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Suanno G, Genna VG, Maurizi E, Dieh AA, Griffith M, Ferrari G. Cell therapy in the cornea: The emerging role of microenvironment. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 102:101275. [PMID: 38797320 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The cornea is an ideal testing field for cell therapies. Its highly ordered structure, where specific cell populations are sequestered in different layers, together with its accessibility, has allowed the development of the first stem cell-based therapy approved by the European Medicine Agency. Today, different techniques have been proposed for autologous and allogeneic limbal and non-limbal cell transplantation. Cell replacement has also been attempted in cases of endothelial cell decompensation as it occurs in Fuchs dystrophy: injection of cultivated allogeneic endothelial cells is now in advanced phases of clinical development. Recently, stromal substitutes have been developed with excellent integration capability and transparency. Finally, cell-derived products, such as exosomes obtained from different sources, have been investigated for the treatment of severe corneal diseases with encouraging results. Optimization of the success rate of cell therapies obviously requires high-quality cultured cells/products, but the role of the surrounding microenvironment is equally important to allow engraftment of transplanted cells, to preserve their functions and, ultimately, lead to restoration of tissue integrity and transparency of the cornea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Suanno
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Eye Repair Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Eleonora Maurizi
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine ''S. Ferrari'', University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Anas Abu Dieh
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - May Griffith
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Giulio Ferrari
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Eye Repair Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
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2
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Li S, Liu Z, Deng S, Zhang Y, Jie Y. The ROCK inhibitor netarsudil in the treatment of corneal endothelial decompensation caused by corneal endotheliitis: A case report and literature review. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 136:112195. [PMID: 38820965 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Proper hydration and the clarity of the cornea are maintained through the crucial function of the corneal endothelium. Inflammation of the corneal endothelium, known as endotheliitis, can disrupt endothelial function, resulting in alterations to vision. Corneal endotheliitis is characterised by corneal oedema, the presence of keratic precipitates, inflammation within the anterior chamber, and occasionally, limbal injection, neovascularisation, and the concurrent or overlapping presence of uveitis. The aetiology of this condition is diverse, predominantly viral, but it may also be drug-induced, result from bacterial or fungal infections, be associated with systemic diseases and procedures, or remain idiopathic with no identifiable cause. To date, no standardised protocol for the treatment of this ocular disease exists, and in severe cases, corneal transplantation may be required. A 31-year-old male was transferred to our hospital for the management of corneal endothelial decompensation resulting from corneal endotheliitis. Hormonal therapy and antiviral medications proved ineffective, rendering the patient a candidate for corneal transplantation. As a final measure, treatment with the ROCK inhibitor netarsudil was initiated. The patient demonstrated significant improvement in symptoms, and the inflammation was successfully managed after nine months. In this study, a novel approach employing ROCK inhibitor therapy was utilised for the treatment of corneal endotheliitis, leading to marked recovery during patient follow-up. This case report represents the inaugural application of the ROCK inhibitor netarsudil in managing corneal endothelial decompensation attributed to corneal endotheliitis. These findings suggest that this method warrants consideration as a potential novel treatment option for similar conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shang Li
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ziyu Liu
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shijing Deng
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Jie
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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Parekh M, Miall A, Chou A, Buhl L, Deshpande N, Price MO, Price FW, Jurkunas UV. Enhanced Migration of Fuchs Corneal Endothelial Cells by Rho Kinase Inhibition: A Novel Ex Vivo Descemet's Stripping Only Model. Cells 2024; 13:1218. [PMID: 39056800 PMCID: PMC11274477 DOI: 10.3390/cells13141218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Descemet's Stripping Only (DSO) is a surgical technique that utilizes the peripheral corneal endothelial cell (CEnC) migration for wound closure. Ripasudil, a Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, has shown potential in DSO treatment; however, its mechanism in promoting CEnC migration remains unclear. We observed that ripasudil-treated immortalized normal and Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) cells exhibited significantly enhanced migration and wound healing, particularly effective in FECD cells. Ripasudil upregulated mRNA expression of Snail Family Transcriptional Repressor (SNAI1/2) and Vimentin (VIM) while decreasing Cadherin (CDH1), indicating endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) activation. Ripasudil activated Rac1, driving the actin-related protein complex (ARPC2) to the leading edge, facilitating enhanced migration. Ex vivo studies on cadaveric and FECD Descemet's membrane (DM) showed increased migration and proliferation of CEnCs after ripasudil treatment. An ex vivo DSO model demonstrated enhanced migration from the DM to the stroma with ripasudil. Coating small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) tissues with an FNC coating mix and treating the cells in conjunction with ripasudil further improved migration and resulted in a monolayer formation, as detected by the ZO-1 junctional marker, thereby leading to the reduction in EMT. In conclusion, ripasudil effectively enhanced cellular migration, particularly in a novel ex vivo DSO model, when the stromal microenvironment was modulated. This suggests ripasudil as a promising adjuvant for DSO treatment, highlighting its potential clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Parekh
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (M.P.)
| | - Annie Miall
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (M.P.)
| | - Ashley Chou
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard College, Boston, MA 02138, USA
| | - Lara Buhl
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Neha Deshpande
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (M.P.)
| | | | - Francis W. Price
- Cornea Research Foundation of America, Indianapolis, IN 46260, USA
| | - Ula V. Jurkunas
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (M.P.)
- Cornea and Refractive Surgery Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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Alkharashi M, Abusayf MM, Otaif W, Alkharashi A. The Protective Effect of Rho-Associated Kinase Inhibitor Eye Drops (Ripasudil) on Corneal Endothelial Cells After Cataract Surgery: A Prospective Comparative Study. Ophthalmol Ther 2024; 13:1773-1781. [PMID: 38689101 PMCID: PMC11109060 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-024-00950-x] [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: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cataract surgery poses a risk to corneal endothelial cells. This study aimed to assess the protective effect of rho-associated kinase inhibitor eye drop (ripasudil) on corneal endothelial cells after cataract surgery over 12 months. METHODS We conducted a prospective, non-randomized, non-blinded comparative study including 43 patients divided into two groups: the ripasudil group (22 patients, 23 eyes) and the control group (21 patients, 21 eyes). All patients had grade 3 nuclear cataract and underwent uneventful phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. In the ripasudil group, one drop of ripasudil hydrochloride hydrate (Glanatec® ophthalmic solution 0.4%) was administered three times a day for 5 days. Outcome measures included central corneal thickness (CCT) and endothelial cell density (ECD), which were evaluated preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS In the ripasudil group, the median ECD was 2398 (interquartile range [IQR] 410, 2201-2611) cells/mm2 at baseline and 2262 (IQR 298, 2195-2493) cells/mm2 at 12 months postoperatively. In the control group, the median ECD was 2503 (IQR 390, 2340-2730) cells/mm2 at baseline and 2170 (IQR 324, 2049-2373) cells/mm2 at 12 months postoperatively. Endothelial cell loss (ECL) was 12.8% in the control group, significantly reduced to 4.5% in the ripasudil group (p = 0.001*). CCT (p = 0.042), age (p = 0.383), sex (p = 0.944), and duration of surgery (p = 0.319) were not significant factors. No adverse effects were observed in either of the groups. CONCLUSIONS Incorporating ripasudil into postoperative management could help maintain corneal endothelial cell integrity and reduce cell loss after cataract surgery, potentially decreasing the need for endothelial transplantation in patients who have undergone intraocular surgeries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majed Alkharashi
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed M Abusayf
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Wael Otaif
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- Department of Ophthalmology, King Khalid University Medical City, King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Abdullah Alkharashi
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Merra A, Maurizi E, Pellegrini G. Impact of culture media on primary human corneal endothelial cells derived from old donors. Exp Eye Res 2024; 240:109815. [PMID: 38316204 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Corneal endothelial dysfunction is a major indication for corneal transplantation. However, a global shortage of donor corneal tissues and risks associated with corneal surgeries have prompted exploration of alternative options, including tissue-engineered grafts or cell injection therapy. Nonetheless, these approaches require a controlled culture of primary human corneal endothelial cells (HCEnCs). Although HCEnCs established from young donors are generally more proliferative and maintain a better phenotype, corneas from old donors are more frequently accessible from eye banks due to a lower corneal endothelial cell count than the necessary threshold required for transplantation. In this study, we investigated various culture media to evaluate which one is the most appropriate for stimulating the proliferation while maintaining cell morphology and function of HCEnCs derived from old donors (age >65 years). All experiments were performed on paired research-grade donor corneas, divided for the conditions under investigation in order to minimize the inter-donor variability. Cell morphology as well as expression of specific markers were assessed at both mRNA (CD166, SLC4A11, ATP1A1, COL8A1, α-SMA, CD44, COL1A1, CDKN2A, LAP2A and LAP2B) and protein (ZO-1, α-SMA, Ki67 and LAP2) levels. Results obtained showed how the Dual Media formulation maintained the hexagonal phenotype more efficiently than Single Medium, but cell size gradually increased with passages. In contrast, the Single Medium provided a higher proliferation rate and a prolonged in vitro expansion but acquired an elongated morphology. To summarize, Single medium and Dual media preserve morphology and functional phenotype of HCEnCs from old donor corneas at low passages while maintenance of the same cell features at high passages remains an active area of research. The new insights revealed within this work become particularly relevant considering that the elderly population a) is the main target of corneal endothelial therapy, b) represents the majority of corneal donors. Therefore, the proper expansion of HCEnCs from old donors is essential to develop novel personalised therapeutic strategies and reduce requirement of human corneal tissues globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Merra
- Holostem Terapie Avanzate S.r.l., Modena, Italy; Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Eleonora Maurizi
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
| | - Graziella Pellegrini
- Holostem Terapie Avanzate S.r.l., Modena, Italy; Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Koh I, Hagiwara M. Modular tissue-in-a-CUBE platform to model blood-brain barrier (BBB) and brain interaction. Commun Biol 2024; 7:177. [PMID: 38418614 PMCID: PMC10901775 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05857-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
With the advent of increasingly sophisticated organoids, there is growing demand for technology to replicate the interactions between multiple tissues or organs. This is challenging to achieve, however, due to the varying culture conditions of the different cell types that make up each tissue. Current methods often require complicated microfluidic setups, but fragile tissue samples tend not to fare well with rough handling. Furthermore, the more complicated the human system to be replicated, the more difficult the model becomes to operate. Here, we present the development of a multi-tissue chip platform that takes advantage of the modularity and convenient handling ability of a CUBE device. We first developed a blood-brain barrier-in-a-CUBE by layering astrocytes, pericytes, and brain microvascular endothelial cells in the CUBE, and confirmed the expression and function of important tight junction and transporter proteins in the blood-brain barrier model. Then, we demonstrated the application of integrating Tissue-in-a-CUBE with a chip in simulating the in vitro testing of the permeability of a drug through the blood-brain barrier to the brain and its effect on treating the glioblastoma brain cancer model. We anticipate that this platform can be adapted for use with organoids to build complex human systems in vitro by the combination of multiple simple CUBE units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Koh
- Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
- Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Masaya Hagiwara
- Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan.
- Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan.
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Cai Z, Zhang Y, Fang RS, Brenner B, Kweon J, Sun C, Goldberg JL, Zhang HF. Multiscale imaging of corneal endothelium damage and Rho-kinase inhibitor application in mouse models of acute ocular hypertension. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2024; 15:1102-1114. [PMID: 38404323 PMCID: PMC10890882 DOI: 10.1364/boe.510432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
We developed a multiscale optical imaging workflow, integrating and correlating visible-light optical coherence tomography, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and single-molecule localization microscopy to investigate mouse cornea damage from the in-vivo tissue level to the nanoscopic single-molecule level. We used electron microscopy to validate the imaged nanoscopic structures. We imaged wild-type mice and mice with acute ocular hypertension and examined the effects of Rho-kinase inhibitor application. We defined four types of intercellular tight junction structures as healthy, compact, partially-distorted, and fully-distorted types by labeling the zonula occludens-1 protein in the corneal endothelial cell layer. We correlated the statistics of the four types of tight junction structures with cornea thickness and intraocular pressure. We found that the population of fully-distorted tight junctions correlated well with the level of corneal edema, and applying Rho-kinase inhibitor reduced the population of fully-distorted tight junctions under acute ocular hypertension. Together, these data point to the utility of multiscale optical imaging in revealing fundamental biology relevant to disease and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Cai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Currently with Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Currently with Program of Polymer and Color Chemistry, Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Raymond S. Fang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Benjamin Brenner
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Junghun Kweon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Cheng Sun
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Jeffrey L. Goldberg
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94303, USA
| | - Hao F. Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
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Roda VMDP, da Silva RA, Siqueira PV, Lustoza-Costa GJ, Moraes GM, Matsuda M, Hamassaki DE, Santos MF. Inhibition of Rho kinase (ROCK) impairs cytoskeletal contractility in human Müller glial cells without effects on cell viability, migration, and extracellular matrix production. Exp Eye Res 2024; 238:109745. [PMID: 38043763 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
The epiretinal membrane is a fibrocontractile tissue that forms on the inner surface of the retina, causing visual impairment ranging from mild to severe, and even retinal detachment. Müller glial cells actively participate in the formation of this membrane. Current research is constantly seeking for new therapeutic approaches that aim to prevent or treat cellular dysfunctions involved in the progression of this common fibrosis condition. The Rho GTPases signaling pathway regulates several processes associated with the epiretinal membrane, such as cell proliferation, migration, and contraction. Rho kinase (ROCK), an effector of the RhoA GTPase, is an interesting potential therapeutic target. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a ROCK inhibitor (Y27632) on human Müller cells viability, growth, cytoskeletal organization, expression of extracellular matrix components, myofibroblast differentiation, migration, and contractility. Müller cells of the MIO-M1 lineage were cultured and treated for different periods with the inhibitor. Viability was evaluated by MTT assay and trypan blue exclusion method, and growth was evaluated by growth curve and BrdU incorporation assay. The actin cytoskeleton was stained with fluorescent phalloidin, intermediate filaments and microtubules were analyzed with immunofluorescence for vimentin and α-tubulin. Gene and protein expression of collagens I and V, laminin and fibronectin were evaluated by rt-PCR and immunofluorescence. Chemotactic and spontaneous cell migration were studied by transwell assay and time-lapse observation of live cells, respectively. Cell contractility was assessed by collagen gel contraction assay. The results showed that ROCK inhibition by Y27632 did not affect cell viability, but decreased cell growth and proliferation after 72 h. There was a change in cell morphology and organization of F-actin, with a reduction in the cell body, disappearance of stress fibers and formation of long, branched cell extensions. Microtubules and vimentin filaments were also affected, possibly because of F-actin alterations. The inhibitor also reduced gene expression and immunoreactivity of smooth muscle α-actin, a marker of myofibroblasts. The expression of extracellular matrix components was not affected by the inhibitor. Chemotactic cell migration showed no significant changes, while cell contractility was substantially reduced. No spontaneous migration of MIO-M1 cells was observed. In conclusion, pharmacological inhibition of ROCK in Müller cells could be a potentially promising approach to treat epiretinal membranes by preventing cell proliferation, contractility and transdifferentiation, without affecting cell viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius Moraes de Paiva Roda
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Rafael André da Silva
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Paula Veloso Siqueira
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Jesus Lustoza-Costa
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriélla Malheiros Moraes
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Monique Matsuda
- Laboratory of Investigation in Ophthalmology (LIM-33), Division of Ophthalmology, University of São Paulo Faculty of Medicine, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Dânia Emi Hamassaki
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marinilce Fagundes Santos
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Polopalli S, Saha A, Niri P, Kumar M, Das P, Kamboj DV, Chattopadhyay P. ROCK Inhibitors as an Alternative Therapy for Corneal Grafting: A Systematic Review. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2023; 39:585-599. [PMID: 37738326 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2023.0040] [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] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, corneal blindness is affecting >10 million individuals worldwide, and there is a significant unmet medical need because only 1.5% of transplantation needs are met globally due to a lack of high-quality grafts. In light of this global health disaster, researchers are developing corneal substitutes that can resemble the human cornea in vivo and replace human donor tissue. Thus, this review examines ROCK (Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinases) inhibitors as a potential corneal wound-healing (CWH) therapy by reviewing the existing clinical and nonclinical findings. The systematic review was done from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for CWH, corneal injury, corneal endothelial wound healing, ROCK inhibitors, Fasudil, Netarsudil, Ripasudil, Y-27632, clinical trial, clinical study, case series, case reports, preclinical study, in vivo, and in vitro studies. After removing duplicates, all downloaded articles were examined. The literature search included the data till January 2023. This review summarized the results of ROCK inhibitors in clinical and preclinical trials. In a clinical trial, various ROCK inhibitors improved CWH in individuals with open-angle glaucoma, cataract, iris cyst, ocular hypertension, and other ocular diseases. ROCK inhibitors also improved ocular wound healing by increasing cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation in vitro and in vivo. ROCK inhibitors have antifibrotic, antiangiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic characteristics in CWH, according to the existing research. ROCK inhibitors were effective topical treatments for corneal infections. Ripasudil, Y-27632, H-1152, Y-39983, and AMA0526 are a few new ROCK inhibitors that may help CWH and replace human donor tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subramanyam Polopalli
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Defence Research Laboratory (DRL), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Tezpur, India
- Department of Chemical Technology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India
| | - Achintya Saha
- Department of Chemical Technology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India
| | - Pakter Niri
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Defence Research Laboratory (DRL), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Tezpur, India
- Department of Chemical Technology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India
| | - Mohit Kumar
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Defence Research Laboratory (DRL), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Tezpur, India
| | - Parikshit Das
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Defence Research Laboratory (DRL), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Tezpur, India
| | - Dev Vrat Kamboj
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Defence Research Laboratory (DRL), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Tezpur, India
| | - Pronobesh Chattopadhyay
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Defence Research Laboratory (DRL), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Tezpur, India
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10
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Fayed HS, Bakleh MZ, Ashraf JV, Howarth A, Ebner D, Al Haj Zen A. Selective ROCK Inhibitor Enhances Blood Flow Recovery after Hindlimb Ischemia. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14410. [PMID: 37833857 PMCID: PMC10572734 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The impairment in microvascular network formation could delay the restoration of blood flow after acute limb ischemia. A high-content screen of a GSK-published kinase inhibitor library identified a set of ROCK inhibitor hits enhancing endothelial network formation. Subsequent kinase activity profiling against a panel of 224 protein kinases showed that two indazole-based ROCK inhibitor hits exhibited high selectivity for ROCK1 and ROCK2 isoforms compared to other ROCK inhibitors. One of the chemical entities, GSK429286, was selected for follow-up studies. We found that GSK429286 was ten times more potent in enhancing endothelial tube formation than Fasudil, a classic ROCK inhibitor. ROCK1 inhibition by RNAi phenocopied the angiogenic phenotype of the GSK429286 compound. Using an organotypic angiogenesis co-culture assay, we showed that GSK429286 formed a dense vascular network with thicker endothelial tubes. Next, mice received either vehicle or GSK429286 (10 mg/kg i.p.) for seven days after hindlimb ischemia induction. As assessed by laser speckle contrast imaging, GSK429286 potentiated blood flow recovery after ischemia induction. At the histological level, we found that GSK429286 significantly increased the size of new microvessels in the regenerating areas of ischemic muscles compared with vehicle-treated ones. Our findings reveal that selective ROCK inhibitors have in vitro pro-angiogenic properties and therapeutic potential to restore blood flow in limb ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hend Salah Fayed
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
| | - Mouayad Zuheir Bakleh
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
| | | | - Alison Howarth
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Daniel Ebner
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Ayman Al Haj Zen
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
- BHF Centre of Research Excellence, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
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Aloy-Reverté C, Bandeira F, Otero N, Rebollo-Morell A, Nieto-Nicolau N, Álvaro P. Gomes J, Güell JL, Casaroli-Marano RP. Corneal Endothelial Cell Cultures from Organotypic Preservation of Older Donor Corneas Are Suitable for Advanced Cell Therapy. Ophthalmic Res 2023; 66:1254-1265. [PMID: 37722372 PMCID: PMC10614447 DOI: 10.1159/000533701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The purpose of this work was to evaluate the in vitro growth capacity and functionality of human corneal endothelial cells (hCEC) expanded from corneas of elderly (>60 years) donors that were preserved using an organotypic culture method (>15 days, 31°C) and did not meet the clinical criteria for keratoplasty. METHODS Cell cultures were obtained from prior descemetorhexis (≥10 mm) and a controlled incubation with collagenase type I followed by recombinant trypsin. Cells were seeded on coated plates (fibronectin-albumin-collagen I) and cultures were expanded using the dual supplemented medium approach (maintenance medium and growth medium), in the presence of a 10 μm Rho-associated protein kinase inhibitor (Y-27632). Cell passages were obtained at culture confluency (∼2 weeks). A quantitative colorimetric WST-1 cell growth assay was performed at different time points of the culture. Morphometric analysis (area assessment and circularity), immunocytochemistry (ZO-1, Na+/K+-ATPase α, Ki67), and transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) were performed on confluent monolayers. RESULTS There was no difference between the cell growth profiles of hCEC cultures obtained from corneas older than 60 years, whether preserved cold or cultivated organotypic corneas. Primary cultures were able to maintain a certain cell circularity index (around 0.8) and morphology (hexagonal) similar to corneal endothelial mosaic. The ZO-1 and Na+/K+-ATPase pump markers were highly positive in confluent cell monolayers at 21 days after isolation (passage 0; P0), but significantly decreased in confluent monolayers after the first passage (P1). A weak expression of Ki67 was observed in both P0 and P1 monolayers. The P0 monolayers showed a progressive increase in TEER values between days 6 and 11 and remained stable until day 18 of culture, indicating a state of controlled permeability in monolayers. The P1 monolayers also showed some functional ability but with decreased TEER values compared to monolayers at P0. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that it is possible to obtain functional hCEC cultures in eye banks, using simplified and standardized protocols, from older donor corneas (>60 years of age), previously preserved under organotypic culture conditions. This tissue is more readily available in our setting, due to the profile of the donor population or due to the low endothelial count (<2,000 cells/mm2) of the donated cornea.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francisco Bandeira
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nausica Otero
- Barcelona Tissue Bank (BTB), Banc de Sang i Teixits (BST), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - José Álvaro P. Gomes
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - José L. Güell
- Instituto de Microcirugía Ocular (IMO), IMO Foundation, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ricardo P. Casaroli-Marano
- Barcelona Tissue Bank (BTB), Banc de Sang i Teixits (BST), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine and Health Sciences and Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Cai Z, Zhang Y, Fang RS, Brenner B, Kweon J, Sun C, Goldberg J, Zhang HF. Multiscale imaging of corneal endothelium damage and effects of Rho Kinase inhibitor application in mouse models of acute ocular hypertension. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.18.541299. [PMID: 37292938 PMCID: PMC10245768 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.18.541299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We developed a multiscale optical imaging workflow, integrating and correlating visible-light optical coherence tomography, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and single-molecule localization microscopy to investigate the mouse cornea damages from the in-vivo tissue level to the nanoscopic single-molecule level. We used electron microscopy to validate the imaged nanoscopic structures. We imaged wild-type mice and mice with acute ocular hypertension and examined the effects of Rho Kinase inhibitor application. We defined four types of intercellular tight junction structures as healthy, compact, partially-distorted, and fully-distorted types by labeling the Zonula occludens-1 protein in the corneal endothelial cell layer. We correlated the statistics of the four types of tight junction structures with cornea thickness and intraocular pressure. We found that the population of fully-distorted tight junctions correlated well with the level of cornea edema, and applying Rho Kinase inhibitor reduced the population of fully-distorted tight junctions under acute ocular hypertension.
