration (wet-AMD) is a leading cause of blindness in China. We developed a clinical-grade human embryonic stem cell (hESC) line, Q-CTS-hESC-2, under xeno-free conditions that differentiated into retinal pigment epithelial cells (Q-CTS-hESC-2-RPE). A clinical trial with three wet-AMD patients was initiated in order to study the safety and tolerance to Q-CTS-hESC-2-RPE cell transplants. The choroidal neovascularization membrane was removed and then a suspension of 1 × 106 Q-CTS-hESC-2-RPE cells were injected into a subfoveal pocket. The patients were followed for 12 months during which no adverse effects resulting from the transplant were observed. Anatomical evidence suggested the existence of new RPE-like cell layer in the previously damaged area. Visual and physiological testing indicated limited functional improvement, albeit to different degrees between patients. This study provides some promising early results concerning the use of transplanted hESC-RPE cells to alleviate wet-AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Liu
- 1Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Amy Medical University), Chongqing, 400038 China
| | - Hai Wei Xu
- 1Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Amy Medical University), Chongqing, 400038 China
| | - Lei Wang
- 2State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China.,3University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Shi Ying Li
- 1Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Amy Medical University), Chongqing, 400038 China
| | - Cong Jian Zhao
- 1Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Amy Medical University), Chongqing, 400038 China
| | - Jie Hao
- 2State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Qi You Li
- 1Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Amy Medical University), Chongqing, 400038 China
| | - Tong Tao Zhao
- 1Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Amy Medical University), Chongqing, 400038 China
| | - Wei Wu
- 1Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Amy Medical University), Chongqing, 400038 China
| | - Yi Wang
- 1Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Amy Medical University), Chongqing, 400038 China
| | - Qi Zhou
- 2State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China.,3University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Cheng Qian
- 4Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University(Amy Medical University), Chongqing, 400038 China
| | - Liu Wang
- 2State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China.,3University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Zheng Qin Yin
- 1Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Amy Medical University), Chongqing, 400038 China
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17
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Li S, Sato K, Gordon WC, Sendtner M, Bazan NG, Jin M. Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) protects retinal cone and rod photoreceptors by suppressing excessive formation of the visual pigments. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:15256-15268. [PMID: 30115683 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.004008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-dependent visual cycle provides 11-cis-retinal to opsins in the photoreceptor outer segments to generate functional visual pigments that initiate phototransduction in response to light stimuli. Both RPE65 isomerase of the visual cycle and the rhodopsin visual pigment have recently been identified as critical players in mediating light-induced retinal degeneration. These findings suggest that the expression and function of RPE65 and rhodopsin need to be coordinately controlled to sustain normal vision and to protect the retina from photodamage. However, the mechanism controlling the development of the retinal visual system remains poorly understood. Here, we show that deficiency in ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) up-regulates the levels of rod and cone opsins accompanied by an increase in the thickness of the outer nuclear layers and the lengths of cone and rod outer segments in the mouse retina. Moreover, retinoid isomerase activity, expression levels of RPE65 and lecithin:retinol acyltransferase (LRAT), which synthesizes the RPE65 substrate, were also significantly increased in the Cntf -/- RPE. Rod a-wave and cone b-wave amplitudes of electroretinograms were increased in Cntf -/- mice, but rod b-wave amplitudes were unchanged compared with those in WT mice. Up-regulated RPE65 and LRAT levels accelerated both the visual cycle rate and recovery rate of rod light sensitivity in Cntf -/- mice. Of note, rods and cones in Cntf -/- mice exhibited hypersusceptibility to light-induced degeneration. These results indicate that CNTF is a common extracellular factor that prevents excessive production of opsins, the photoreceptor outer segments, and 11-cis-retinal to protect rods and cones from photodamage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songhua Li
- From the Neuroscience Center of Excellence and
| | - Kota Sato
- From the Neuroscience Center of Excellence and
| | - William C Gordon
- From the Neuroscience Center of Excellence and.,Department of Ophthalmology, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112 and
| | - Michael Sendtner
- the Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, D-97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nicolas G Bazan
- From the Neuroscience Center of Excellence and.,Department of Ophthalmology, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112 and
| | - Minghao Jin
- From the Neuroscience Center of Excellence and .,Department of Ophthalmology, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112 and
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18
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Ma M, Xu Y, Xiong S, Zhang J, Gu Q, Ke B, Xu X. Involvement of ciliary neurotrophic factor in early diabetic retinal neuropathy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Eye (Lond) 2018; 32:1463-1471. [PMID: 29795129 PMCID: PMC6137181 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-018-0110-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) has been evaluated as a candidate therapeutic agent for diabetes and its neural complications. However, its role in diabetic retinopathy has not been fully elucidated. Methods This is a randomized unblinded animal experiment. Wistar rats with streptozocin (STZ)-induced diabetes were regularly injected with CNTF or vehicle control in their vitreous bodies beginning at 2 weeks after STZ injection. A total of five injections were used. In diabetic rats, the levels of CNTF and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and real-time PCR. The abundance of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and β-III tubulin was detected by western blot. Transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling staining (TUNEL) was used to detect cell apoptosis in the retinal tissue. The activation of caspase-3 was also measured. Results The protein and mRNA levels of CNTF in diabetic rat retinas were reduced compared to control rats. In addition, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and dopaminergic amacrine cells appeared to undergo degeneration in diabetic rat retinas, as revealed by transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling staining (TUNEL). Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and β-III tubulin protein levels also decreased significantly. Intraocular administration of CNTF rescued RGCs and dopaminergic amacrine cells from neurodegeneration and counteracted the downregulation of β-III tubulin and TH expression, thus demonstrating its therapeutic potential. Conclusion Our study suggests that early diabetic retinal neuropathy involves the reduced expression of CNTF and can be ameliorated by an exogenous supply of this neurotrophin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Ma
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yupeng Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuyu Xiong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Gu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bilian Ke
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xun Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai, China. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai, China. .,Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai, China.
