1
|
Rai D, Iwanami M, Takahashi Y, Komuta Y, Aoi N, Umezawa A, Seko Y. Evaluation of photoreceptor-directed fibroblasts derived from retinitis pigmentosa patients with defects in the EYS gene: a possible cost-effective cellular model for mechanism-oriented drug. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:157. [PMID: 35410372 PMCID: PMC8996485 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02827-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The most common gene responsible for autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is EYS. The manner of decay of genetically defective EYS gene transcripts varies depending on the type of mutation using our cellular model, which consists of induced photoreceptor-directed fibroblasts from EYS-RP patients (EYS-RP cells). However, disease-specific profiles have not been clarified in EYS-RP cells. Herein we investigated comprehensive gene expression patterns and restoration of altered expression by low molecular weight molecules in EYS-RP cells.
Methods Using induced photoreceptor-like cells by CRX, RAX, NeuroD, and OTX2, we employed qRT-PCR and DNA microarray analysis to compare expression levels of disease-related genes in EYS-RP cells. We investigated the effect of antiapoptotic or anti-endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress/antioxidant reagents on the restoration of altered gene expression. Results Expression levels of phototransduction-related genes (blue opsin, rhodopsin, S-antigen, GNAT1, GNAT2) were lower in EYS-RP cells. CRYGD was extracted by global gene expression analysis, as a downregulated, retina-related and apoptosis-, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress- or aging-related gene. Pathway enrichment analysis suggested that “complement and coagulation cascades,” “ECM-receptor interaction” and “PI3K-Akt signaling pathway” could be involved in EYS-RP-associated pathogenesis. Among the matching/overlapping genes involved in those pathways, F2R was suggested as an EYS-RP-associated gene. The downregulation of CRYGD and F2R was completely restored by additional 4-PBA, an inhibitor of ER stress, and partially restored by metformin or NAC. In addition, 4-PBA normalized the expression level of cleaved caspase-3. Conclusions Our cellular model may reflect the ER stress-mediated degenerative retina and serve as a pathogenesis-oriented cost-effective rescue strategy for RP patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-02827-x.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dilip Rai
- Sensory Functions Section, Research Institute, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons With Disabilities, 4-1 Namiki, Tokorozawa, 359-8555, Japan
| | - Masaki Iwanami
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons With Disabilities, 4-1 Namiki, Tokorozawa, 359-8555, Japan.,Iwanami Eye Clinic, 7-1-3, Tsuchihashi, Miyamae-ku Kawasaki, Tokyo, 216-0005, Japan
| | - Yoriko Takahashi
- Bioscience and Healthcare Engineering Division, Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd., 2-7-14 Higashi-Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo, 164-8555, Japan
| | - Yukari Komuta
- Sensory Functions Section, Research Institute, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons With Disabilities, 4-1 Namiki, Tokorozawa, 359-8555, Japan.,Division of Bioinformation and Therapeutic Systems, National Defense Medical College, 3 Namiki, Tokorozawa, 359-0042, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Aoi
- Department of Plastic, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Teikyo University School of Medicine, 2-11-1 Kaga, Itabashi, Tokyo, 173-8605, Japan.,Miyamasuzaka Clinic, SK Aoyama Bldg. 5F, 1-6-5 Shibuya, Tokyo, 150-0002, Japan
| | - Akihiro Umezawa
- National Center for Child Health and Development, Research Institute, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Yuko Seko
- Sensory Functions Section, Research Institute, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons With Disabilities, 4-1 Namiki, Tokorozawa, 359-8555, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fan W, Huang W, Chen J, Li N, Mao L, Hou S. Retinal microglia: Functions and diseases. Immunology 2022; 166:268-286. [PMID: 35403700 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Fan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Chongqing China
- Chongqing Eye Institute Chongqing China
- Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases Chongqing China
| | - Weidi Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Xiangya Hospital Central South University Changsha Hunan China
| | - Jiayi Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing China
| | - Na Li
- College of Basic Medicine Chongqing Medical University Chongqing China
| | - Liming Mao
- Department of Immunology School of Medicine, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road Nantong Jiangsu China
| | - Shengping Hou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology Chongqing China
- Chongqing Eye Institute Chongqing China
- Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases Chongqing China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
One-step induction of photoreceptor-like cells from human iPSCs by delivering transcription factors. iScience 2022; 25:103987. [PMID: 35330684 PMCID: PMC8938283 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.103987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
|
4
|
Grigoryan EN. Pigment Epithelia of the Eye: Cell-Type Conversion in Regeneration and Disease. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12030382. [PMID: 35330132 PMCID: PMC8955580 DOI: 10.3390/life12030382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pigment epithelial cells (PECs) of the retina (RPE), ciliary body, and iris (IPE) are capable of altering their phenotype. The main pathway of phenotypic switching of eye PECs in vertebrates and humans in vivo and/or in vitro is neural/retinal. Besides, cells of amphibian IPE give rise to the lens and its derivatives, while mammalian and human RPE can be converted along the mesenchymal pathway. The PECs’ capability of conversion in vivo underlies the lens and retinal regeneration in lower vertebrates and retinal diseases such as proliferative vitreoretinopathy and fibrosis in mammals and humans. The present review considers these processes studied in vitro and in vivo in animal models and in humans. The molecular basis of conversion strategies in PECs is elucidated. Being predetermined onto- and phylogenetically, it includes a species-specific molecular context, differential expression of transcription factors, signaling pathways, and epigenomic changes. The accumulated knowledge regarding the mechanisms of PECs phenotypic switching allows the development of approaches to specified conversion for many purposes: obtaining cells for transplantation, creating conditions to stimulate natural regeneration of the retina and the lens, blocking undesirable conversions associated with eye pathology, and finding molecular markers of pathology to be targets of therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora N Grigoryan
- Kol'tsov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Diversity of Adult Neural Stem and Progenitor Cells in Physiology and Disease. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082045. [PMID: 34440814 PMCID: PMC8392301 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult neural stem and progenitor cells (NSPCs) contribute to learning, memory, maintenance of homeostasis, energy metabolism and many other essential processes. They are highly heterogeneous populations that require input from a regionally distinct microenvironment including a mix of neurons, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, ependymal cells, NG2+ glia, vasculature, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and others. The diversity of NSPCs is present in all three major parts of the CNS, i.e., the brain, spinal cord, and retina. Intrinsic and extrinsic signals, e.g., neurotrophic and growth factors, master transcription factors, and mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM), collectively regulate activities and characteristics of NSPCs: quiescence/survival, proliferation, migration, differentiation, and integration. This review discusses the heterogeneous NSPC populations in the normal physiology and highlights their potentials and roles in injured/diseased states for regenerative medicine.