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13
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Peh GSL, Bandeira F, Neo D, Adnan K, Hartono Y, Ong HS, Naso S, Venkatraman A, Gomes JAP, Kocaba V, Mehta JS. Effects of Rho-Associated Kinase (Rock) Inhibitors (Alternative to Y-27632) on Primary Human Corneal Endothelial Cells. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091307. [PMID: 37174707 PMCID: PMC10177577 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Rho-associated coiled-coil protein kinase (ROCK) signaling cascade impacts a wide array of cellular events. For cellular therapeutics, scalable expansion of primary human corneal endothelial cells (CECs) is crucial, and the inhibition of ROCK signaling using a well characterized ROCK inhibitor (ROCKi) Y-27632 had been shown to enhance overall endothelial cell yield. (2) In this study, we compared several classes of ROCK inhibitors to both ROCK-I and ROCK-II, using in silico binding simulation. We then evaluated nine ROCK inhibitors for their effects on primary CECs, before narrowing it down to the two most efficacious compounds-AR-13324 (Netarsudil) and its active metabolite, AR-13503-and assessed their impact on cellular proliferation in vitro. Finally, we evaluated the use of AR-13324 on the regenerative capacity of donor cornea with an ex vivo corneal wound closure model. Donor-matched control groups supplemented with Y-27632 were used for comparative analyses. (3) Our in silico simulation revealed that most of the compounds had stronger binding strength than Y-27632. Most of the nine ROCK inhibitors assessed worked within the concentrations of between 100 nM to 30 µM, with comparable adherence to that of Y-27632. Of note, both AR-13324 and AR-13503 showed better cellular adherence when compared to Y-27632. Similarly, the proliferation rates of CECs exposed to AR-13324 were comparable to those of Y-27632. Interestingly, CECs expanded in a medium supplemented with AR-13503 were significantly more proliferative in (i) untreated vs. AR-13503 (1 μM; * p < 0.05); (ii) untreated vs. AR-13503 (10 μM; *** p < 0.001); (iii) Y-27632 vs. AR-13503 (10 μM; ** p < 0.005); (iv) AR-13324 (1 μM) vs. AR-13503 (10 μM; ** p < 0.005); and (v) AR-13324 (0.1 μM) vs. AR-13503 (10 μM; * p < 0.05). Lastly, an ex vivo corneal wound healing study showed a comparable wound healing rate for the final healed area in corneas exposed to Y-27632 or AR-13324. (4) In conclusion, we were able to demonstrate that various classes of ROCKi compounds other than Y-27632 were able to exert positive effects on primary CECs, and systematic donor-match controlled comparisons revealed that the FDA-approved ROCK inhibitor, AR-13324, is a potential candidate for cellular therapeutics or as an adjunct drug in regenerative treatment for corneal endothelial diseases in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary S L Peh
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Singhealth Duke-NUS Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Programme , Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Francisco Bandeira
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
- Corneal and External Diseases Department, São Gonçalo Eye Hospital, Rio de Janeiro 24421-005, Brazil
| | - Dawn Neo
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
| | - Khadijah Adnan
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
| | - Yossa Hartono
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR, 30 Biopolis Street, Matrix #07-01, Singapore 138671, Singapore
| | - Hon Shing Ong
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Singhealth Duke-NUS Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Programme , Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore 168751, Singapore
| | - Sacha Naso
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
| | - Anandalakshmi Venkatraman
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
| | - José A P Gomes
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Viridiana Kocaba
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery, 3071AA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jodhbir S Mehta
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Singhealth Duke-NUS Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Programme , Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore 168751, Singapore
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Sturdivant J, Williams SS, Ina M, Weksler M, McDougal A, Clancy D, deLong MA, Girouard N, Zaretskaia M, Brennan K, Glendenning A, Foley B, Lin CW, White JC, Kopczynski C, Kelly CR. Discovery and Preclinical Development of Novel Intraocular Pressure-Lowering Rho Kinase Inhibitor: Corticosteroid Conjugates. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2023; 39:117-127. [PMID: 36602977 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2022.0129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: A new class of ocular steroids designed to mitigate steroid-induced intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation while maintaining anti-inflammatory activity was developed. Herein is described the discovery and preclinical characterization of ROCK'Ster compound 1. Methods: Codrugs consisting of a Rho kinase inhibitor (ROCKi) and a corticosteroid were synthesized. Compounds were initially screened in vitro for ROCKi activity and anti-inflammatory activity against the proinflammatory interleukin 23 and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) pathways. Selected compounds were then screened for solubility, chemical stability, and ex vivo corneal metabolism. Lead compound 1 was evaluated for IOP lowering in the Dutch Belted rabbit and for anti-inflammatory efficacy in both a postcataract surgery model and an allergic eye disease (AED) mouse model. Results: Several ROCK'Sters were found to be potent inhibitors of ROCK (Kis < 50 nM), have high anti-inflammatory activity in vitro (IC50s < 50 nM), display sufficient stability in topical ophthalmic formulations, and have a moderate rate of corneal metabolism. Compound 1 (0.1% and 0.25%, quater in die [QID]-4 times a day) demonstrated IOP-lowering capability without inducing hyperemia in our rabbit model. When compared with the marketed steroids, Durezol® and Pred Forte®, compound 1 (0.1%, 0.25%) demonstrated noninferiority in clinical scoring in a rabbit model of inflammation after surgery. In addition, anti-inflammatory outcomes were observed with compound 1 (0.1%) relative to Lotemax® or vehicle control in an AED mouse model. Conclusion: ROCK'Ster compound 1 is a novel compound suitable for topical ocular dosing that possesses IOP-lowering capability along with similar anti-inflammatory activity compared with marketed steroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill Sturdivant
- Research & Development, Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Stuart S Williams
- Research & Development, Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Maria Ina
- Research & Development, Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Meredith Weksler
- Research & Development, Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Alan McDougal
- Research & Development, Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Daphne Clancy
- Research & Development, Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mitchell A deLong
- Research & Development, Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Natalie Girouard
- Research & Development, Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Maria Zaretskaia
- Research & Development, Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Karen Brennan
- Research & Development, Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Angela Glendenning
- Research & Development, Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Briana Foley
- Research & Development, Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Cheng-Wen Lin
- Research & Development, Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jeffrey C White
- Research & Development, Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Casey Kopczynski
- Research & Development, Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Curtis R Kelly
- Research & Development, Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
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15
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Shin H, Min JK, Kim NR, Seo KY, Chin HS, Lee S, Jung JW. Effects of Y-27632, a Rho-associated Kinase Inhibitor, on Human Corneal Endothelial Cells Cultured by Isolating Human Corneal Endothelial Progenitor Cells. KOREAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2023; 37:31-41. [PMID: 36549303 PMCID: PMC9935058 DOI: 10.3341/kjo.2022.0133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
CONCLUSIONS Y-27632 enabled the isolation and expansion of HCEPs. It also enhanced the proliferation, viability, and migration of differentiated HCEPs. METHODS HCEPs were isolated and expanded in a medium with and without 10μM Y-27632, and then differentiated into HCECs in a medium with fetal bovine serum. The characteristics of HCEPs and differentiated HCEPs were confirmed by immunofluorescence staining. The proliferation, viability, morphology, and wound-healing ability of differentiated HCEPs were assessed in the presence of different concentrations of Y-27632. PURPOSE Human corneal endothelial progenitor cells (HCEPs), which has been selectively isolated and differentiated into human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs), are crucial for repairing corneal endothelial damage. In this study, we evaluated the roles of a Rho-assisted kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, Y-27632, on the isolation and expansion of HCEPs, and assessed the in vitro effects of different concentrations of Y-27632 on the differentiated HCEPs. RESULTS Y-27632 enabled the isolation and expansion of HCEPs from the corneal endothelium. The differentiated HCEPs showed an optimal increase in proliferation and survival in the presence of 10μM Y-27632. As the concentration of Y-27632 increased, differentiated HCEPs became elongated, and actin filaments were redistributed to the periphery of cells. Y-27632 also caused a concentration-dependent enhancement in the wound-healing ability of differentiated HCEPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haeeun Shin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inha Vision Science Laboratory, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon,
Korea
| | - Joon Ki Min
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inha Vision Science Laboratory, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon,
Korea
| | - Na Rae Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inha Vision Science Laboratory, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon,
Korea
| | - Kyoung Yul Seo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Hee Seung Chin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inha Vision Science Laboratory, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon,
Korea
| | - Soyoung Lee
- Translational Research Center, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon,
Korea
| | - Ji Won Jung
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inha Vision Science Laboratory, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon,
Korea
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16
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Jayarajan V, Hall GT, Xenakis T, Bulstrode N, Moulding D, Castellano S, Di WL. Short-Term Treatment with Rho-Associated Kinase Inhibitor Preserves Keratinocyte Stem Cell Characteristics In Vitro. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030346. [PMID: 36766688 PMCID: PMC9913223 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary keratinocytes including keratinocyte stem cells (KSCs) can be cultured as epidermal sheets in vitro and are attractive for cell and gene therapies for genetic skin disorders. However, the initial slow growth of freshly isolated keratinocytes hinders clinical applications. Rho-associated kinase inhibitor (ROCKi) has been used to overcome this obstacle, but its influence on the characteristics of KSC and its safety for clinical application remains unknown. In this study, primary keratinocytes were treated with ROCKi Y-27632 for six days (short-term). Significant increases in colony formation and cell proliferation during the six-day ROCKi treatment were observed and confirmed by related protein markers and single-cell transcriptomic analysis. In addition, short-term ROCKi-treated cells maintained their differentiation ability as examined by 3D-organotypic culture. However, these changes could be reversed and became indistinguishable between treated and untreated cells once ROCKi treatment was withdrawn. Further, the short-term ROCKi treatment did not reduce the number of KSCs. In addition, AKT and ERK pathways were rapidly activated upon ROCKi treatment. In conclusion, short-term ROCKi treatment can transiently and reversibly accelerate initial primary keratinocyte expansion while preserving the holoclone-forming cell population (KSCs), providing a safe avenue for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vignesh Jayarajan
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research & Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - George T. Hall
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research & Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 20 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1DZ, UK
| | - Theodoros Xenakis
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research & Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 20 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1DZ, UK
| | - Neil Bulstrode
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Dale Moulding
- Light Microscopy Core Facility, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Sergi Castellano
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research & Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 20 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1DZ, UK
- UCL Genomics, Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, 20 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1DZ, UK
| | - Wei-Li Di
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research & Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-(0)207905-2369; Fax: +44-(0)207905-2882
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17