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19
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Over-expression of CNTF in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells protects RPE cells from short-wavelength, blue-light injury. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2018; 54:355-365. [PMID: 29564604 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-018-0243-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence has demonstrated that excessive blue-light (BL) with high photochemical energy and phototoxicity could induce apoptosis in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. RPE apoptosis leads to retina damage and further aggravate age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). Because of their neuroprotective, plasticity, and immunomodulatory ability, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are recognized for retinal neuroprotection. RPE cells possess ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) receptor complexes and can respond to CNTF; hence, we investigated the effects of BMSCs over-expressing CNTF on BL-injured RPE cells. BL-injured RPE cells were co-cultured with CNTF-BMSCs and GFP-BMSCs for 24 and 48 h. Superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde assays were conducted to examine the effects of CNTF-BMSCs on the oxidative stress of RPE cells. VEGF protein secretion by RPE was determined by ELISA, and western blotting analysis was used to determine apoptotic protein expression and autophagic flux. Immunofluorescence was used to demonstrate the relationship between autophagy and apoptosis. We found that CNTF-BMSCs enhanced antioxidant capacity, decreased VEGF secretion, promoted autophagic flux, and inhibited apoptosis in BL-injured RPE cells, compared to GFP-BMSCs. Our findings suggest that CNTF over-expression enhances the protective effects of BMSCs on RPE cells, thus indicating subretinal-transplantation of CNTF-BMSCs may be a promising therapy for BL-injured retina.
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20
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Khristov V, Wan Q, Sharma R, Lotfi M, Maminishkis A, Bharti K. Polarized Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium Exhibits Distinct Surface Proteome on Apical and Basal Plasma Membranes. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1722:223-247. [PMID: 29264809 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7553-2_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Surface proteins localized on the apical and basal plasma membranes are required for a cell to sense its environment and relay changes in ionic, cytokine, chemokine, and hormone levels to the inside of the cell. In a polarized cell, surface proteins are differentially localized on the apical or the basolateral sides of the cell. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is an example of a polarized cell that performs a variety of functions that are dependent on its polarized state including trafficking of ions, fluid, and metabolites across the RPE monolayer. These functions are absolutely crucial for maintaining the health and integrity of adjacent photoreceptors, the photosensitive cells of the retina. Here we present a series of approaches to identify and validate the polarization state of cultured primary human RPE cells using immunostaining for RPE apical/basolateral markers, polarized cytokine secretion, electrophysiology, fluid transport, phagocytosis, and identification of plasma membrane proteins through cell surface capturing technology. These approaches are currently being used to validate the polarized state and the epithelial phenotype of human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell derived RPE cells. This work provides the basis for developing an autologous cell therapy for age-related macular degeneration using patient specific iPS cell derived RPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Khristov
- Section on Epithelial and Retinal Physiology and Disease, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Qin Wan
- Section on Epithelial and Retinal Physiology and Disease, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ruchi Sharma
- Unit on Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research, National Eye Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mostafa Lotfi
- Section on Epithelial and Retinal Physiology and Disease, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Arvydas Maminishkis
- Section on Epithelial and Retinal Physiology and Disease, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kapil Bharti
- Unit on Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research, National Eye Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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21
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Ciliary neurotrophic factor in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and age-related cataract. Mol Vis 2017; 23:799-809. [PMID: 29225456 PMCID: PMC5710971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To study the ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) concentration in the aqueous humor (AH), lacrimal fluid (LF), and blood serum (BS) in patients with age-related cataract and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods CNTF concentrations were studied in 61 patients with age-related cataract, 55 patients with POAG combined with cataract, and 29 healthy controls (one eye in each person). Preliminary experiments permitted us to extend the minimum quantifiable value of the CNTF Quantikine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit to 2.5 pg/ml. Results The levels of CNTF in LF and BS did not differ in patients with cataract and controls. The CNTF concentration (pg/ml) in patients with POAG and cataract was lower than in patients with cataract (p<0.001) in AH (39.9±26.2 versus 57.2±25.6) and in LF (25.7±14.9 versus 39.9±18.0). The differences were not statistically significant for the CNTF level in BS (5.45±4.72 versus 5.96±4.92) and the AH/LF ratio (1.69±1.05 versus 1.58±0.70). In the patients with POAG, the AH level of CNTF correlated with the visual field index (Pearson's correlation coefficient r = 0.35, p = 0.01). A statistically significant decrease in the AH and LF concentrations of CNTF was observed in patients in all stages of POAG compared with the cataract group. This decrease was particularly prominent in patients with severe glaucoma. Compared to patients with combined early and moderate stages of disease patients with advanced glaucoma showed an insignificant reduction in the median CNTF concentration in AH and LF. The serum CNTF concentration did not show any dependence on the glaucoma stage. The CNTF concentration in the AH strongly correlated with the CNTF concentration in the LF (r=0.71, p<0.000). A formula was suggested to calculate the concentration of CNTF in AH based on the CNTF concentration in LF. Conclusions The CNTF concentration is reduced in the AH and LF of patients with POAG, especially in those with severe visual field loss. The CNTF concentration in AH and LF showed a strong correlation, and this phenomenon opens up new options for a noninvasive estimation of the CNTF concentration in AH. The CNTF concentration established in the AH, LF, and BS of patients with age-related cataract can serve as normative data for persons older than 50 years old.