Collapse
|
6
|
Rzhanova LA, Kuznetsova AV, Aleksandrova MA. Reprogramming of Differentiated Mammalian and Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium: Current Achievements and Prospects. Russ J Dev Biol 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360420040062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Impairment of the homeostatic and functional integrity of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is the main cause of some degenerative diseases of the human eye, which are accompanied by loss of eyesight. Despite the significant progress made over the past decades in the development of new methods for treatment for this pathology, there are still several complications when using surgical methods for correction of eyesight and so far insurmountable limitations in the applications of modern approaches, such as gene therapy and genetic engineering. One of the promising approaches to the treatment of degenerative diseases of the retina may be an approach based on the application of regenerative capacities of its endogenous cells with high plasticity, in particular, of RPE cells and Müller glia. Currently, vertebrate RPE cells are of great interest as a source of new photoreceptors and other neurons in the degrading retina in vivo. In this regard, the possibilities of their direct reprogramming by genetic, epigenetic, and chemical methods and their combination are being investigated. This review focuses on research in gene-directed reprogramming of vertebrate RPE cells into retinal neurons, with detailed analysis of the genes used as the main reprogramming factors, comparative analysis, and extrapolation of experimental data from animals to humans. Also, this review covers studies on the application of alternative approaches to gene-directed reprogramming, such as chemical-mediated reprogramming with the use of cocktails of therapeutic low-molecular-weight compounds and microRNAs. In general, the research results indicate the complexity of the process for direct reprogramming of human RPE cells into retinal neurons. However, taking into account the results of direct reprogramming of vertebrate cells and the accessibility of human RPE cells for various vectors that deliver a variety of molecules to cells, such as transcription factors, chimeric endonucleases, recombinant proteins, and low-weight molecular compounds, the most optimal combination of factors for the successful conversion of human RPE cells to retinal neurons can be suggested.
Collapse
|
7
|
Neuronal Reprogramming for Tissue Repair and Neuroregeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124273. [PMID: 32560072 PMCID: PMC7352898 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cell and cell reprogramming technology represent a rapidly growing field in regenerative medicine. A number of novel neural reprogramming methods have been established, using pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) or direct reprogramming, to efficiently derive specific neuronal cell types for therapeutic applications. Both in vitro and in vivo cellular reprogramming provide diverse therapeutic pathways for modeling neurological diseases and injury repair. In particular, the retina has emerged as a promising target for clinical application of regenerative medicine. Herein, we review the potential of neuronal reprogramming to develop regenerative strategy, with a particular focus on treating retinal degenerative diseases and discuss future directions and challenges in the field.
Collapse
|
8
|
HORISAWA K, SUZUKI A. Direct cell-fate conversion of somatic cells: Toward regenerative medicine and industries. PROCEEDINGS OF THE JAPAN ACADEMY. SERIES B, PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2020; 96:131-158. [PMID: 32281550 PMCID: PMC7247973 DOI: 10.2183/pjab.96.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Cells of multicellular organisms have diverse characteristics despite having the same genetic identity. The distinctive phenotype of each cell is determined by molecular mechanisms such as epigenetic changes that occur throughout the lifetime of an individual. Recently, technologies that enable modification of the fate of somatic cells have been developed, and the number of studies using these technologies has increased drastically in the last decade. Various cell types, including neuronal cells, cardiomyocytes, and hepatocytes, have been generated using these technologies. Although most direct reprogramming methods employ forced transduction of a defined sets of transcription factors to reprogram cells in a manner similar to induced pluripotent cell technology, many other strategies, such as methods utilizing chemical compounds and microRNAs to change the fate of somatic cells, have also been developed. In this review, we summarize transcription factor-based reprogramming and various other reprogramming methods. Additionally, we describe the various industrial applications of direct reprogramming technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi HORISAWA
- Division of Organogenesis and Regeneration, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Atsushi SUZUKI
- Division of Organogenesis and Regeneration, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
- Correspondence should be addressed: A. Suzuki, Division of Organogenesis and Regeneration, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan (e-mail: )
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Overexpression of MiR-183/96/182 Triggers Retina-Like Fate in Human Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hBMSCs) in Culture. J Ophthalmol 2019; 2019:2454362. [PMID: 31885884 PMCID: PMC6927023 DOI: 10.1155/2019/2454362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degeneration is considered as a condition ensued by different blinding disorders such as retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, which can cause loss of photoreceptor cells and also lead to significant vision deficiencies. Although there is no efficient treatment in this domain, transplantation of stem cells has been regarded as a therapeutic approach for retinal degeneration. Thus, the purpose of this study was to analyze the potential of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) to differentiate into photoreceptor cells via transfection of microRNA (miRNA) in vitro for regenerative medicine purposes. To this end, miR-183/96/182 cluster was transfected into hBMSCs; then, qRT-PCR was performed to measure the expression levels of miR-183/96/182 cluster and some retina-specific neuronal genes such as OTX2, NRL, PKCα, and recoverin. CRX and rhodopsin (RHO) levels were also measured through qRT-PCR and immunocytochemistry, and subsequently, cellular change morphology was detected. The findings showed no changes in the morphology of the given cells, and the expression of the neuroretinal genes such as OTX2, NRL, and PKCα. Moreover, recoverin was upregulated upon miR-183/-96/-182 overexpression in cultured hBMSCs. Ectopic overexpression of the miR-183 cluster could further increase the expression of CRX and RHO at the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels. Furthermore, the data indicated that the miR-183 cluster could serve as a crucial function in photoreceptor cell differentiation. In fact, miRNAs could be assumed as potential targets to exploit silent neuronal differentiation. Ultimately, it was suggested that in vitro overexpression of miR-183 cluster could trigger reprogramming of the hBMSCs to retinal neuron fate, especially photoreceptor cells.