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Miron A, Ní Dhubhghaill S, Kocaba V, Jager MJ, Melles GRJ, Oellerich S. Early and late-onset cell migration from peripheral corneal endothelium. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285609. [PMID: 37163555 PMCID: PMC10171599 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study we describe peripheral corneal endothelial cell migration in vitro in the absence and presence of a ROCK-inhibitor. For this study, 21 corneal endothelial graft rims, with attached trabecular meshwork (TM), were prepared from Descemet membrane-endothelial cell sheets by 6.5 mm trepanation. For the initial proof-of-concept, 7 outer graft rims were cultured in a thermo-reversible hydrogel matrix for up to 47 days. To assess the effect of a ROCK-inhibitor, 14 paired outer rims were cultured either with or without ROCK-inhibitor for up to 46 days. At the end of culture, tissue was retrieved from the hydrogel matrix and examined for cell viability and expression of different endothelial cell markers (ZO-1, Na+/K+-ATPase, NCAM, glypican, and vimentin). All cultured rims remained viable and displayed either single regions (n = 5/21) or collective areas (n = 16/21) of cell migration, regardless of the presence or absence of ROCK-inhibition. Migration started after 4±2 days and continued for at least 29 days. The presence of ROCK-inhibitor seemed to contribute to a more regular cell morphology of migrating cells. In addition, 7 outer rims demonstrated a phenotypically distinct late-onset but fast-growing cell population emerging from the area close to the limbus. These cells emerged after 3 weeks of culture and appeared less differentiated compared to other areas of migration. Immunostaining showed that migrated cells maintained the expression patterns of endothelial cell markers. In conclusion, we observed 2 morphologically distinct migrating cell populations with the first type being triggered by a broken physical barrier, which disrupted contact inhibition and the second, late-onset type showing a higher proliferative capacity though appearing less differentiated. This cell subpopulation appeared to be mediated by stimuli other than loss of contact inhibition and ROCK-inhibitor presence. Further exploration of the differences between these cell types may assist in optimizing regenerative treatment options for endothelial diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Miron
- Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Amnitrans EyeBank Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Viridiana Kocaba
- Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Amnitrans EyeBank Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Melles Cornea Clinic Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Tissue and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Martine J Jager
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gerrit R J Melles
- Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Amnitrans EyeBank Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Melles Cornea Clinic Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Silke Oellerich
- Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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18
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Zhou Q, Li Z, Duan H. iPSC-Derived Corneal Endothelial Cells. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2023; 281:257-276. [PMID: 36882600 DOI: 10.1007/164_2023_644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
The corneal endothelium is the innermost monolayer of the cornea that maintains corneal transparency and thickness. However, adult human corneal endothelial cells (CECs) possess limited proliferative capacity, and injuries can only be repaired by migration and enlargement of resident cells. When corneal endothelial cell density is lower than the critical level (400-500 cells/mm2) due to disease or trauma, corneal endothelial dysfunction will occur and lead to corneal edema. Corneal transplantation remains the most effective clinical treatment therapy but is limited by the global shortage of healthy corneal donors. Recently, researchers have developed several alternative strategies for the treatment of corneal endothelial disease, including the transplantation of cultured human CECs and artificial corneal endothelial replacement. Early-stage results show that these strategies can effectively resolve corneal edema and restore corneal clarity and thickness, but the long-term efficacy and safety remain to be further validated. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) represent an ideal cell source for the treatment and drug discovery of corneal endothelial diseases, which can avoid the ethical-related and immune-related problems of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). At present, many approaches have been developed to induce the differentiation of corneal endothelial-like cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Their safety and efficacy for the treatment of corneal endothelial dysfunction have been confirmed in rabbit and nonhuman primate animal models. Therefore, the iPSC-derived corneal endothelial cell model may provide a novel effective platform for basic and clinical research of disease modeling, drug screening, mechanistic investigation, and toxicology testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingjun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zongyi Li
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
| | - Haoyun Duan
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China
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Kopecny LR, Lee BWH, Coroneo MT. A systematic review on the effects of ROCK inhibitors on proliferation and/or differentiation in human somatic stem cells: A hypothesis that ROCK inhibitors support corneal endothelial healing via acting on the limbal stem cell niche. Ocul Surf 2023; 27:16-29. [PMID: 36586668 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2022.12.008] [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] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Rho kinase inhibitors (ROCKi) have attracted growing multidisciplinary interest, particularly in Ophthalmology where the question as to how they promote corneal endothelial healing remains unresolved. Concurrently, stem cell biology has rapidly progressed in unravelling drivers of stem cell (SC) proliferation and differentiation, where mechanical niche factors and the actin cytoskeleton are increasingly recognized as key players. There is mounting evidence from the study of the peripheral corneal endothelium that supports the likelihood of an internal limbal stem cell niche. The possibility that ROCKi stimulate the endothelial SC niche has not been addressed. Furthermore, there is currently a paucity of data that directly evaluates whether ROCKi promotes corneal endothelial healing by acting on this limbal SC niche located near the transition zone. Therefore, we performed a systematic review examining the effects ROCKi on the proliferation and differentiation of human somatic SC, to provide insight into its effects on various human SC populations. An appraisal of electronic searches of four databases identified 1 in vivo and 58 in vitro studies (36 evaluated proliferation while 53 examined differentiation). Types of SC studied included mesenchymal (n = 32), epithelial (n = 11), epidermal (n = 8), hematopoietic and other (n = 8). The ROCK 1/2 selective inhibitor Y-27632 was used in almost all studies (n = 58), while several studies evaluated ≥2 ROCKi (n = 4) including fasudil, H-1152, and KD025. ROCKi significantly influenced human somatic SC proliferation in 81% of studies (29/36) and SC differentiation in 94% of studies (50/53). The present systemic review highlights that ROCKi are influential in regulating human SC proliferation and differentiation, and provides evidence to support the hypothesis that ROCKi promotes corneal endothelial division and maintenance via acting on the inner limbal SC niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lloyd R Kopecny
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Brendon W H Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Level 2 South Wing, Edmund Blacket Building, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - Minas T Coroneo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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Kim KW, Shin YJ, Lee SCS. Novel ROCK Inhibitors, Sovesudil and PHP-0961, Enhance Proliferation, Adhesion and Migration of Corneal Endothelial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314690. [PMID: 36499014 PMCID: PMC9740482 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The loss or dysfunction of human corneal endothelial cells (hCEnCs) is a leading cause of blindness due to corneal failure. Corneal transplantation with a healthy donor cornea has been the only available treatment for corneal endothelial disease. However, the need for way to regenerate the CEnCs has been increased due to the global shortage of donor corneas. The aim of the study is to investigate whether novel Rho-kinase (ROCK) inhibitors can induce the cultivation and regeneration of hCEnCs. Cultured hCEnCs were treated with Y-27632, sovesudil, or PHP-0961 for 24 h. Cellular responses, including cell viability, cytotoxicity, proliferation, and Ki67 expression with ROCK inhibitors were evaluated. We also evaluated wound healing and cell adhesion assays. Porcine corneas were used ex vivo to evaluate the effects of Y-27632, sovesudil, and PHP-0961 on wound healing and regeneration. We performed live/dead cell assays and immunofluorescence staining for SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 2 (SOX2), β-catenin, and ZO-1 on porcine corneas after ROCK inhibitor treatments. Cell viability, cell proliferation rate, and the number of Ki67-positive cells were higher in Y-27632, sovesudil and PHP-0961 treated cells compared to the control. There was no difference in LDH cytotoxicity test between any groups. Cells treated with Y-27632, sovesudil and PHP-0961 showed faster migration, wound healing, and cell adhesion. In the porcine ex vivo experiments, wound healing, the number of live cells, and SOX2-positive cells were higher in Y-27632, sovesudil and PHP-0961 treated corneas. In all experiments, sovesudil and PHP-0961, the novel ROCK inhibitors, were equal or superior to the results of the ROCK inhibitor positive control, Y-27632. In conclusion, sovesudil and PHP-0961, novel ROCK inhibitors have the capacity to regenerate hCEnCs by enhancing cell proliferation and adhesion between cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Wook Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hallym University Medical Center, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Seoul 07441, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Joo Shin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hallym University Medical Center, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Seoul 07441, Republic of Korea
- Hallym BioEyeTech Research Center, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul 07441, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-6960-1240
| | - Sammy Chi Sam Lee
- pH Pharma Co., Ltd., B-1009, U-Space, 670 Daewangpangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13494, Republic of Korea
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21
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Santerre K, Proulx S. Isolation efficiency of collagenase and EDTA for the culture of corneal endothelial cells. Mol Vis 2022; 28:331-339. [PMID: 36338664 PMCID: PMC9603909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Tissue engineering of the corneal endothelium, as well as cell therapy, has been proposed as an alternative approach for the treatment of corneal endotheliopathies. These approaches require in vitro amplification of functional corneal endothelial cells (CECs). The goal of this study was to compare two common isolation methods, collagenase A and EDTA (EDTA), and determine whether they influence cell viability, morphology, and barrier function. METHODS Human eye bank research-grade corneas were used to isolate and cultivate CECs. All donors were more than 40 years old. Two Descemet membranes from the same donor were used separately to compare the collagenase A and EDTA cell isolation methods. The number of isolated cells, cell viability, morphology, and barrier functionality were compared. RESULTS A higher isolation efficiency of viable CECs and a higher circularity index (endothelial morphology) were obtained using collagenase A. Passage 3 cells presented similar barrier functionalities regardless of the isolation method. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that isolation of CECs using collagenase A yields higher isolation efficiency than EDTA, delaying the loss of endothelial morphology for early passage cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Santerre
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier universitaire (CHU) de Québec – Université Laval, axe médecine régénératrice, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Québec, QC, Canada,Département d’Ophtalmologie et d’oto-rhino-laryngologie-chirurgie cervico-faciale, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Stéphanie Proulx
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier universitaire (CHU) de Québec – Université Laval, axe médecine régénératrice, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Québec, QC, Canada,Département d’Ophtalmologie et d’oto-rhino-laryngologie-chirurgie cervico-faciale, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
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22
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Vercammen H, Miron A, Oellerich S, Melles GRJ, Ní Dhubhghaill S, Koppen C, Van Den Bogerd B. Corneal endothelial wound healing: understanding the regenerative capacity of the innermost layer of the cornea. Transl Res 2022; 248:111-127. [PMID: 35609782 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2022.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Currently, there are very few well-established treatments to stimulate corneal endothelial cell regeneration in vivo as a cure for corneal endothelial dysfunctions. The most frequently performed intervention for a damaged or dysfunctional corneal endothelium nowadays is corneal endothelial keratoplasty, also known as lamellar corneal transplantation surgery. Newer medical therapies are emerging and are targeting the regeneration of the corneal endothelium, helping the patients regain their vision without the need for donor tissue. Alternatives to donor tissues are needed as the aging population requiring transplants, has further exacerbated the pressure on the corneal eye banking system. Significant ongoing research efforts in the field of corneal regenerative medicine have been made to elucidate the underlying pathways and effector proteins involved in corneal endothelial regeneration. However, the literature offers little guidance and selective attention to the question of how to fully exploit these pathways. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of wound healing characteristics from a biochemical level in the lab to the regenerative features seen in the clinic. Studying the pathways involved in corneal wound healing together with their key effector proteins, can help explain the effect on the proliferation and migration capacity of the corneal endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik Vercammen
- Antwerp Research Group for Ocular Science (ARGOS), Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Alina Miron
- Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery (NIIOS), Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Silke Oellerich
- Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery (NIIOS), Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gerrit R J Melles
- Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery (NIIOS), Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Melles Cornea Clinic Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sorcha Ní Dhubhghaill
- Antwerp Research Group for Ocular Science (ARGOS), Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium; Department of Ophthalmology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium; Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery (NIIOS), Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carina Koppen
- Antwerp Research Group for Ocular Science (ARGOS), Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium; Department of Ophthalmology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Bert Van Den Bogerd
- Antwerp Research Group for Ocular Science (ARGOS), Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.