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Rapid monocyte infiltration following retinal detachment is dependent on non-canonical IL6 signaling through gp130. J Neuroinflammation 2017. [PMID: 28645275 PMCID: PMC5481880 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-017-0886-6] [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] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinal detachment (RD) can lead to proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), a leading cause of intractable vision loss. PVR is associated with a cytokine storm involving common proinflammatory molecules like IL6, but little is known about the source and downstream signaling of IL6 and the consequences for the retina. Here, we investigated the early immune response and resultant cytokine signaling following RD in mice. METHODS RD was induced in C57BL/6 J and IL6 knockout mice, and the resulting inflammatory response was examined using immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Cytokines and signaling proteins of vitreous and retinas were quantified by multiple cytokine arrays and Western blotting. To attempt to block IL6 signaling, a neutralizing antibody of IL6 receptor α (IL6Rα) or IL6 receptor β (gp-130) was injected intravitreally immediately after RD. RESULTS Within one day of RD, bone marrow-derived Cd11b + monocytes had extravasated from the vasculature and lined the vitreal surface of the retina, while the microglia, the resident macrophages of the retina, were relatively unperturbed. Cytokine arrays and Western blot analysis revealed that this sterile inflammation did not cause activation of IL6 signaling in the neurosensory retina, but rather only in the vitreous and aqueous humor. Monocyte infiltration was inhibited by blocking gp130, but not by IL6 knockout or IL6Rα blockade. CONCLUSIONS Together, our results demonstrate that monocytes are the primary immune cell mediating the cytokine storm following RD, and that any resulting retinal damage is unlikely to be a direct result of retinal IL6 signaling, but rather gp130-mediated signaling in the monocytes themselves. These results suggest that RD should be treated immediately, and that gp130-directed therapies may prevent PVR and promote retinal healing.
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Zhang Q, Qi Y, Chen L, Shi X, Bai Y, Huang L, Yu W, Jiang Y, Zhao M, Li X. The relationship between anti-vascular endothelial growth factor and fibrosis in proliferative retinopathy: clinical and laboratory evidence. Br J Ophthalmol 2016; 100:1443-50. [PMID: 27531356 DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2015-308199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the progression of epiretinal membranes after intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection therapy in patients with proliferative membranes and evaluate the changes in fibrosis-related cytokines in retinal pigment epithelial cells and glial cells after treatment with bevacizumab. METHODS Retrospective study of the proliferative membranes in patients with and without IVB therapy. In vitro, the human adult retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE-19) cells and BV2 microglial cell lines were incubated in different bevacizumab concentrations under hypoxic conditions. Cell culture supernatants and cell lysates were harvested after incubation for 24, 48 or 72 hours for ELISA and western blot. RESULTS Bevacizumab accelerated fibrosis in patients with proliferative membranes. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed more intense transforming growth factor β2 (TGFβ2) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) staining in IVB-treated proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) membranes compared with membranes of patients not receiving IVB therapy. This result was consistent with real-time PCR results. Bevacizumab incubation significantly upregulated TGFβ2 and CTGF in ARPE-19 cells and BV2 microglial cells, but ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) expression was upregulated only in BV2 microglial cells. CONCLUSIONS Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment likely accelerates fibrosis in PDR patients via upregulation of TGFβ2, CTGF and CNTF, suggesting the importance of adjunctive therapy for retinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Key Laboratory of Vision Loss and Restoration, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China Beijing Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Qi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Key Laboratory of Vision Loss and Restoration, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China Beijing Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Key Laboratory of Vision Loss and Restoration, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China Beijing Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Beijing, China Ophthalmology Department, Xian No. 4 Hospital, Xincheng District, Xi'an, China
| | - Xuan Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Key Laboratory of Vision Loss and Restoration, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China Beijing Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yujing Bai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Key Laboratory of Vision Loss and Restoration, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China Beijing Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Lvzhen Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Key Laboratory of Vision Loss and Restoration, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China Beijing Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Wenzhen Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Key Laboratory of Vision Loss and Restoration, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China Beijing Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yanrong Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Key Laboratory of Vision Loss and Restoration, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China Beijing Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Mingwei Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Key Laboratory of Vision Loss and Restoration, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China Beijing Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxin Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Key Laboratory of Vision Loss and Restoration, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China Beijing Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, Beijing, China
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Miyagishima KJ, Wan Q, Corneo B, Sharma R, Lotfi MR, Boles NC, Hua F, Maminishkis A, Zhang C, Blenkinsop T, Khristov V, Jha BS, Memon OS, D'Souza S, Temple S, Miller SS, Bharti K. In Pursuit of Authenticity: Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelium for Clinical Applications. Stem Cells Transl Med 2016; 5:1562-1574. [PMID: 27400791 PMCID: PMC5070511 DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2016-0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
For effective treatment, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) must recapitulate the physiology of native human RPE cells. A set of physiologically relevant functional assays that assess the polarized functional activity and maturation state of the intact RPE monolayer is provided. The study data show that donor-to-donor variability exceeds the tissue-to-tissue variability for a given donor and provides, for the first time, criteria necessary to identify iPSC-RPE cells most suitable for clinical application. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be efficiently differentiated into retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), offering the possibility of autologous cell replacement therapy for retinal degeneration stemming from RPE loss. The generation and maintenance of epithelial apical-basolateral polarity is fundamental for iPSC-derived RPE (iPSC-RPE) to recapitulate native RPE structure and function. Presently, no criteria have been established to determine clonal or donor based heterogeneity in the polarization and maturation state of iPSC-RPE. We provide an unbiased structural, molecular, and physiological evaluation of 15 iPSC-RPE that have been derived from distinct tissues from several different donors. We assessed the intact RPE monolayer in terms of an ATP-dependent signaling pathway that drives critical aspects of RPE function, including calcium and electrophysiological responses, as well as steady-state fluid transport. These responses have key in vivo counterparts that together help determine the homeostasis of the distal retina. We characterized the donor and clonal variation and found that iPSC-RPE function was more significantly affected by the genetic differences between different donors than the epigenetic differences associated with different starting tissues. This study provides a reference dataset to authenticate genetically diverse iPSC-RPE derived for clinical applications. Significance The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is essential for maintaining visual function. RPE derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC-RPE) offer a promising cell-based transplantation therapy for slowing or rescuing RPE-induced visual function loss. For effective treatment, iPSC-RPE must recapitulate the physiology of native human RPE. A set of physiologically relevant functional assays are provided that assess the polarized functional activity and maturation state of the intact RPE monolayer. The present data show that donor-to-donor variability exceeds the tissue-to-tissue variability for a given donor and provides, for the first time, criteria necessary to identify iPSC-RPE most suitable for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoharu J Miyagishima
- Section on Epithelial and Retinal Physiology and Disease, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Qin Wan
- Section on Epithelial and Retinal Physiology and Disease, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Barbara Corneo
- Columbia Stem Cell Core Facility, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ruchi Sharma
- Unit on Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mostafa R Lotfi
- Section on Epithelial and Retinal Physiology and Disease, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Fang Hua
- Section on Epithelial and Retinal Physiology and Disease, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Arvydas Maminishkis
- Section on Epithelial and Retinal Physiology and Disease, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Congxiao Zhang
- Section on Epithelial and Retinal Physiology and Disease, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Timothy Blenkinsop
- Department of Development and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Vladimir Khristov
- Section on Epithelial and Retinal Physiology and Disease, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Balendu S Jha
- Unit on Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Omar S Memon
- Section on Epithelial and Retinal Physiology and Disease, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sunita D'Souza
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Therapeutics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sally Temple
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, Rensselaer, New York, USA
| | - Sheldon S Miller
- Section on Epithelial and Retinal Physiology and Disease, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kapil Bharti
- Unit on Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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25
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Song MJ, Bharti K. Looking into the future: Using induced pluripotent stem cells to build two and three dimensional ocular tissue for cell therapy and disease modeling. Brain Res 2016; 1638:2-14. [PMID: 26706569 PMCID: PMC4837038 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Revised: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases are the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in developed countries. In many cases the diseases originate in the homeostatic unit in the back of the eye that contains the retina, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the choriocapillaris. RPE is a central and a critical component of this homeostatic unit, maintaining photoreceptor function and survival on the apical side and choriocapillaris health on the basal side. In diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD), it is thought that RPE dysfunctions cause disease-initiating events and as the RPE degenerates photoreceptors begin to die and patients start loosing vision. Patient-specific induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell-derived RPE provides direct access to a patient's genetics and allow the possibility of identifying the initiating events of RPE-associated degenerative diseases. Furthermore, iPS cell-derived RPE cells are being tested as a potential cell replacement in disease stages with RPE atrophy. In this article we summarize the recent progress in the field of iPS cell-derived RPE "disease modeling" and cell therapies and also discuss the possibilities of developing a model of the entire homeostatic unit to aid in studying disease processes in the future. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI: PSC and the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Jae Song
- Unit on Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research National Eye Institute, 10 Center Drive, Room 10B10, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Kapil Bharti
- Unit on Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research National Eye Institute, 10 Center Drive, Room 10B10, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States.
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26
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Jones BW, Pfeiffer RL, Ferrell WD, Watt CB, Tucker J, Marc RE. Retinal Remodeling and Metabolic Alterations in Human AMD. Front Cell Neurosci 2016; 10:103. [PMID: 27199657 PMCID: PMC4848316 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2016.00103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive retinal degeneration resulting in central visual field loss, ultimately causing debilitating blindness. AMD affects 18% of Americans from 65 to 74, 30% older than 74 years of age and is the leading cause of severe vision loss and blindness in Western populations. While many genetic and environmental risk factors are known for AMD, we currently know less about the mechanisms mediating disease progression. The pathways and mechanisms through which genetic and non-genetic risk factors modulate development of AMD pathogenesis remain largely unexplored. Moreover, current treatment for AMD is palliative and limited to wet/exudative forms. Retina is a complex, heterocellular tissue and most retinal cell classes are impacted or altered in AMD. Defining disease and stage-specific cytoarchitectural and metabolic responses in AMD is critical for highlighting targets for intervention. The goal of this article is to illustrate cell types impacted in AMD and demonstrate the implications of those changes, likely beginning in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), for remodeling of the the neural retina. Tracking heterocellular responses in disease progression is best achieved with computational molecular phenotyping (CMP), a tool that enables acquisition of a small molecule fingerprint for every cell in the retina. CMP uncovered critical cellular and molecular pathologies (remodeling and reprogramming) in progressive retinal degenerations such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP). We now applied these approaches to normal human and AMD tissues mapping progression of cellular and molecular changes in AMD retinas, including late-stage forms of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan W Jones
- Department of Ophthalmology, Moran Eye Center, University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Rebecca L Pfeiffer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Moran Eye Center, University of UtahSalt Lake City, UT, USA; Interdepartmental Program in Neuroscience, University of UtahSalt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - William D Ferrell
- Department of Ophthalmology, Moran Eye Center, University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Carl B Watt
- Department of Ophthalmology, Moran Eye Center, University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - James Tucker
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Davis Davis, CA, USA
| | - Robert E Marc
- Department of Ophthalmology, Moran Eye Center, University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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27