Collapse
|
10
|
El Wazan L, Urrutia-Cabrera D, Wong RCB. Using transcription factors for direct reprogramming of neurons in vitro. World J Stem Cells 2019; 11:431-444. [PMID: 31396370 PMCID: PMC6682505 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v11.i7.431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell therapy offers great promises in replacing the neurons lost due to neurodegenerative diseases or injuries. However, a key challenge is the cellular source for transplantation which is often limited by donor availability. Direct reprogramming provides an exciting avenue to generate specialized neuron subtypes in vitro, which have the potential to be used for autologous transplantation, as well as generation of patient-specific disease models in the lab for drug discovery and testing gene therapy. Here we present a detailed review on transcription factors that promote direct reprogramming of specific neuronal subtypes with particular focus on glutamatergic, GABAergic, dopaminergic, sensory and retinal neurons. We will discuss the developmental role of master transcriptional regulators and specification factors for neuronal subtypes, and summarize their use in promoting direct reprogramming into different neuronal subtypes. Furthermore, we will discuss up-and-coming technologies that advance the cell reprogramming field, including the use of computational prediction of reprogramming factors, opportunity of cellular reprogramming using small chemicals and microRNA, as well as the exciting potential for applying direct reprogramming in vivo as a novel approach to promote neuro-regeneration within the body. Finally, we will highlight the clinical potential of direct reprogramming and discuss the hurdles that need to be overcome for clinical translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Layal El Wazan
- Cellular Reprogramming Unit, Centre for Eye Research Australia, Melbourne 3004, Australia
| | - Daniel Urrutia-Cabrera
- Cellular Reprogramming Unit, Centre for Eye Research Australia, Melbourne 3004, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Stem cell-based retina models. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2019; 140:33-50. [PMID: 29777757 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
From the early days of cell biological research, the eye-especially the retina-has evoked broad interest among scientists. The retina has since been thoroughly investigated and numerous models have been exploited to shed light on its development, morphology, and function. Apart from various animal models and human clinical and anatomical research, stem cell-based models of animal and human cells of origin have entered the field, especially during the last decade. Despite the observation that the retina of different species comprises endogenous stem cells, most stem cell-related research in the human retina is now based on pluripotent stem cell models. Herein, systems of two-dimensional (2D) cultures and co-cultures of distinctly differentiated retinal subtypes revealed a variety of cellular aspects but have in many aspects been replaced by three-dimensional (3D) structures-the so-called retinal organoids. These organoids not only contain all major retinal cell subtypes compared to the physiological situation, but also show a distinct layering in close proximity to the in vivo morphology. Nevertheless, all these models have inherent advantages and disadvantages, which are expounded and summarized in this review. Finally, we discuss current application aspects of stem cell-based retina models and the specific promises they hold for the future.
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Purpose Retinal degenerative diseases lead to the death of retinal neurons causing visual impairment and blindness. In lower order vertebrates, the retina and its surrounding tissue contain stem cell niches capable of regenerating damaged tissue. Here we examine these niches and review their capacity to be used as retinal stem/progenitor cells (RSC/RPCs) for retinal repair. Recent Findings Exogenous factors can control the in vitro activation of RSCs/PCs found in several niches within the adult eye including cells in the ciliary margin, the retinal pigment epithelium, iris pigment epithelium as well as the inducement of Müller and amacrine cells within the neural retina itself. Recently, factors have been identified for the activation of adult mammalian Müller cells to a RPC state in vivo. Summary Whereas cell transplantation still holds potential for retinal repair, activation of the dormant native regeneration process may lead to a more successful process including greater integration efficiency and proper synaptic targeting.
Collapse
|
13
|
Seko Y, Iwanami M, Miyamoto-Matsui K, Takita S, Aoi N, Umezawa A, Kato S. The manner of decay of genetically defective EYS gene transcripts in photoreceptor-directed fibroblasts derived from retinitis pigmentosa patients depends on the type of mutation. Stem Cell Res Ther 2018; 9:279. [PMID: 30359287 PMCID: PMC6202841 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-018-1016-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Generation of induced photoreceptors holds promise for in vitro modeling of intractable retinal diseases. Retinitis pigmentosa is an inherited retinal dystrophy that leads to visual impairment. The EYS gene was reported to be the most common gene responsible for autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (arRP). arRP with defects in the EYS gene is denoted by “EYS-RP”. We previously established a “redirect differentiation” method to generate photosensitive photoreceptor-like cells from commercially available human dermal fibroblasts. In this study, we produced photoreceptor-like cells from dermal fibroblasts of EYS-RP patients as a replacement for the degenerative retinas using “redirect differentiation”. We analyzed defective transcripts of the EYS gene in these cells to elucidate phenotypes of EYS-RP patients because decay of transcripts was previously suggested to be involved in phenotypic variation associated with diseases. Methods Using “redirect differentiation” by CRX, RAX, NeuroD and OTX2, we made photoreceptor-directed fibroblasts derived from three normal volunteers and three EYS-RP patients with homozygous or heterozygous mutations. We tested inducible expression of the photoreceptor-specific genes (blue opsin, rhodopsin, recoverin, S-antigen, PDE6C) in these cells. We then analyzed transcripts derived from three different types of the defective EYS gene, c.1211dupA, c.4957dupA and c.8805C > A, expressed in these cells by RT-PCR and sequencing. Results Photoreceptor-specific genes including the EYS gene were up-regulated in all the photoreceptor-directed fibroblasts tested. However, expression levels of defective transcripts were markedly different depending on the type of mutation. Transcripts derived from these three defective genes were scarcely detected, expressed at a lower level, and expressed at almost the same level as in normal volunteers, respectively. Conclusions Expression levels of genetically defective EYS gene transcripts in photoreceptor-directed fibroblasts of EYS-RP patients vary depending on the type of mutation. Variation in expression levels in transcripts having c.1211dupA, c.4957dupA and c.8805C > A suggests that almost complete nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), partial NMD and escape from NMD occurred for these transcripts, respectively. To determine the relationship with phenotypic variations in EYS-RP patients, more samples are needed. The present study also suggests that the redirect differentiation method could be a valuable tool for disease modeling despite some limitations. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13287-018-1016-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Seko
- Sensory Functions Section, Research Institute, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, 4-1 Namiki, Tokorozawa, 359-8555, Japan. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, 4-1 Namiki, Tokorozawa, 359-8555, Japan.