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23
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Chung TD, Linville RM, Guo Z, Ye R, Jha R, Grifno GN, Searson PC. Effects of acute and chronic oxidative stress on the blood-brain barrier in 2D and 3D in vitro models. Fluids Barriers CNS 2022; 19:33. [PMID: 35551622 PMCID: PMC9097350 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-022-00327-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a shared pathology of neurodegenerative disease and brain injuries, and is derived from perturbations to normal cell processes by aging or environmental factors such as UV exposure and air pollution. As oxidative cues are often present in systemic circulation, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a key role in mediating the effect of these cues on brain dysfunction. Therefore, oxidative damage and disruption of the BBB is an emergent focus of neurodegenerative disease etiology and progression. We assessed barrier dysfunction in response to chronic and acute oxidative stress in 2D and 3D in vitro models of the BBB with human iPSC-derived brain microvascular endothelial-like cells (iBMECs). We first established doses of hydrogen peroxide to induce chronic damage (modeling aging and neurodegenerative disease) and acute damage (modeling the response to traumatic brain injury) by assessing barrier function via transendothelial electrical resistance in 2D iBMEC monolayers and permeability and monolayer integrity in 3D tissue-engineered iBMEC microvessels. Following application of these chronic and acute doses in our in vitro models, we found local, discrete structural changes were the most prevalent responses (rather than global barrier loss). Additionally, we validated unique functional changes in response to oxidative stress, including dysfunctional cell turnover dynamics and immune cell adhesion that were consistent with changes in gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy D Chung
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 100 Croft Hall, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Raleigh M Linville
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 100 Croft Hall, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zhaobin Guo
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 100 Croft Hall, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Robert Ye
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 100 Croft Hall, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ria Jha
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 100 Croft Hall, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gabrielle N Grifno
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 100 Croft Hall, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peter C Searson
- Institute for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 100 Croft Hall, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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24
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Parekh M, Wongvisavavit R, Cubero Cortes ZM, Wojcik G, Romano V, Tabernero SS, Ferrari S, Ahmad S. Alternatives to endokeratoplasty: an attempt towards reducing global demand of human donor corneas. Regen Med 2022; 17:461-475. [PMID: 35481361 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2021-0149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The cornea is an anterior transparent tissue of the eye that enables the transmission of surrounding light to the back of the eye, which is essential for maintaining clear vision. Corneal endothelial diseases can lead to partial or total blindness; hence, surgical replacement of the diseased corneal tissue with a healthy cadaveric donor graft becomes necessary when the endothelium is damaged. Keratoplasties face a huge challenge due to a worldwide shortage in the supply of human donor corneas. Hence, alternative solutions such as cell or tissue engineering-based therapies have been investigated for reducing the global demand of donor corneas. This review aims at highlighting studies that have been successful at replacing partial or total endothelial keratoplasty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Parekh
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL,UK
| | - Rintra Wongvisavavit
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL,UK.,Faculty of Medicine & Public Health, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand
| | | | - Gabriela Wojcik
- International Center for Ocular Physiopathology, Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto Onlus, Venice, 30174, Italy
| | - Vito Romano
- St Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, L7 8XP, UK.,Department of Ageing & Chronic Diseases, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 8XL, UK
| | - Sara Sanchez Tabernero
- Cornea & external eye disease, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Trust Foundation, London, EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Stefano Ferrari
- International Center for Ocular Physiopathology, Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto Onlus, Venice, 30174, Italy
| | - Sajjad Ahmad
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL,UK.,Cornea & external eye disease, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Trust Foundation, London, EC1V 2PD, UK
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25
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Wang Y, Jin C, Tian H, Xu J, Chen J, Hu S, Li Q, Lu L, Ou Q, Xu GT, Cui H. CHIR99021 balance TGFβ1 induced human corneal endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition to favor corneal endothelial cell proliferation. Exp Eye Res 2022; 219:108939. [PMID: 35150734 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.108939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Corneal endothelial cells (CECs) play a major role in the maintenance of stromal hydration via the barrier and pump function for clear vision. Adult CEC cannot regenerate after injury. CECs cultured in vitro can undergo mitosis but may undergo corneal endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EnMT) and lose their endothelial characteristics. In this study, we examined the effects of CHIR99201 on transforming growth factor beta-1(TGFβ1)-induced EnMT in human CEC (hCECs) lines. CHIR99021 kept hCECs in the hexagonal shape and could downregulate the EnMT markers alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and fibronectin (FN1), meanwhile maintained the hCECs function markers Na+/K+-ATPase and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) at levels comparable to those in the normal control. Interestingly, we found that the combination of CHIR99021 and TGFβ1 at appropriate concentrations would significantly promote the proliferation and migration of hCECs. These effects may be related to the inhibition of RhoA or Rac1, as well as the activation of Wnt and Erk pathway, with a calcium homeostasis. Our findings indicate that CHIR99021 inhibit EnMT and that the combination of CHIR99021 and TGFβ1 may provide new ideas for corneal endothelial regeneration and wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200123, China
| | - Caixia Jin
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haibin Tian
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingying Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200123, China
| | - Shuqin Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200123, China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200123, China
| | - Lixia Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingjian Ou
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Guo-Tong Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hongping Cui
- Department of Ophthalmology of Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200123, China.
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26
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Crosslinking-Induced Corneal Endothelium Dysfunction and Its Protection by Topical Ripasudil Treatment. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:5179247. [PMID: 35069933 PMCID: PMC8776458 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5179247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the changes of corneal endothelium under different crosslinking conditions and the protective effect of ripasudil. Methods Corneal crosslinking groups were infiltrated with riboflavin and subsequently irradiated with 0.54 J/cm2 or 1.08 J/cm2 UVA, while noncrosslinking groups included neither UVA nor riboflavin treatment, only 1.08 J/cm2 UVA and only riboflavin treatment. Corneal opacity, variations in corneal endothelial cells, and corneal thickness of all groups were observed by slit lamp, in vivo confocal microscopy, and optical coherence tomography. Immunofluorescence staining and scanning electron microscopy were performed to evaluate changes in the structure and function of the corneal endothelium. The mice that received a corneal crosslinking dose of 1.08 J/cm2 were instilled with ripasudil to explore its protective effect on the corneal endothelium. Results Treatment with UVA and riboflavin caused an increase in corneal opacity and corneal thickness and decreased endothelial cell density. Furthermore, treatment with UVA and riboflavin caused endothelial cell DNA damage and destroyed the tight junction and pump function of the endothelium, while riboflavin or the same dose of UVA alone did not affect the endothelium. Ripasudil reduced DNA damage in endothelial cells, increased the density of cells, and protected the endothelium's integrity and function. Conclusion Riboflavin combined with UVA can damage the corneal endothelium's normal functioning. The corneal endothelium's wound healing is dose-dependent, and the ROCK inhibitor ripasudil maintains the endothelium's pump and barrier functions.
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27
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Comparative culture of human corneal endothelial cells following treatment with human platelet lysate/fibrin hydrogel versus Y-27632 ROCK inhibitor: in vitro and ex vivo study. Int Ophthalmol 2022; 42:1469-1479. [PMID: 35023011 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-021-02136-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The advancement of tissue engineering and cell therapy research has resulted in innovative therapeutic options for patients with corneal endothelial diseases. The aim of this study was to compare the potential effect of using human platelet lysate (HPL)/Fibrin hydrogel versus using a Y-27632 ROCK inhibitor, on the culture of human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs) under in vitro and ex vivo conditions. METHODS HCECs were isolated from human donors and treated separately with HPL/Fibrin hydrogel, a Y-27632 ROCK inhibitor, and fetal bovine serum (FBS). MTT viability assay and cell counting were performed on the treated cells. Subsequently, we prepared ex vivo models of human corneal endothelial dysfunction and incubated them with DiI-labeled-HCECs. Specular and fluorescence microscopy were then performed on each of the ex vivo models. RESULTS In comparison, similar viability results were achieved in the cells treated with HPL/Fibrin hydrogel versus those treated with the Y-27632 ROCK inhibitor, but both treatments showed higher viability than the control group (FBS). More importantly, based on the specular and fluorescence microscopic results, the HPL/Fibrin hydrogel and the Y-27632 ROCK inhibitor treatments showed similar inducible effects on the attachment of the cells to the Descemet membranes of the ex vivo models. CONCLUSION HPL/Fibrin hydrogel and Y-27632 ROCK inhibitor have similar inducible effects on the viability and attachment of the HCECs. A definite advantage of treating cells with HPL/Fibrin hydrogel is that it serves as a xeno-free and biocompatible material which can have autologous applications in future usage by clinics.