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Blenkinsop TA, Saini JS, Maminishkis A, Bharti K, Wan Q, Banzon T, Lotfi M, Davis J, Singh D, Rizzolo LJ, Miller S, Temple S, Stern JH. Human Adult Retinal Pigment Epithelial Stem Cell-Derived RPE Monolayers Exhibit Key Physiological Characteristics of Native Tissue. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2016; 56:7085-99. [PMID: 26540654 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.14-16246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We tested what native features have been preserved with a new culture protocol for adult human RPE. METHODS We cultured RPE from adult human eyes. Standard protocols for immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, electrophysiology, fluid transport, and ELISA were used. RESULTS Confluent monolayers of adult human RPE cultures exhibit characteristics of native RPE. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated polarized expression of RPE markers. Electron microscopy illustrated characteristics of native RPE. The mean transepithelial potential (TEP) was 1.19 ± 0.24 mV (mean ± SEM, n = 31), apical positive, and the mean transepithelial resistance (RT) was 178.7 ± 9.9 Ω·cm2 (mean ± SEM, n = 31). Application of 100 μM adenosine triphosphate (ATP) apically increased net fluid absorption (Jv) by 6.11 ± 0.53 μL·cm2·h-1 (mean ± SEM, n = 6) and TEP by 0.33 ± 0.048 mV (mean ± SEM, n = 25). Gene expression of cultured RPE was comparable to native adult RPE (n = 5); however, native RPE RNA was harvested between 24 and 40 hours after death and, therefore, may not accurately reflect healthy native RPE. Vascular endothelial growth factor secreted preferentially basally 2582 ± 146 pg/mL/d, compared to an apical secretion of 1548 ± 162 pg/mL/d (n = 14, P < 0.01), while PEDF preferentially secreted apically 1487 ± 280 ng/mL/d compared to a basolateral secretion of 864 ± 132 ng/mL/d (n = 14, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The new culture model preserves native RPE morphology, electrophysiology, and gene and protein expression patterns, and may be a useful model to study RPE physiology, disease, and transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Janmeet S Saini
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, Rensselaer, New York, United States
| | - Arvydas Maminishkis
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Kapil Bharti
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Qin Wan
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Tina Banzon
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Mostafa Lotfi
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Janine Davis
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Deepti Singh
- Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | | | - Sheldon Miller
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Sally Temple
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, Rensselaer, New York, United States
| | - Jeffrey H Stern
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, Rensselaer, New York, United States
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28
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Stem cell based therapies for age-related macular degeneration: The promises and the challenges. Prog Retin Eye Res 2015; 48:1-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2015.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Revised: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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29
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Hirsch L, Nazari H, Sreekumar PG, Kannan R, Dustin L, Zhu D, Barron E, Hinton DR. TGF-β2 secretion from RPE decreases with polarization and becomes apically oriented. Cytokine 2014; 71:394-6. [PMID: 25496702 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2014.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Revised: 10/29/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) secretes transforming growth factor beta 1 and 2 (TGF-β1 and -β2) cytokines involved in fibrosis, immune privilege, and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Since RPE cell polarity may be altered in various disease conditions including PVR and age-related macular degeneration, we determined levels of TGF-β from polarized human RPE (hRPE) and human stem cell derived RPE (hESC-RPE) as compared to nonpolarized cells. TGF-β2 was the predominant isoform in all cell culture conditions. Nonpolarized cells secreted significantly more TGF-β2 supporting the contention that loss of polarity of RPE in PVR leads to rise of intravitreal TGF-β2. Active TGF-β2, secreted mainly from apical side of polarized RPE, represented 6-10% of total TGF-β2. In conclusion, polarity is an important determinant of TGF-β2 secretion in RPE. Low levels of apically secreted active TGF-β2 may play a role in the normal physiology of the subretinal space. Comparable secretion of TGF-β from polarized hESC-RPE and hRPE supports the potential for hESC-RPE in RPE replacement therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Hirsch
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, United States
| | - Hossein Nazari
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, United States
| | - Parameswaran G Sreekumar
- Arnold and Mabel Beckman Macular Research Center, Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ram Kannan
- Arnold and Mabel Beckman Macular Research Center, Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Laurie Dustin
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, United States
| | - Danhong Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, United States; Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, United States
| | - Ernesto Barron
- Arnold and Mabel Beckman Macular Research Center, Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - David R Hinton
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, United States; Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, United States.
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30
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von Toerne C, Menzler J, Ly A, Senninger N, Ueffing M, Hauck SM. Identification of a novel neurotrophic factor from primary retinal Müller cells using stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC). Mol Cell Proteomics 2014; 13:2371-81. [PMID: 24925906 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m113.033613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal Müller glial cells (RMGs) have a primary role in maintaining the homeostasis of the retina. In pathological situations, RMGs execute protective and regenerative effects, but they can also contribute to neurodegeneration. It has recently been recognized that cultured primary RMGs secrete pro-survival factors for retinal neurons for up to 2 weeks in culture, but this ability is lost when RMGs are cultivated for longer durations. In our study, we investigated RMG supernatants for novel neuroprotective factors using a quantitative proteomic approach. Stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) was used on primary porcine RMGs. Supernatants of RMGs cultivated for 2 weeks were compared with supernatants from cells that had already lost their protective capacity. Using this approach, we detected established neurotrophic factors such as transferrin, osteopontin, and leukemia inhibitory factor and identified C-X-C motif chemokine 10 (CXCL10) as a novel candidate neuroprotective factor. All factors prolonged photoreceptor survival in vitro. Ex vivo treatment of retinal explants with leukemia inhibitory factor or CXCL10 demonstrated a neuroprotective effect on photoreceptors. Western blots on CXCL10- and leukemia inhibitory factor-stimulated explanted retina and photoreceptor lysates indicated activation of pro-survival signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling and B-cell lymphoma pathways. These findings suggest that CXCL10 contributes to the supportive potential of RMGs toward retinal neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine von Toerne
- From the ‡Research Unit Protein Science, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jacob Menzler
- From the ‡Research Unit Protein Science, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Alice Ly
- From the ‡Research Unit Protein Science, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Nicole Senninger
- From the ‡Research Unit Protein Science, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Marius Ueffing
- From the ‡Research Unit Protein Science, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; §Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefanie M Hauck