| | - Masaki Iwanami
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, 4-1 Namiki, Tokorozawa, 359-8555, Japan.,Present Address: Iwanami Eye Clinic, 7-1-3, Tsuchihashi, Miyamae-ku Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, 216-0005, Japan
| | - Kiyoko Miyamoto-Matsui
- Sensory Functions Section, Research Institute, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, 4-1 Namiki, Tokorozawa, 359-8555, Japan
| | - Shimpei Takita
- Sensory Functions Section, Research Institute, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, 4-1 Namiki, Tokorozawa, 359-8555, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Aoi
- Department of Plastic, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Teikyo University School of Medicine, 2-11-1 Kaga Itabashi-ku, Itabashi, 173-8605, Japan
| | - Akihiro Umezawa
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Center for Regenerative Medicine, National Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Seishi Kato
- Research Institute, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, 4-1 Namiki, Tokorozawa, 359-8555, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Matsushita T, Steinfeld J, Fujihara A, Urayama S, Taketani S, Araki M. Regulation of neuronal and photoreceptor cell differentiation by Wnt signaling from iris-derived stem/progenitor cells of the chick in flat vs. Matrigel-embedding cultures. Brain Res 2018; 1704:207-218. [PMID: 30347217 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Previously we developed a simple culture method of the iris tissues and reported novel properties of neural stem/progenitor-like cells in the iris tissues of the chick and pig. When the iris epithelium or connective tissue (stroma) was treated with dispase, embedded in Matrigel, and cultured, neuronal cells extended from the explants within 24 h of culture, and cells positively stained for photoreceptor cell markers were also observed within a few days of culturing. In ordinary flat tissue culture conditions, explants had the same differentiation properties to those in tissue environments. Previously, we suggested that iris neural stem/progenitor cells are simply suppressed from neuronal differentiation within tissue, and that separation from the tissue releases the cells from this suppression mechanism. Here, we examined whether Wnt signaling suppressed neuronal differentiation of iris tissue cells in tissue environments because the lens, which has direct contact with the iris, is a rich source of Wnt proteins. When the Wnt signaling activator 6-bromoindirubin-3'-oxime (BIO) was administered to Matrigel culture, neuronal differentiation was markedly suppressed, but cell proliferation was not affected. When Wnt signaling inhibitors, such as DKK-1 and IWR-1, were applied to the same culture, they did not have any effect on cell differentiation and proliferation. However, when the inhibitors were applied to flat tissue culture, cells with neural properties emerged. These results indicate that the interaction of iris tissue with neighboring tissues and the environment regulates the stemness nature of iris tissue cells, and that Wnt signaling is a major factor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamami Matsushita
- Developmental Neurobiology Laboratory, Nara Women's University, Nara 630-8506, Japan
| | | | - Ai Fujihara
- Developmental Neurobiology Laboratory, Nara Women's University, Nara 630-8506, Japan
| | - Satoshi Urayama
- Unit of Neural Development and Regeneration, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan
| | - Shigeru Taketani
- Department of Biotechnology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
| | - Masasuke Araki
- Developmental Neurobiology Laboratory, Nara Women's University, Nara 630-8506, Japan; Unit of Neural Development and Regeneration, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ishii T, Yin C, Seko Y, Umezawa A, Kaneda M. Variation in the Phenotype of Photosensitive Cells Produced from Human Fibroblast Cell Lines. J NIPPON MED SCH 2018; 85:110-116. [DOI: 10.1272/jnms.2018_85-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yuko Seko
- Visual Functions Section, Department of Rehabilitation for Sensory Functions, Research Institute, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities
| | - Akihiro Umezawa
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Center for Regenerative Medicine, National Institute for Child Health and Development
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Fukuda T, Ishizawa Y, Donai K, Sugano E, Tomita H. The poly-cistronic expression of four transcriptional factors (CRX, RAX, NEURO-D, OTX2) in fibroblasts via retro- or lentivirus causes partial reprogramming into photoreceptor cells. Cell Biol Int 2018; 42:608-614. [PMID: 29377330 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.10942] [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: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The introduction of four key transcriptional factors (CRX, RAX, NEURO-D, OTX2) allows the direct differentiation of fibroblasts to retinal photoreceptor cells. This reprogramming was achieved with a combination of mono-cistronic viruses. Although the combination of mono-cistronic viruses was useful, a relatively high titer of recombinant viruses was necessary because co-infections are required. To overcome this issue, we established a poly-cistronic expression system for direct reprogramming and analyzed the biological characteristics of introduced cells after the exogenous introduction. The coding region of four reprogramming factors and EGFP (CRX, RAX, NEURO-D, OTX2, and EGFP; CNROE) was inserted into multiple sites of the pMYs-IP retrovirus or CSII-CMV lentivirus vector. The recombinant viruses were exposed to HE16 human embryonic fibroblasts. The expression levels of cone related genes were detected with real-time PCR. We detected the activation of two of the photoreceptor-related genes after the poly-cistronic expression of CRX, RAX, NEURO-D, and OTX2, but the rest of the genes did not exhibit transcriptional elevation. We concluded that the poly-cistronic expression of CNROE induced partial reprogramming into photoreceptor cells. We hypothesize that the direct reprogramming into photoreceptor cells might require relatively high protein expression levels of transcriptional factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomokazu Fukuda
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Iwate University, 4-3-5, Ueda, Iwate Prefecture, 020-8551, Morioka, Japan.,Soft-Path Engineering Research Center (SPERC), Iwate University, Morioka, Japan
| | - Yasushi Ishizawa
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Iwate University, 4-3-5, Ueda, Iwate Prefecture, 020-8551, Morioka, Japan
| | - Kenichiro Donai
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Eriko Sugano
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Iwate University, 4-3-5, Ueda, Iwate Prefecture, 020-8551, Morioka, Japan.,Soft-Path Engineering Research Center (SPERC), Iwate University, Morioka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Tomita
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Iwate University, 4-3-5, Ueda, Iwate Prefecture, 020-8551, Morioka, Japan.,Soft-Path Engineering Research Center (SPERC), Iwate University, Morioka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Royall LN, Lea D, Matsushita T, Takeda TA, Taketani S, Araki M. A novel culture method reveals unique neural stem/progenitors in mature porcine iris tissues that differentiate into neuronal and rod photoreceptor-like cells. Brain Res 2017; 1675:51-60. [PMID: 28866055 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2017.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Iris neural stem/progenitor cells from mature porcine eyes were investigated using a new protocol for tissue culture, which consists of dispase treatment and Matrigel embedding. We used a number of culture conditions and found an intense differentiation of neuronal cells from both the iris pigmented epithelial (IPE) cells and the stroma tissue cells. Rod photoreceptor-like cells were also observed but mostly in a later stage of culture. Neuronal differentiation does not require any additives such as fetal bovine serum or FGF2, although FGF2 and IGF2 appeared to promote neural differentiation in the IPE cultures. Furthermore, the stroma-derived cells were able to be maintained in vitro indefinitely. The evolutionary similarity between humans and domestic pigs highlight the potential for this methodology in the modeling of human diseases and characterizing human ocular stem cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lars N Royall