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Essential Role of Rho-Associated Kinase in ABO Immune Complex-Mediated Endothelial Barrier Disruption. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121851. [PMID: 34944667 PMCID: PMC8698390 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
ABO immune complexes (ABO-IC) formed by ABO-incompatible antigen-antibody interaction are associated with hemolysis and platelet destruction in patients transfused with ABO-nonidentical blood products. However, the effects of ABO-IC on endothelial cells (EC) are unclear. ABO-IC were formed in vitro from normal donor-derived plasma and serum. Human pulmonary artery EC (HPAEC) were cultured and treated with media, ABO-identical and –non-identical plasma, and ABO-IC. EC barrier integrity was evaluated using transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin and phalloidin staining, and Rho-associated Kinase (ROCK) inhibitor treatment. TEER revealed significant/irreversible barrier disruption within 1–2 h of exposure to ABO non-identical plasma and ABO-IC; this occurred independently of EC ABO type. Treatment with ABO-IC resulted in decreased VE-cadherin staining and increased phalloidin staining in a time-dependent manner, suggesting that the resultant increased EC barrier permeability is secondary to actin stress fiber formation and loss of cell surface VE-cadherin. Inhibition of ROCK was effective in protecting against IC-induced barrier disruption even two hours after ABO-IC exposure. ABO-IC causes increased EC barrier permeability by decreasing cell surface VE-cadherin and promoting stress fiber formation, which is preventable by inhibiting ROCK activation to protect against EC contraction and gap formation.
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29
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Smeringaiova I, Paaske Utheim T, Jirsova K. Ex vivo expansion and characterization of human corneal endothelium for transplantation: a review. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:554. [PMID: 34717745 PMCID: PMC8556978 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02611-3] [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: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The corneal endothelium plays a key role in maintaining corneal transparency. Its dysfunction is currently treated with penetrating or lamellar keratoplasty. Advanced cell therapy methods seek to address the persistent global deficiency of donor corneas by enabling the renewal of the endothelial monolayer with tissue-engineered grafts. This review provides an overview of recently published literature on the preparation of endothelial grafts for transplantation derived from cadaveric corneas that have developed over the last decade (2010–2021). Factors such as the most suitable donor parameters, culture substrates and media, endothelial graft storage conditions, and transplantation methods are discussed. Despite efforts to utilize alternative cellular sources, such as induced pluripotent cells, cadaveric corneas appear to be the best source of cells for graft preparation to date. However, native endothelial cells have a limited natural proliferative capacity, and they often undergo rapid phenotype changes in ex vivo culture. This is the main reason why no culture protocol for a clinical-grade endothelial graft prepared from cadaveric corneas has been standardized so far. Currently, the most established ex vivo culture protocol involves the peel-and-digest method of cell isolation and cell culture by the dual media method, including the repeated alternation of high and low mitogenic conditions. Culture media are enriched by additional substances, such as signaling pathway (Rho-associated protein kinase, TGF-β, etc.) inhibitors, to stimulate proliferation and inhibit unwanted morphological changes, particularly the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. To date, this promising approach has led to the development of endothelial grafts for the first in-human clinical trial in Japan. In addition to the lack of a standard culture protocol, endothelial-specific markers are still missing to confirm the endothelial phenotype in a graft ready for clinical use. Because the corneal endothelium appears to comprise phenotypically heterogeneous populations of cells, the genomic and proteomic expression of recently proposed endothelial-specific markers, such as Cadherin-2, CD166, or SLC4A11, must be confirmed by additional studies. The preparation of endothelial grafts is still challenging today, but advances in tissue engineering and surgery over the past decade hold promise for the successful treatment of endothelial dysfunctions in more patients worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrida Smeringaiova
- Laboratory of the Biology and Pathology of the Eye, Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Albertov 4, 128 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tor Paaske Utheim
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Katerina Jirsova
- Laboratory of the Biology and Pathology of the Eye, Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Albertov 4, 128 00, Prague, Czech Republic.
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30
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Y-27632 Promotes the Repair Effect of Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Endothelial Progenitor Cells on Corneal Endothelial Wound Healing. Cornea 2021; 40:203-214. [PMID: 33086282 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000002560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the proliferation of umbilical cord blood-derived endothelial progenitor cells (UCB EPCs) and the differentiation efficiency toward corneal endothelial cell (CEC)-like cells induced by rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y-27632 and to determine the most effective strategy for repairing corneal endothelium injuries in rabbits. METHODS UCB EPCs were cultured in Endothelial Cell Growth Medium-2 (EGM-2) media or conditioned media (CM) from human CECs, with and without the addition of Y-27632. Bromo-deoxyuridine (BrdU) immunocytochemistry and cell counting kit-8 assays were used to examine the proliferation of the cells. Real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and immunocytochemistry were used to detect the CEC markers. Nd:YAG laser was used to establish an appropriate endothelium injury model based on rabbit corneas. The following intracameral injections were then performed to repair the model: 100 μL Opti-MEM I reduced serum medium (model group), 2 × 105 UCB EPCs diluted in 100 μL Opti-MEM I reduced serum medium (EPC group), 100 μM Y-27632 diluted in 100 μL Opti-MEM I reduced serum medium (Y-27632 group), and 2 × 105 UCB EPCs supplemented with 100 μM Y-27632 (final volume 100 μL, EPC/Y-27632 group). The follow-up tests focused on corneal transparency, central corneal thickness, intraocular pressure, and in vivo confocal microscopy, which were performed to evaluate the healing of the wounds. RESULTS Culturing UCB EPCs in CM supplemented with 10 μM Y-27632 resulted in higher proliferation rates compared with EGM-2 media and CM. There were significantly improved protein levels of Zona Occludens 1, N-cadherin, Na+-K+-ATPase α1, Na+-K+-ATPase β1, and Pax6 and improved mRNA levels of collagen type IV and VIII and AQP1. The combined intracameral injection of Y-27632 and UCB EPCs accelerated the recovery of corneal transparency, regression of corneal edema, and healing of the corneal endothelium compared with the injections of Y-27632 and UCB EPCs on their own. CONCLUSIONS Y-27632 not only promotes the proliferation of UCB EPCs but also contributes to differentiation of UCB EPCs toward CECs in the presence of CM. The intracameral injection of Y-27632 itself promotes the healing of corneal endothelium wounds. On this basis, supplementing UCB EPCs with Y-27632 accelerates the healing of corneal endothelium wounds.
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31
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Català P, Thuret G, Skottman H, Mehta JS, Parekh M, Ní Dhubhghaill S, Collin RWJ, Nuijts RMMA, Ferrari S, LaPointe VLS, Dickman MM. Approaches for corneal endothelium regenerative medicine. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 87:100987. [PMID: 34237411 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.100987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The state of the art therapy for treating corneal endothelial disease is transplantation. Advances in the reproducibility and accessibility of surgical techniques are increasing the number of corneal transplants, thereby causing a global deficit of donor corneas and leaving 12.7 million patients with addressable visual impairment. Approaches to regenerate the corneal endothelium offer a solution to the current tissue scarcity and a treatment to those in need. Methods for generating corneal endothelial cells into numbers that could address the current tissue shortage and the possible strategies used to deliver them have now become a therapeutic reality with clinical trials taking place in Japan, Singapore and Mexico. Nevertheless, there is still a long way before such therapies are approved by regulatory bodies and become clinical practice. Moreover, acellular corneal endothelial graft equivalents and certain drugs could provide a treatment option for specific disease conditions without the need of donor tissue or cells. Finally, with the emergence of gene modulation therapies to treat corneal endothelial disease, it would be possible to treat presymptomatic patients or those presenting early symptoms, drastically reducing the need for donor tissue. It is necessary to understand the most recent developments in this rapidly evolving field to know which conditions could be treated with which approach. This article provides an overview of the current and developing regenerative medicine therapies to treat corneal endothelial disease and provides the necessary guidance and understanding towards the treatment of corneal endothelial disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pere Català
- University Eye Clinic Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Gilles Thuret
- Laboratory of Biology, Engineering and Imaging of Corneal Graft, BiiGC, Faculty of Medicine, University of Saint Etienne, Saint Etienne, France; Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
| | - Heli Skottman
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jodhbir S Mehta
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore; Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-National University Singapore Medical School, Singapore; Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
| | - Mohit Parekh
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK; The Veneto Eye Bank Foundation, Venice, Italy; Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sorcha Ní Dhubhghaill
- Department of Ophthalmology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium; Ophthalmology, Visual Optics and Visual Rehabilitation, Department of Translational Neurosciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Rob W J Collin
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Rudy M M A Nuijts
- University Eye Clinic Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Vanessa L S LaPointe
- Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Mor M Dickman
- University Eye Clinic Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
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Mishan MA, Balagholi S, Chamani T, Feizi S, Soheili ZS, Kanavi MR. Potential Effect of Human Platelet Lysate on in vitro Expansion of Human Corneal Endothelial Cells Compared with Y-27632 ROCK Inhibitor. J Ophthalmic Vis Res 2021; 16:349-356. [PMID: 34394863 PMCID: PMC8358758 DOI: 10.18502/jovr.v16i3.9431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Corneal endothelial cell (CEC) therapy can be used as a promising therapeutic option for patients with various corneal endothelial dysfunctions. In this study, we compared the proliferative effect of human platelet lysate (HPL), as a xeno-free medium supplement, with Y-27632 Rho/rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, as a well-known proliferative and adhesive agent for CECs, and fetal bovine serum (FBS) as the control, in the culture medium of human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs). METHODS We isolated HCECs from human donors and treated the cells as three different treatment groups including 20% HPL only, 10 μM Y-27632 ROCK inhibitor, combination of 20% HPL and 10 μM Y-27632 ROCK inhibitor, and 20% FBS as the control group. ELISA cell proliferation assay and cell counting was performed on the treated cells. Finally, HCECs were characterized by morphology and immunocytochemistry (ICC). RESULTS There was no significant proliferative effect of HPL on cell proliferation compared with the cells treated with Y-27632 ROCK inhibitor or the combination of HPL and Y-27632 ROCK inhibitor, but all the respected treatments had significant inducible effect on cell proliferation as compared with FBS-treated cells. The cells grown in all three treatment groups exhibited CEC morphology. Also, there was a higher expression of Na+/K+-ATPase and ZO-1, as CEC characteristic markers, in the culture of HCECs treated with HPL as compared with FBS. CONCLUSION HPL offers a xeno - free and affordable medium supplement for CEC expansion that can be used in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Amir Mishan
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Research Center, Research Institute for Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Balagholi
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Sepehr Feizi
- Ophthalmic Research Center, Research Institute for Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mozhgan Rezaei Kanavi
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Research Center, Research Institute for Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Mishan MA, Balagholi S, Chamani T, Feizi S, Soheili ZS, Rezaei Kanavi M. Potential of a novel scaffold composed of human platelet lysate and fibrin for human corneal endothelial cells. Cell Tissue Bank 2021; 23:171-183. [PMID: 33939123 DOI: 10.1007/s10561-021-09931-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cell-based therapies have been emerged to find innovative solutions for corneal endothelial dysfunction. The aim of this study is to investigate the suitability of a blended scaffold containing human platelet lysate (HPL) and fibrin not only for cultivating human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs) but also for serving as a scaffold for the respected cells. We isolated HCECs from human donors and encapsulated the cells with three concentrations of HPL/Fibrin scaffold, namely HPL/Fibrin 1, HPL/Fibrin 2 and HPL/Fibrin 3, by adding 28.9, 57.8 and 86.7 mg/dl of fibrinogen to HPL to obtain a final percentage of 10, 20 and 30 % of fibrinogen, respectively. SEM imaging and swelling test were done to characterize the scaffolds. Cell viability assay and cell counting were performed on the cells. HCECs were characterized by morphology and immunocytochemistry. SEM imaging on freeze-dried scaffolds showed higher porosity of HPL/Fibrin 1 and HPL/Fibrin 2 than HPL/Fibrin 3, but larger pores were observed only in HPL/Fibrin 1. Cellular attachment and morphology on HPL/Fibrin 1 were appropriate by SEM imaging. A higher swelling rate was observed in HPL/Fibrin 1. After 3 and 5 days, higher numbers of cells were observed specifically in HPL/Fibrin 1. A higher expression of Na+/K+-ATPase, ZO-1 and vimentin proteins was detected in the HPL/Fibrin 1-cultured HCECs as compared with control (no scaffold). HPL/Fibrin can be used as a suitable scaffold for HCECs while preserving the cells viability. Further investigations are necessitated to approve the beneficial effects of the suggested scaffold for delivering and transplantation of cultivated HCECs into the anterior chamber of the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Amir Mishan
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Research Center, Research Institute for Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, No.23, Paidarfard Street, Boostan 9 Street, Pasdaran Avenue, 1666673111, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Balagholi
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Sepehr Feizi
- Ophthalmic Research Center, Research Institute for Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mozhgan Rezaei Kanavi
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Research Center, Research Institute for Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, No.23, Paidarfard Street, Boostan 9 Street, Pasdaran Avenue, 1666673111, Tehran, Iran.