- From the ‡Research Unit Protein Science, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany;
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31
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Greenberg JP, Sherman J, Zweifel SA, Chen RWS, Duncker T, Kohl S, Baumann B, Wissinger B, Yannuzzi LA, Tsang SH. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography staging and autofluorescence imaging in achromatopsia. JAMA Ophthalmol 2014; 132:437-45. [PMID: 24504161 PMCID: PMC4423754 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2013.7987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Evidence is mounting that achromatopsia is a progressive retinal degeneration, and treatments for this condition are on the horizon. OBJECTIVES To categorize achromatopsia into clinically identifiable stages using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and to describe fundus autofluorescence imaging in this condition. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A prospective observational study was performed between 2010 and 2012 at the Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Participants included 17 patients (aged 10-62 years) with full-field electroretinography-confirmed achromatopsia. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography features and staging system, fundus autofluorescence and near-infrared reflectance features and their correlation to optical coherence tomography, and genetic mutations served as the outcomes and measures. RESULTS Achromatopsia was categorized into 5 stages on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography: stage 1 (2 patients [12%]), intact outer retina; stage 2 (2 patients [12%]), inner segment ellipsoid line disruption; stage 3 (5 patients [29%]), presence of an optically empty space; stage 4 (5 patients [29%]), optically empty space with partial retinal pigment epithelium disruption; and stage 5 (3 patients [18%]), complete retinal pigment epithelium disruption and/or loss of the outer nuclear layer. Stage 1 patients showed isolated hyperreflectivity of the external limiting membrane in the fovea, and the external limiting membrane was hyperreflective above each optically empty space. On near infrared reflectance imaging, the fovea was normal, hyporeflective, or showed both hyporeflective and hyperreflective features. All patients demonstrated autofluorescence abnormalities in the fovea and/or parafovea: 9 participants (53%) had reduced or absent autofluorescence surrounded by increased autofluorescence, 4 individuals (24%) showed only reduced or absent autofluorescence, 3 patients (18%) displayed only increased autofluorescence, and 1 individual (6%) exhibited decreased macular pigment contrast. Inner segment ellipsoid line loss generally correlated with the area of reduced autofluorescence, but hyperautofluorescence extended into this region in 2 patients (12%). Bilateral coloboma-like atrophic macular lesions were observed in 1 patient (6%). Five novel mutations were identified (4 in the CNGA3 gene and 1 in the CNGB3 gene). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Achromatopsia often demonstrates hyperautofluorescence suggestive of progressive retinal degeneration. The proposed staging system facilitates classification of the disease into different phases of progression and may have therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jerome Sherman
- Department of Clinical Sciences, State University of New York College of Optometry, New York, New York
| | - Sandrine A Zweifel
- The Vitreous, Retina, Macula Consultants of New York, New York4The LuEsther T. Mertz Retinal Research Center, Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital, New York, New York
| | - Royce W S Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Tobias Duncker
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Susanne Kohl
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Britta Baumann
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Bernd Wissinger
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lawrence A Yannuzzi
- The Vitreous, Retina, Macula Consultants of New York, New York4The LuEsther T. Mertz Retinal Research Center, Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital, New York, New York
| | - Stephen H Tsang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, New York6Bernard and Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York 7Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia Un
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Nagineni CN, Raju R, Nagineni KK, Kommineni VK, Cherukuri A, Kutty RK, Hooks JJ, Detrick B. Resveratrol Suppresses Expression of VEGF by Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells: Potential Nutraceutical for Age-related Macular Degeneration. Aging Dis 2014; 5:88-100. [PMID: 24729934 DOI: 10.14366/ad.2014.050088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Revised: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a sight threating retinal eye disease that affects millions of aging individuals world-wide. Choroid-retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-neuroretina axis in the posterior compartment of the eye is the primary site of AMD pathology. There are compelling evidence to indicate association of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) to AMD. Here, we report the inhibitory actions of resveratrol (RSV) on inflammatory cytokine, TGF-β and hypoxia induced VEGF secretion by human retinal pigment epithelial cells (HRPE). HRPE cultures prepared from aged human donor eyes were used for the studies in this report. HRPE secreted both VEGF-A and VEGF-C in small quantities constitutively. Stimulation with a mixture of inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β), significantly increased the secretion of both VEGF-A and VEGF-C. RSV, in a dose dependent (10-50 uM) manner, suppressed VEGF-A and VEGF-C secretion induced by inflammatory cytokines significantly. RT-PCR analysis indicated that effects of RSV on VEGF secretion were possibly due to decreased mRNA levels. TGF-β and cobalt chloride (hypoxia mimic) also upregulated HRPE cell production of VEGF-A, and this was inhibited by RSV. In contrast, RSV had no effect on anti-angiogenic molecules, endostatin and pigment epithelial derived factor secretion. Studies using an in vitro scratch assay revealed that wound closure was also inhibited by RSV. These results demonstrate that RSV can suppress VEGF secretion induced by inflammatory cytokines, TGF-β and hypoxia. Under pathological conditions, over expression of VEGF is known to worsen AMD. Therefore, RSV may be useful as nutraceutical in controlling pathological choroidal neovascularization processes in AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raghavan Raju
- Departments of Medical Laboratory, Imaging and Radiological Sciences, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Vijay K Kommineni
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Aswini Cherukuri
- Laboratory of Retinal Cell and Molecular Biology, National Eye institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - R Krishnan Kutty
- Laboratory of Retinal Cell and Molecular Biology, National Eye institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - John J Hooks
- Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Barbara Detrick
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Fu XM, Liu SJ, Dan QQ, Wang YP, Lin N, Lv LY, Zou Y, Liu S, Zhou X, Wang TH. Combined Bone Mesenchymal Stem Cell and Olfactory Ensheathing Cell Transplantation Promotes Neural Repair Associated With CNTF Expression in Traumatic Brain-Injured Rats. Cell Transplant 2014; 24:1533-44. [PMID: 24612678 DOI: 10.3727/096368914x679345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the role of bone mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) and olfactory ensheathing cell (OEC) cografting on neural function and underlying molecular mechanisms in acute stage of traumatic brain injury (TBI) rats. Eighty Sprague-Dawley (SD) female rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 16 per category): sham operated group (Sham), weight-drop-induced TBI group (TBI), BMSC transplantation group (BMSC), OEC transplantation group (OEC), and cotransplantation group (CO). Eight rats were randomly selected from each group for behavioral and morphological assessment. Another category (n = 8 rats) was employed in the genetic expression detection. BMSCs were isolated from GFP mice and identified by CD44 antibody. OECs were isolated from the SD rats, identified by P75 antibody and labeled by Hoechst 33342. They were then transplanted into the surrounding tissue of the epicenter of TBI rats. The result of neurological severity scores revealed that BMSC or OEC transplantation alone and BMSC and OEC cografting significantly ameliorated the neurological deficits of TBI rats. Quantitative immunohistochemical analysis showed that graft-recipient animals possessed dramatically more neurons and regenerated axons and smaller amounts of astrocytes than controls 14 days posttransplantation (p < 0.05). However, the expressional level of ciliary neurotrophic factor significantly decreased in the cografting group as determined by RT-PCR (p < 0.05), and the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway was significantly activated at 7 days after cell transplantation (p < 0.05). This study is the first to report the role of cotransplantation of BMSCs and OECs in the therapy of TBI and explore its potential molecular mechanisms, therefore providing the important morphological and molecular biological evidence for the clinical application of BMSC and/or OEC transplantation in TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Mei Fu
- Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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Bharti K, Rao M, Hull SC, Stroncek D, Brooks BP, Feigal E, van Meurs JC, Huang CA, Miller SS. Developing cellular therapies for retinal degenerative diseases. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2014; 55:1191-202. [PMID: 24573369 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.13-13481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomedical advances in vision research have been greatly facilitated by the clinical accessibility of the visual system, its ease of experimental manipulation, and its ability to be functionally monitored in real time with noninvasive imaging techniques at the level of single cells and with quantitative end-point measures. A recent example is the development of stem cell-based therapies for degenerative eye diseases including AMD. Two phase I clinical trials using embryonic stem cell-derived RPE are already underway and several others using both pluripotent and multipotent adult stem cells are in earlier stages of development. These clinical trials will use a variety of cell types, including embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cell-derived RPE, bone marrow- or umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells, fetal neural or retinal progenitor cells, and adult RPE stem cells-derived RPE. Although quite distinct, these approaches, share common principles, concerns and issues across the clinical development pipeline. These considerations were a central part of the discussions at a recent National Eye Institute meeting on the development of cellular therapies for retinal degenerative disease. At this meeting, emphasis was placed on the general value of identifying and sharing information in the so-called "precompetitive space." The utility of this behavior was described in terms of how it could allow us to remove road blocks in the clinical development pipeline, and more efficiently and economically move stem cell-based therapies for retinal degenerative diseases toward the clinic. Many of the ocular stem cell approaches we discuss are also being used more broadly, for nonocular conditions and therefore the model we develop here, using the precompetitive space, should benefit the entire scientific community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kapil Bharti
- Unit on Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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35
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Shen W, Zhu L, Lee SR, Chung SH, Gillies MC. Involvement of NT3 and P75(NTR) in photoreceptor degeneration following selective Müller cell ablation. J Neuroinflammation 2013; 10:137. [PMID: 24224958 PMCID: PMC3831588 DOI: 10.1186/1742-2094-10-137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 11/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurotrophins can regulate opposing functions that result in cell survival or apoptosis, depending on which form of the protein is secreted and which receptor and signaling pathway is activated. We have recently developed a transgenic model in which inducible and patchy Müller cell ablation leads to photoreceptor degeneration. This study aimed to examine the roles of mature neurotrophin-3 (NT3), pro-NT3 and p75 neurotrophin receptor (P75(NTR)) in photoreceptor degeneration in this model. METHODS Transgenic mice received tamoxifen to induce Müller cell ablation. Changes in the status of Müller and microglia cells as well as expression of mature NT3, pro-NT3 and P75(NTR) were examined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. Recombinant mature NT3 and an antibody neutralizing 75(NTR) were injected intravitreally 3 and 6 days after Müller cell ablation to examine their effects on photoreceptor degeneration and microglial activation. RESULTS We found that patchy loss of Müller cells was associated with activation of surviving Müller cells and microglial cells, concurrently with reduced expression of mature NT3 and upregulation of pro-NT3 and P75(NTR). Intravitreal injection of mature NT3 and a neutralizing antibody to P75NTR, either alone or in combination, attenuated photoreceptor degeneration and the beneficial effect was associated with inhibition of microglial activation. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that Müller cell ablation alters the balance between the protective and deleterious effects of mature NT3 and pro-NT3. Modulation of the neuroprotective action of mature NT3 and pro-apoptotic pro-NT3/P75(NTR) signaling may represent a novel pharmacological strategy for photoreceptor protection in retinal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyong Shen
- Save Sight Institute, the University of Sydney, 8 Macquarie Street, Sydney 2000, Australia
| | - Ling Zhu
- Save Sight Institute, the University of Sydney, 8 Macquarie Street, Sydney 2000, Australia
| | - So-Ra Lee
- Save Sight Institute, the University of Sydney, 8 Macquarie Street, Sydney 2000, Australia
| | - Sook H Chung
- Save Sight Institute, the University of Sydney, 8 Macquarie Street, Sydney 2000, Australia
| | - Mark C Gillies
- Save Sight Institute, the University of Sydney, 8 Macquarie Street, Sydney 2000, Australia
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36
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CNTF-mediated protection of photoreceptors requires initial activation of the cytokine receptor gp130 in Müller glial cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:E4520-9. [PMID: 24191003 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1303604110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) acts as a potent neuroprotective agent in multiple retinal degeneration animal models. Recently, CNTF has been evaluated in clinical trials for the inherited degenerative disease retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Despite its potential as a broad-spectrum therapeutic treatment for blinding diseases, the target cells of exogenous CNTF and its mechanism of action remain poorly understood. We have shown previously that constitutive expression of CNTF prevents photoreceptor death but alters the retinal transcriptome and suppresses visual function. Here, we use a lentivirus to deliver the same secreted human CNTF used in clinical trials to a mouse model of RP. We found that low levels of CNTF halt photoreceptor death, improve photoreceptor morphology, and correct opsin mislocalization. However, we did not detect corresponding improvement of retinal function as measured by the electroretinogram. Disruption of the cytokine receptor gp130 gene in Müller glia reduces CNTF-dependent photoreceptor survival and prevents phosphorylation of STAT3 and ERK in Müller glia and the rest of the retina. Targeted deletion of gp130 in rods also demolishes neuroprotection by CNTF and prevents further activation of Müller glia. Moreover, CNTF elevates the expression of LIF and endothelin 2, thus positively promoting Müller and photoreceptor interactions. We propose that exogenous CNTF initially targets Müller glia, and subsequently induces cytokines acting through gp130 in photoreceptors to promote neuronal survival. These results elucidate a cellular mechanism for exogenous CNTF-triggered neuroprotection and provide insight into the complex cellular responses induced by CNTF in diseased retinas.