- Developmental Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Nara Women's University, Nara 630-8506, Japan; Department of Genetics, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Daniel Lea
- Developmental Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Nara Women's University, Nara 630-8506, Japan; Department of Genetics, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Tamami Matsushita
- Developmental Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Nara Women's University, Nara 630-8506, Japan
| | - Taka-Aki Takeda
- Department of Biotechnology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
| | - Shigeru Taketani
- Department of Biotechnology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
| | - Masasuke Araki
- Developmental Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Nara Women's University, Nara 630-8506, Japan; Unit of Neural Development and Regeneration Research, Department of Biology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Bennis A, ten Brink JB, Moerland PD, Heine VM, Bergen AA. Comparative gene expression study and pathway analysis of the human iris- and the retinal pigment epithelium. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182983. [PMID: 28827822 PMCID: PMC5565104 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a neural monolayer lining the back of the eye. Degeneration of the RPE leads to severe vision loss in, so far incurable, diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and some forms of retinitis pigmentosa. A promising future replacement therapy may be autologous iris epithelial cell transdifferentiation into RPE in vitro and, subsequently, transplantation. In this study we compared the gene expression profiles of the iris epithelium (IE) and the RPE. Methods We collected both primary RPE- and IE cells from 5 freshly frozen human donor eyes, using respectively laser dissection microscopy and excision. We performed whole-genome expression profiling using 44k Agilent human microarrays. We investigated the gene expression profiles on both gene and functional network level, using R and the knowledge database Ingenuity. Results The major molecular pathways related to the RPE and IE were quite similar and yielded basic neuro-epithelial cell functions. Nonetheless, we also found major specific differences: For example, genes and molecular pathways, related to the visual cycle and retinol biosynthesis are significantly higher expressed in the RPE than in the IE. Interestingly, Wnt and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR-) signaling pathways are much higher expressed in the IE than in the RPE, suggesting, respectively, a possible pluripotent and high detoxification state of the IE. Conclusions This study provides a valuation of the similarities and differences between the expression profiles of the RPE and IE. Our data combined with that of the literature, represent a most comprehensive perspective on transcriptional variation, which may support future research in the development of therapeutic transplantation of IE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bennis
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN-KNAW), Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jacoline B. ten Brink
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Perry D. Moerland
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vivi M. Heine
- Department of Pediatrics / Child Neurology, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Complex Trait Genetics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arthur A. Bergen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN-KNAW), Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Komuta Y, Ishii T, Kaneda M, Ueda Y, Miyamoto K, Toyoda M, Umezawa A, Seko Y. In vitro transdifferentiation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells to photoreceptor-like cells. Biol Open 2016; 5:709-19. [PMID: 27170256 PMCID: PMC4920181 DOI: 10.1242/bio.016477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 04/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct reprogramming is a promising, simple and low-cost approach to generate target cells from somatic cells without using induced pluripotent stem cells. Recently, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) have attracted considerable attention as a somatic cell source for reprogramming. As a cell source, PBMCs have an advantage over dermal fibroblasts with respect to the ease of collecting tissues. Based on our studies involving generation of photosensitive photoreceptor cells from human iris cells and human dermal fibroblasts by transduction of photoreceptor-related transcription factors via retrovirus vectors, we transduced these transcription factors into PBMCs via Sendai virus vectors. We found that retinal disease-related genes were efficiently detected in CRX-transduced cells, most of which are crucial to photoreceptor functions. In functional studies, a light-induced inward current was detected in some CRX-transduced cells. Moreover, by modification of the culture conditions including additional transduction of RAX1 and NEUROD1, we found a greater variety of retinal disease-related genes than that observed in CRX-transduced PBMCs. These data suggest that CRX acts as a master control gene for reprogramming PBMCs into photoreceptor-like cells and that our induced photoreceptor-like cells might contribute to individualized drug screening and disease modeling of inherited retinal degeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yukari Komuta
- Visual Functions Section, Department of Rehabilitation for Sensory Functions, Research Institute, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8555, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Ishii
- Department of Physiology, Nippon Medical School, Sendagi, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8602, Japan
| | - Makoto Kaneda
- Department of Physiology, Nippon Medical School, Sendagi, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8602, Japan
| | - Yasuji Ueda
- ID Pharma Co. Ltd, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 300-2611, Japan
| | - Kiyoko Miyamoto
- Visual Functions Section, Department of Rehabilitation for Sensory Functions, Research Institute, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8555, Japan
| | - Masashi Toyoda
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan
| | - Akihiro Umezawa
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Center for Regenerative Medicine, National Institute for Child Health and Development, Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
| | - Yuko Seko