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Schlötzer-Schrehardt U, Zenkel M, Strunz M, Gießl A, Schondorf H, da Silva H, Schmidt GA, Greiner MA, Okumura N, Koizumi N, Kinoshita S, Tourtas T, Kruse FE. Potential Functional Restoration of Corneal Endothelial Cells in Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy by ROCK Inhibitor (Ripasudil). Am J Ophthalmol 2021; 224:185-199. [PMID: 33316261 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2020.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) inhibitors have been successfully used as a rescue strategy in eyes that failed to clear after descemetorhexis without endothelial graft for treatment of Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD). The functional mechanisms by which ROCK inhibitors modulate corneal endothelial cell regeneration in FECD patients have, however, not been clarified. Here, we analyzed the effect of the ROCK inhibitor ripasudil on corneal endothelial cells of FECD patients and normal donors using ex vivo tissue and in vitro cellular models. DESIGN Experimental study: laboratory investigation. METHODS This institutional study used endothelial cell-Descemet membrane lamellae from FECD patients (n = 450) undergoing Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (FECD ex vivo model), normal research-grade donor corneas (n = 30) after scraping off central endothelial cells (ex vivo wound healing model), normal donor corneas (n = 20) without endothelial injury, and immortalized cell lines (n = 3) generated from FECD patients (FECD in vitro model). Descemet membrane lamellae were dissected into halves and incubated for 24-72 hours in storage medium with or without a single dose of 30 μM ripasudil. The effects of ripasudil on expression of genes and proteins related to endothelial cell proliferation, migration, functionality, and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition were analyzed and complemented by functional assays on FECD cell lines. RESULTS A single dose of ripasudil induced significant upregulation of genes and proteins related to cell cycle progression, cell-matrix adhesion and migration, as well as endothelial barrier and pump function up to 72 hours, whereas classical markers of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition were downregulated in both FECD and normal specimens compared to unstimulated controls ex vivo. In addition to stimulation of proliferation and migration, ripasudil-induced changes in expression of functional signature genes could be also verified in FECD cell lines in vitro. CONCLUSIONS These data support the concept that inhibition of ROCK signaling represents a potent tool in regenerative therapies in FECD patients through reactivation of cell proliferation and migration as well as restoration of endothelial pump and barrier function without inducing adverse phenotypic changes.
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Effect of Rho-associated kinase inhibitor on human corneal endothelial cell apoptosis. J Cataract Refract Surg 2021; 46:612-616. [PMID: 32079844 DOI: 10.1097/j.jcrs.0000000000000115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate whether exposure to Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor will promote human-cultured corneal endothelial cells (CECs) survival in a commercial storage medium. SETTING Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, and Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel. DESIGN Experimental study. METHODS Fragments of human donor corneolimbal rings were stored in commercial storage media for 1 week, half with the addition of 10 μM ROCK inhibitor (Y-27632). Evaluation of CECs for early and late apoptosis\necrosis rates was performed using anti-human CD166 antibody and flow cytometric double staining analysis of propidium iodide and Annexin V. RESULTS CECs of 6 corneolimbal rings demonstrated a reduced early apoptosis rate (4.35% ± 1.07% vs 12.18% ± 5.5%, P = .026) and a reduced late apoptosis\necrosis rate (5.5% ± 2.39% vs 9.43% ± 2.61%, P = .004) compared with control. Subsequently, the rate of apoptotic CECs expressing ROCK was significantly lower in cells exposed to ROCK inhibitor compared with cells that were not (19.01% ± 4.17 vs 30.42% ± 4.27, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS ROCK inhibitor reduced endothelial cell loss in vitro and might be used to limit or slow CEC loss in donor corneal tissue during eye banking. This might be a promising new method for promoting future graft survival.
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Goel S, Dey P, Dahiya D, Bhatia A. A not so worthless attempt to develop primary culture from breast FNAC/CNB samples! Tissue Cell 2021; 71:101517. [PMID: 33677200 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2021.101517] [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: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the second leading death-causing cancer in women. Since a longtime, continuous breast cancer cell lines have been used for drug discovery based research. However, these cell lines may not represent the characteristics of original as they are believed to undergo changes due to repeated passaging. Primary cultures directly obtained from the tumor are gaining more attention worldwide as these are believed to mimic the disease process more accurately than that of continuous cell lines. The major problem with the usage of primary culture is to get the sufficient number of cells for the experiments. Here, in this study we attempted to develop primary culture both from FNAC and core needle biopsy (CNB) samples of the breast cancer patients. Overall, we believe that it is not so difficult to establish primary cultures of breast cancer cells from clinical FNAC/CNB samples. However, the starting population in FNAC samples is less which can be a hindrance in getting an adequate number of cells to reach a monolayer. CNB samples may be better quantitatively and stepwise troubleshooting of problems faced can help in the successful establishment of monolayer and primary cultures that can be propagated. We believe, our experience might be helpful for those who are struggling with the development of the short-term primary culture of breast cancer from the small-sized tissue samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Goel
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Pranab Dey
- Department of Cytology & Gynaepathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Divya Dahiya
- Department of General Surgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Alka Bhatia
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India.
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Song YW, Chen JY, Li X, Wang L, Pan ZQ. Therapeutic potential of Rho-associated kinase inhibitor Y27632 in corneal endothelial dysfunction: an in vitro and in vivo study. Int J Ophthalmol 2021; 14:19-25. [PMID: 33469479 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2021.01.03] [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: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the effects of a selective inhibitor of Rho-associated kinase (ROCK), Y-27632, on inbred Wuzhishan porcine corneal endothelial cells (PCECs) in vitro and in vivo studies. METHODS Primary PCECs were trypsinized from Wuzhishan miniature porcine corneal tissues. The optimal concentration of Y-27632 on PCECs was determined through MTT and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU)-labeling assays. Seven New Zealand rabbits were used as a corneal endothelial dysfunction model, and a PCECs suspension supplemented with Y-27632 was injected into the anterior chamber of the rabbits. The progression of rabbit corneal opacity and edema were observed by slit lamp examination. The rabbits were sacrificed, and rabbit globes were enucleated for trypan blue-alizarin red staining, hematoxylin-eosin staining, and immunofluorescence analysis. RESULTS Administration of 100 µmol/L Y-27632 facilitated PCECs' proliferation obviously. The rabbit corneas injected with PCECs suspension and 100 µmol/L Y-27632 were restored to transparency significantly after 14d. CONCLUSION The 100 µmol/L Y-27632 treatment improves PCECs' proliferation significantly. And our results suggest that Y-27632 and PCECs can be used to treat corneal endothelial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Wen Song
- Shanxi Eye Hospital, Taiyuan 030002, Shanxi Province, China.,Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Science Key Laboratory, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Jun-Yu Chen
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Science Key Laboratory, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Xu Li
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Science Key Laboratory, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Li Wang
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Science Key Laboratory, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Pan
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Science Key Laboratory, Beijing 100730, China
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Ong Tone S, Kocaba V, Böhm M, Wylegala A, White TL, Jurkunas UV. Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy: The vicious cycle of Fuchs pathogenesis. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 80:100863. [PMID: 32438095 PMCID: PMC7648733 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is the most common primary corneal endothelial dystrophy and the leading indication for corneal transplantation worldwide. FECD is characterized by the progressive decline of corneal endothelial cells (CECs) and the formation of extracellular matrix (ECM) excrescences in Descemet's membrane (DM), called guttae, that lead to corneal edema and loss of vision. FECD typically manifests in the fifth decades of life and has a greater incidence in women. FECD is a complex and heterogeneous genetic disease where interaction between genetic and environmental factors results in cellular apoptosis and aberrant ECM deposition. In this review, we will discuss a complex interplay of genetic, epigenetic, and exogenous factors in inciting oxidative stress, auto(mito)phagy, unfolded protein response, and mitochondrial dysfunction during CEC degeneration. Specifically, we explore the factors that influence cellular fate to undergo apoptosis, senescence, and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. These findings will highlight the importance of abnormal CEC-DM interactions in triggering the vicious cycle of FECD pathogenesis. We will also review clinical characteristics, diagnostic tools, and current medical and surgical management options for FECD patients. These new paradigms in FECD pathogenesis present an opportunity to develop novel therapeutics for the treatment of FECD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Ong Tone
- Cornea Center of Excellence, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Viridiana Kocaba
- Cornea Center of Excellence, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Myriam Böhm
- Cornea Center of Excellence, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Adam Wylegala
- Cornea Center of Excellence, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Tomas L White
- Cornea Center of Excellence, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ula V Jurkunas
- Cornea Center of Excellence, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
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Transient Reticular Cystic Corneal Epithelial Edema With Topical Netarsudil: A Case Series and Review. Cornea 2020; 40:1048-1054. [PMID: 33369939 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000002621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe cases in which netarsudil ophthalmic solution 0.02% precipitated reversible, reticular cystic epithelial edema. METHODS A retrospective case review at the Brooklyn Veteran's Association Hospital of patients with corneal stromal edema that were treated with netarsudil and subsequently developed cystic epithelial edema. RESULTS Four male patients with a mean age of 72 ± 8.0 years developed a reticular, honeycomb-like pattern of epithelial edema located in the interpalpebral and inferior cornea. In 3 of 4 patients, epithelial edema arose within 1 month compared with 2 months in 1 patient. New epithelial cysts did not correlate with worsening central corneal thickness and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity in every patient, which was likely due to the location of the cysts. Two of 4 patients developed increased central corneal thickness with worsening best spectacle-corrected visual acuity. In comparison, 1 patient had improvement in both parameters, whereas 1 patient had no significant change. In all cases, there was resolution of the epithelial cysts after discontinuation of netarsudil. CONCLUSIONS Although rho-kinase inhibitors have been suggested to improve endothelial function, we have documented worsening epithelial cysts in a subset of patients with pre-existing corneal edema. These effects of netarsudil were transient and resolved after discontinuing treatment within 2 weeks in most patients. We hypothesize that the incidence of this adverse finding is more common than previously believed. Nevertheless, large-scale studies are needed to accurately report on the incidence and clinical significance of this novel finding.