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37
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Patel AK, Syeda S, Hackam AS. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling in retinal pigment epithelium cells. JAKSTAT 2013; 2:e25434. [PMID: 24416648 PMCID: PMC3876436 DOI: 10.4161/jkst.25434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2013] [Revised: 06/14/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) is a monolayer of specialized epithelial cells located between the photoreceptors of the retina and the choroidal blood supply. The RPE is essential for maintaining retinal health and vision. Recent findings identified STAT3 as a newly recognized regulator of RPE survival, inflammatory response, visual cycle maintenance, and cytokine release. Additionally, STAT3 is implicated in retinal diseases that affect the RPE, including the common blinding disease age-related macular degeneration. Determining how STAT3 influences RPE functions ultimately may lead to novel therapeutics for retinal disease. In this review, we summarize the roles of JAK-STAT3 signaling in the RPE, and its potential contribution to retinal degenerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit K Patel
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; Miami, FL USA
| | - Sarah Syeda
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; Miami, FL USA
| | - Abigail S Hackam
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; Miami, FL USA
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Kay P, Yang YC, Paraoan L. Directional protein secretion by the retinal pigment epithelium: roles in retinal health and the development of age-related macular degeneration. J Cell Mol Med 2013; 17:833-43. [PMID: 23663427 PMCID: PMC3822888 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2013] [Accepted: 03/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The structural and functional integrity of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is fundamental for maintaining the function of the neuroretina. These specialized cells form a polarized monolayer that acts as the retinal–blood barrier, separating two distinct environments with highly specialized functions: photoreceptors of the neuroretina at the apical side and Bruch's membrane/highly vascularized choriocapillaris at the basal side. The polarized nature of the RPE is essential for the health of these two regions, not only in nutrient and waste transport but also in the synthesis and directional secretion of proteins required in maintaining retinal homoeostasis and function. Although multiple malfunctions within the RPE cells have been associated with development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of legal blindness, clear causative processes have not yet been conclusively characterized at the molecular and cellular level. This article focuses on the involvement of directionally secreted RPE proteins in normal functioning of the retina and on the potential association of incorrect RPE protein secretion with development of AMD. Understanding the importance of RPE polarity and the correct secretion of essential structural and regulatory components emerge as critical factors for the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Kay
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Chucair-Elliott AJ, Elliott MH, Wang J, Moiseyev GP, Ma JX, Politi LE, Rotstein NP, Akira S, Uematsu S, Ash JD. Leukemia inhibitory factor coordinates the down-regulation of the visual cycle in the retina and retinal-pigmented epithelium. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:24092-102. [PMID: 22645143 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.378240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), an interleukin-6 family neurocytokine, is up-regulated in response to different types of retinal stress and has neuroprotective activity through activation of the gp130 receptor/STAT3 pathway. We observed that LIF induces rapid, robust, and sustained activation of STAT3 in both the retina and retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE). Here, we tested whether LIF-induced STAT3 activation within the RPE can down-regulate RPE65, the central enzyme in the visual cycle that provides the 11-cis-retinal chromophore to photoreceptors in vivo. We generated conditional knock-out mice to specifically delete STAT3 or gp130 in RPE, retina, or both RPE and retina. After intravitreal injection of LIF, we analyzed the expression levels of visual cycle genes and proteins, isomerase activity of RPE65, levels of rhodopsin protein, and the rates of dark adaptation and rhodopsin regeneration. We found that RPE65 protein levels and isomerase activity were reduced and recovery of bleachable rhodopsin was delayed in LIF-injected eyes. In mice with functional gp130/STAT3 signaling in the retina, rhodopsin protein was also reduced by LIF. However, the LIF-induced down-regulation of RPE65 required a functional gp130/STAT3 cascade intrinsic to RPE. Our data demonstrate that a single cytokine, LIF, can simultaneously and independently affect both RPE and photoreceptors through the same signaling cascade to reduce the generation and utilization of 11-cis-retinal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana J Chucair-Elliott
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104, USA
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Wen R, Tao W, Li Y, Sieving PA. CNTF and retina. Prog Retin Eye Res 2011; 31:136-51. [PMID: 22182585 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2011.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2011] [Revised: 10/29/2011] [Accepted: 11/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is one of the most studied neurotrophic factors for neuroprotection of the retina. A large body of evidence demonstrates that CNTF promotes rod photoreceptor survival in almost all animal models. Recent studies indicate that CNTF also promotes cone photoreceptor survival and cone outer segment regeneration in the degenerating retina and improves cone function in dogs with congenital achromotopsia. In addition, CNTF is a neuroprotective factor and an axogenesis factor for retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). This review focuses on the effects of exogenous CNTF on photoreceptors and RGCs in the mammalian retina and the potential clinical application of CNTF for retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Wen
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
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