- Visual Functions Section, Department of Rehabilitation for Sensory Functions, Research Institute, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8555, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Dash S, Siddam AD, Barnum CE, Janga SC, Lachke SA. RNA-binding proteins in eye development and disease: implication of conserved RNA granule components. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2016; 7:527-57. [PMID: 27133484 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The molecular biology of metazoan eye development is an area of intense investigation. These efforts have led to the surprising recognition that although insect and vertebrate eyes have dramatically different structures, the orthologs or family members of several conserved transcription and signaling regulators such as Pax6, Six3, Prox1, and Bmp4 are commonly required for their development. In contrast, our understanding of posttranscriptional regulation in eye development and disease, particularly regarding the function of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), is limited. We examine the present knowledge of RBPs in eye development in the insect model Drosophila as well as several vertebrate models such as fish, frog, chicken, and mouse. Interestingly, of the 42 RBPs that have been investigated for their expression or function in vertebrate eye development, 24 (~60%) are recognized in eukaryotic cells as components of RNA granules such as processing bodies, stress granules, or other specialized ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes. We discuss the distinct developmental and cellular events that may necessitate potential RBP/RNA granule-associated RNA regulon models to facilitate posttranscriptional control of gene expression in eye morphogenesis. In support of these hypotheses, three RBPs and RNP/RNA granule components Tdrd7, Caprin2, and Stau2 are linked to ocular developmental defects such as congenital cataract, Peters anomaly, and microphthalmia in human patients or animal models. We conclude by discussing the utility of interdisciplinary approaches such as the bioinformatics tool iSyTE (integrated Systems Tool for Eye gene discovery) to prioritize RBPs for deriving posttranscriptional regulatory networks in eye development and disease. WIREs RNA 2016, 7:527-557. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1355 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soma Dash
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Archana D Siddam
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Carrie E Barnum
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Sarath Chandra Janga
- Department of Biohealth Informatics, School of Informatics and Computing, Indiana University & Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Salil A Lachke
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA.,Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Wang Q, Stern JH, Temple S. Regenerative Medicine: Solution in Sight. RETINAL DEGENERATIVE DISEASES 2016; 854:543-8. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-17121-0_72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
|
22
|
Dhamodaran K, Subramani M, Ponnalagu M, Shetty R, Das D. Ocular stem cells: a status update! Stem Cell Res Ther 2015; 5:56. [PMID: 25158127 PMCID: PMC4055087 DOI: 10.1186/scrt445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2013] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cells are unspecialized cells that have been a major focus of the field of regenerative medicine, opening new frontiers and regarded as the future of medicine. The ophthalmology branch of the medical sciences was the first to directly benefit from stem cells for regenerative treatment. The success stories of regenerative medicine in ophthalmology can be attributed to its accessibility, ease of follow-up and the eye being an immune-privileged organ. Cell-based therapies using stem cells from the ciliary body, iris and sclera are still in animal experimental stages but show potential for replacing degenerated photoreceptors. Limbal, corneal and conjunctival stem cells are still limited for use only for surface reconstruction, although they might have potential beyond this. Iris pigment epithelial, ciliary body epithelial and choroidal epithelial stem cells in laboratory studies have shown some promise for retinal or neural tissue replacement. Trabecular meshwork, orbital and sclera stem cells have properties identical to cells of mesenchymal origin but their potential has yet to be experimentally determined and validated. Retinal and retinal pigment epithelium stem cells remain the most sought out stem cells for curing retinal degenerative disorders, although treatments using them have resulted in variable outcomes. The functional aspects of the therapeutic application of lenticular stem cells are not known and need further attention. Recently, embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium has been used for treating patients with Stargardts disease and age-related macular degeneration. Overall, the different stem cells residing in different components of the eye have shown some success in clinical and animal studies in the field of regenerative medicine.
Collapse
|
23
|
Li WH, Zhou L, Li Z, Wang Y, Shi JT, Yang YJ, Gui JF. Zebrafish Lbh-like Is Required for Otx2-mediated Photoreceptor Differentiation. Int J Biol Sci 2015; 11:688-700. [PMID: 25999792 PMCID: PMC4440259 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.11244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The homeobox transcription factor orthodenticle homolog 2 (otx2) is supposed as an organizer that orchestrates a transcription factor network during photoreceptor development. However, its regulation in the process remains unclear. In this study, we have identified a zebrafish limb bud and heart-like gene (lbh-like), which is expressed initially at 30 hours post fertilization (hpf) in the developing brain and eyes. Lbh-like knockdown by morpholinos specifically inhibits expression of multiple photoreceptor-specific genes, such as opsins, gnat1, gnat2 and irbp. Interestingly, otx2 expression in the morphants is not significantly reduced until 32 hpf when lbh-like begins to express, but its expression level in 72 hpf morphants is higher than that in wild type embryos. Co-injection of otx2 and its downstream target neuroD mRNAs can rescue the faults in eyes of Lbh-like morphants. Combined with the results of promoter-reporter assay, we suggest that lbh-like is a new regulator of photoreceptor differentiation directly through affecting otx2 expression in zebrafish. Furthermore, knockdown of lbh-like increases the activity of Notch pathway and perturbs the balance among proliferation, differentiation and survival of photoreceptor precursors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Hua Li
- 1. State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, ; 2. Graduate University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Li Zhou
- 1. State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Zhi Li
- 1. State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Yang Wang
- 1. State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Jian-Tao Shi
- 1. State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Yan-Jing Yang
- 1. State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, ; 2. Graduate University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jian-Fang Gui
- 1. State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Generation of retinal ganglion cells with functional axons from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Sci Rep 2015; 5:8344. [PMID: 25666360 PMCID: PMC4322369 DOI: 10.1038/srep08344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We generated self-induced retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) with functional axons from human induced pluripotent stem cells. After development of the optic vesicle from the induced stem cell embryoid body in three-dimensional culture, conversion to two-dimensional culture, achieved by supplementation with BDNF, resulted in differentiation of RGCs at a rate of nearly 90% as indicated by a marginal subregion of an extruded clump of cells, suggesting the formation of an optic vesicle. Axons extended radially from the margin of the clump. Induced RGCs expressed specific markers, such as Brn3b and Math5, as assessed using by quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry. The long, prominent axons contained neurofilaments and tau and exhibited anterograde axonal transport and sodium-dependent action potentials. The ability to generate RGCs with functional axons uniformly and at a high rate may contribute to both basic and clinical science, including embryology, neurology, pathognomy, and treatment of various optic nerve diseases that threaten vision.
Collapse
|
25
|
gdf6a is required for cone photoreceptor subtype differentiation and for the actions of tbx2b in determining rod versus cone photoreceptor fate. PLoS One 2014; 9:e92991. [PMID: 24681822 PMCID: PMC3969374 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0092991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2013] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional vision restoration is within reach via stem cell therapy, but one of the largest obstacles is the derivation of colour-sensitive cone photoreceptors that are required for high-acuity daytime vision. To enhance progress made using nocturnal murine models, we instead utilize cone-rich zebrafish and herein investigate relationships between gdf6a and tbx2b in cone photoreceptor development. Growth/differentiation factor 6a (gdf6a), a bone morphogenetic protein family ligand, is an emerging factor in photoreceptor degenerative diseases. The T-box transcription factor tbx2b is required to specify UV cone photoreceptor fate instead of rod photoreceptor fate. Interactions between these factors in cone development would be unanticipated, considering the discrete phenotypes in their respective mutants. However, gdf6a positively modulates the abundance of tbx2b transcript during early eye morphogenesis, and we extended this conclusion to later stages of retinal development comprising the times when photoreceptors differentiate. Despite this, gdf6a-/- larvae possess a normal relative number of UV cones and instead present with a low abundance of blue cone photoreceptors, approximately half that of siblings (p<0.001), supporting a differential role for gdf6a amongst the spectral subtypes of cone photoreceptors. Further, gdf6a-/- larvae from breeding of compound heterozygous gdf6a+/-;tbx2b+/- mutants exhibit the recessive lots-of-rods phenotype (which also shows a paucity of UV cones) at significantly elevated rates (44% or 48% for each of two tbx2b alleles, χ2 p≤0.007 for each compared to expected Mendelian 25%). Thus the gdf6a-/- background sensitizes fish such that the recessive lots-of-rods phenotype can appear in heterozygous tbx2b+/- fish. Overall, this work establishes a novel link between tbx2b and gdf6a in determining photoreceptor fates, defining the nexus of an intricate pathway influencing the abundance of cone spectral subtypes and specifying rod vs. cone photoreceptors. Understanding this interaction is a necessary step in the refinement of stem cell-based restoration of daytime vision in humans.
Collapse
|
26
|
Seko Y, Azuma N, Ishii T, Komuta Y, Miyamoto K, Miyagawa Y, Kaneda M, Umezawa A. Derivation of human differential photoreceptor cells from adult human dermal fibroblasts by defined combinations of CRX, RAX, OTX2 and NEUROD. Genes Cells 2014; 19:198-208. [PMID: 24456169 PMCID: PMC4237506 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.12127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Redirecting differentiation of somatic cells by over-expression of transcription factors is a promising approach for regenerative medicine, elucidation of pathogenesis and development of new therapies. We have previously defined a transcription factor combination, that is, CRX, RAX and NEUROD, that can generate photosensitive photoreceptor cells from human iris cells. Here, we show that human dermal fibroblasts are differentiated to photoreceptor cells by the same transcription factor combination as human iris cells. Transduction of a combination of the CRX, RAX and NEUROD genes up-regulated expression of the photoreceptor-specific genes, recoverin, blue opsin and PDE6C, in all three strains of human dermal fibroblasts that were tested. Additional OTX2 gene transduction increased up-regulation of the photoreceptor-specific genes blue opsin, recoverin, S-antigen, CNGB3 and PDE6C. Global gene expression data by microarray analysis further showed that photoreceptor-related functional genes were significantly increased in induced photoreceptor cells. Functional analysis, that is, patch-clamp recordings, clearly revealed that induced photoreceptor cells from fibroblasts responded to light. Both the NRL gene and the NR2E3 gene were endogenously up-regulated in induced photoreceptor cells, implying that exogenous CRX, RAX, OTX2 and NEUROD, but not NRL, are sufficient to generate rod photoreceptor cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Seko
- Visual Functions Section, Department of Rehabilitation for Sensory Functions, Research Institute, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Saitama, 359-8555, Japan; Department of Reproductive Biology, Center for Regenerative Medicine, National Institute for Child Health and Development, Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
The Retinal Pigment Epithelium: a Convenient Source of New Photoreceptor cells? J Ophthalmic Vis Res 2014; 9:83-93. [PMID: 24982737 PMCID: PMC4074479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Accepted: 12/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent success in restoring visual function through photoreceptor replacement in mouse models of photoreceptor degeneration intensifies the need to generate or regenerate photoreceptor cells for the ultimate goal of using cell replacement therapy for blindness caused by photoreceptor degeneration. Current research on deriving new photoreceptors for replacement, as regenerative medicine in general, focuses on the use of embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells to generate transplantable cells. Nonetheless, naturally occurring regeneration, such as wound healing, involves awakening cells at or near a wound site to produce new cells needed to heal the wound. Here we discuss the possibility of tweaking an ocular tissue, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), to produce photoreceptor cells in situ in the eye. Unlike the neural retina, the RPE in adult mammals maintains cell proliferation capability. Furthermore, progeny cells from RPE proliferation may differentiate into cells other than RPE. The combination of proliferation and plasticity opens a question of whether they could be channeled by a regulatory gene with pro-photoreceptor activity towards photoreceptor production. Studies using embryonic chick and transgenic mouse showed that indeed photoreceptor-like cells were produced in culture and in vivo in the eye using gene-directed reprogramming of RPE cells, supporting the feasibility of using the RPE as a convenient source of new photoreceptor cells for in situ retinal repair without involving cell transplantation.
Collapse
|
28
|
Yip HK. Retinal stem cells and regeneration of vision system. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2013; 297:137-60. [PMID: 24293400 DOI: 10.1002/ar.22800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The vertebrate retina is a well-characterized model for studying neurogenesis. Retinal neurons and glia are generated in a conserved order from a pool of mutlipotent progenitor cells. During retinal development, retinal stem/progenitor cells (RPC) change their competency over time under the influence of intrinsic (such as transcriptional factors) and extrinsic factors (such as growth factors). In this review, we summarize the roles of these factors, together with the understanding of the signaling pathways that regulate eye development. The information about the interactions between intrinsic and extrinsic factors for retinal cell fate specification is useful to regenerate specific retinal neurons from RPCs. Recent studies have identified RPCs in the retina, which may have important implications in health and disease. Despite the recent advances in stem cell biology, our understanding of many aspects of RPCs in the eye remains limited. PRCs are present in the developing eye of all vertebrates and remain active in lower vertebrates throughout life. In mammals, however, PRCs are quiescent and exhibit very little activity and thus have low capacity for retinal regeneration. A number of different cellular sources of RPCs have been identified in the vertebrate retina. These include PRCs at the retinal margin, pigmented cells in the ciliary body, iris, and retinal pigment epithelium, and Müller cells within the retina. Because PRCs can be isolated and expanded from immature and mature eyes, it is possible now to study these cells in culture and after transplantation in the degenerated retinal tissue. We also examine current knowledge of intrinsic RPCs, and human embryonic stems and induced pluripotent stem cells as potential sources for cell transplant therapy to regenerate the diseased retina.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henry K Yip
- Department of Anatomy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Adminstrative Region, People's Republic of China; Research Center of Heart, Brain, Hormone and Healthy Aging, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Adminstrative Region, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Adminstrative Region, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Karl MO. The potential of stem cell research for the treatment of neuronal damage in glaucoma. Cell Tissue Res 2013; 353:311-25. [PMID: 23708526 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-013-1646-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Stem cell research offers a wide variety of approaches for the advancement of our understanding of basic mechanisms of neurodegeneration and tissue regeneration and for the discovery and development of new therapeutic strategies to prevent and restore neuronal cell loss. Similar to most other regions of our central nervous system, degenerative diseases of the retina lead to the loss of neurons, which are not replaced. Recent work in animals has provided proof-of-concept evidence for the restoration of photoreceptor cells by cell transplantation and neuronal cell replacement by regeneration from endogenous cell sources. However, efficient therapeutic prevention of neuronal cell loss has not been achieved. Moreover, successful cell replacement of retinal neurons in humans, including that of ganglion cells, remains a major challenge. Future successes in the discovery and translation of neuroprotective drug and gene therapies and of cell-based regenerative therapies will depend on a better understanding of the underlying disease pathomechanisms. Existing stem cell and cell-reprogramming technologies offer the potential to generate human retina cells, to develop specific human-cell-based retina disease models, and to open up novel therapeutic strategies. Further, we might glean substantial knowledge from species that can or cannot regenerate their neuronal retina, in the search for new therapeutic approaches. Thus, stem cell research will pave the way toward clinical translation. In this review, I address some of the major possibilities presently on offer and speculate about the power of stem cell research to gain further insights into the pathomechanisms of retinal neurodegeneration (with special emphasis on glaucoma) and to advance our therapeutic options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mike O Karl
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Arnoldstrasse 18/18b, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Shalabi A, Fischer C, Korf HW, von Gall C. Melatonin-receptor-1-deficiency affects neurogenic differentiation factor immunoreaction in pancreatic islets and enteroendocrine cells of mice. Cell Tissue Res 2013; 353:483-91. [PMID: 23700151 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-013-1647-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 04/24/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Neurogenic differentiation factor (NeuroD) is a transcription factor involved in the differentiation of neurons and in the control of energy balance and metabolism. It plays a key role in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Melatonin is an important rhythmic endocrine signal within the circadian system of mammals and modulates insulin secretion and glucose metabolism. In the mouse pars tuberalis, NeuroD mRNA levels show day/night variation, which is independent of the molecular clock gene mPER1 but depends on the functional melatonin receptor 1 (MT1). So far, little is known about the effect of melatonin on NeuroD synthesis in the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, NeuroD protein levels and cellular localization were analyzed by immunohistochemistry in pancreatic islets and duodenal enteroendocrine cells of MT1- and mPER1-deficienct mice. In addition, the localization of NeuroD-positive cells was analyzed by double-immunofluorescence and confocal laser microscopy. In duodenal enteroendocrine cells and pancreatic islets of WT and PER1-deficient mice, NeuroD immunoreaction showed a peak during the early subjective night. In contrast, this peak was absent in MT1-deficent mice. These data suggest that melatonin, by acting on MT1 receptors, affects NeuroD expression in the gastrointestinal tract and thus might contribute to circadian regulation in metabolic functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andree Shalabi
- Dr. Senckenbergische Anatomie, Institut für Anatomie II, Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe-Universität, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt/M, Germany
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|