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Mahdavi SS, Abdekhodaie MJ, Mashayekhan S, Baradaran-Rafii A, Djalilian AR. Bioengineering Approaches for Corneal Regenerative Medicine. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2020; 17:567-593. [PMID: 32696417 PMCID: PMC7373337 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-020-00262-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the cornea is responsible for transmitting and focusing light into the eye, injury or pathology affecting any layer of the cornea can cause a detrimental effect on visual acuity. Aging is also a reason for corneal degeneration. Depending on the level of the injury, conservative therapies and donor tissue transplantation are the most common treatments for corneal diseases. Not only is there a lack of donor tissue and risk of infection/rejection, but the inherent ability of corneal cells and layers to regenerate has led to research in regenerative approaches and treatments. METHODS In this review, we first discussed the anatomy of the cornea and the required properties for reconstructing layers of the cornea. Regenerative approaches are divided into two main categories; using direct cell/growth factor delivery or using scaffold-based cell delivery. It is expected delivered cells migrate and integrate into the host tissue and restore its structure and function to restore vision. Growth factor delivery also has shown promising results for corneal surface regeneration. Scaffold-based approaches are categorized based on the type of scaffold, since it has a significant impact on the efficiency of regeneration, into the hydrogel and non-hydrogel based scaffolds. Various types of cells, biomaterials, and techniques are well covered. RESULTS The most important characteristics to be considered for biomaterials in corneal regeneration are suitable mechanical properties, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and transparency. Moreover, a curved shape structure and spatial arrangement of the fibrils have been shown to mimic the corneal extracellular matrix for cells and enhance cell differentiation. CONCLUSION Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine approaches showed to have promising outcomes for corneal regeneration. However, besides proper mechanical and optical properties, other factors such as appropriate sterilization method, storage, shelf life and etc. should be taken into account in order to develop an engineered cornea for clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sharareh Mahdavi
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, 1393 Azadi Ave., Tehran, 11365-11155, Iran
| | - Mohammad J Abdekhodaie
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, 1393 Azadi Ave., Tehran, 11365-11155, Iran.
| | - Shohreh Mashayekhan
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, 1393 Azadi Ave., Tehran, 11365-11155, Iran
| | - Alireza Baradaran-Rafii
- Ophthalmic Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, SBUMS, Arabi Ave, Daneshjoo Blvd, Velenjak, Tehran, 19839-63113, Iran
| | - Ali R Djalilian
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1200 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
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Price MO, Mehta JS, Jurkunas UV, Price FW. Corneal endothelial dysfunction: Evolving understanding and treatment options. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 82:100904. [PMID: 32977001 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The cornea is exquisitely designed to protect the eye while transmitting and focusing incoming light. Precise control of corneal hydration by the endothelial cell layer that lines the inner surface of the cornea is required for optimal transparency, and endothelial dysfunction or damage can result in corneal edema and visual impairment. Advances in corneal transplantation now allow selective replacement of dysfunctional corneal endothelium, providing rapid visual rehabilitation. A series of technique improvements have minimized complications and various adaptations allow use even in eyes with complicated anatomy. While selective endothelial keratoplasty sets a very high standard for safety and efficacy, a shortage of donor corneas in many parts of the world restricts access, prompting a search for alternatives. Clinical trials are underway to evaluate the potential for self-recovery after removal of dysfunctional central endothelium in patients with healthy peripheral endothelium. Various approaches to using cultured human corneal endothelial cells are also in clinical trials; these aim to multiply cells from a single donor cornea for use in potentially hundreds of patients. Pre-clinical studies are underway with induced pluripotent stem cells, endothelial stem cell regeneration, gene therapy, anti-sense oligonucleotides, and various biologic/pharmacologic approaches designed to treat, prevent, or retard corneal endothelial dysfunction. The availability of more therapeutic options will hopefully expand access around the world while also allowing treatment to be more precisely tailored to each individual patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne O Price
- Cornea Research Foundation of America, 9002 N. Meridian St., Suite 212, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
| | - Jodhbir S Mehta
- Singapore National Eye Centre, 11 Third Hospital Ave #08-00, 168751, Singapore
| | - Ula V Jurkunas
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, 243 Charles St., Boston, MA, USA
| | - Francis W Price
- Price Vision Group, 9002 N. Meridian St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Wisely CE, Liu KC, Gupta D, Carlson AN, Asrani SG, Kim T. Reticular Bullous Epithelial Edema in Corneas Treated with Netarsudil: A Case Series. Am J Ophthalmol 2020; 217:20-26. [PMID: 32289295 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2020.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the patient characteristics and the clinical course of an unusual reticular pattern of bullous epithelial corneal edema in a series of patients treated with netarsudil. DESIGN Retrospective case series. METHODS Case series at a single academic center where treatment with netarsudil produced a particular pattern of bullous epithelial corneal edema. RESULTS Six episodes of reticular bullous epithelial corneal edema were identified in 5 eyes of 5 patients treated with netarsudil. A total of 4 of 5 patients had a history of corneal edema in the affected eye, and the fifth patient had risk factors for corneal edema including a history of anterior uveitis and an anterior chamber glaucoma drainage device. In 4 of 6 episodes, corneal edema was present, typically in the corneal stroma at the time of netarsudil initiation. In 5 of 6 cases, visual acuity worsened with onset of bullous epithelial edema, and in all cases, visual acuity stabilized or improved following discontinuation of netarsudil. In all cases, the reticular bullous epithelial edema improved or resolved after discontinuation of netarsudil. CONCLUSIONS The patient characteristics and natural history of a particular pattern of reticular bullous epithelial edema in a series of patients treated with netarsudil once daily is reported. Most patients had a history of corneal edema or predisposing risk factors for corneal edema. All patients demonstrated improvement in bullous epithelial edema after netarsudil discontinuation. Visual acuity improved in most patients within weeks after discontinuation of netarsudil, although 2 patients also underwent surgical interventions that might have contributed to improved visual acuity.
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Lee J, Jung E, Gestoso K, Heur M. ZEB1 Mediates Fibrosis in Corneal Endothelial Mesenchymal Transition Through SP1 and SP3. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 61:41. [PMID: 32721022 PMCID: PMC7425726 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.8.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [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: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose ZEB1 is induced during endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EnMT) in the cornea. Induction of SP1 and SP3 by ZEB1 along with identification of putative SP1 and SP3 binding sites in promoters of EnMT-associated gene lead us to investigate their roles in retrocorneal membrane formation in the corneal endothelium. Methods Expressions of SP1, SP3, and EnMT associated genes were analyzed by immunoblotting and semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Accell SMARTpool siRNAs targeting ZEB1, SP1, and SP3 were used for gene knockdown. SP1 and SP3 binding to promoters of EnMT associated genes was investigated by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Corneal endothelium in mice was surgically injured in vivo under direct visualization. Results Transient Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 stimulation increased the expression of both SP1 and SP3 in the human corneal endothelium ex vivo. ZEB1 siRNA knockdown inhibited FGF2-induced SP1 mRNA and protein but not the expression of SP3. FGF2-induced expression of EnMT-related genes, such as fibronectin, vimentin, and type I collagen, was reduced by both SP1 and SP3 siRNA knockdown, with inhibition of SP1 having a greater inhibitory effect than SP3. Additionally, although SP1 and SP3 proteins were found to bind together, SP1 and SP3 could bind to the same promoter binding sites of EnMT-related genes in the absence of the other. Moreover, siRNA knockdown of Zeb1 inhibited injury-dependent RCM formation in mouse corneal endothelium in vivo. Conclusions Zeb1, through SP1 and SP3, plays a central role in mesenchymal transition induced fibrosis in the corneal endothelium and suggests that Zeb1 could be targeted to inhibit anterior segment fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- JeongGoo Lee
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Eric Jung
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | | | - Martin Heur
- USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
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44
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Rat corneal endothelial cell migration during wound repair on the basement membrane depends more on the PI-3K pathway than the cdc-42 pathway or actin stress fibers. Cell Tissue Res 2020; 382:351-366. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03229-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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45
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Hsueh YJ, Meir YJJ, Lai JY, Chen HC, Ma DHK, Huang CC, Lu TT, Cheng CM, Wu WC. Lysophosphatidic acid improves corneal endothelial density in tissue culture by stimulating stromal secretion of interleukin-1β. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:6596-6608. [PMID: 32333497 PMCID: PMC7299697 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The short supply of donor corneas is exacerbated by the unsuitability of donors with insufficient endothelial cell density. Few studies have investigated promoting corneal endothelial cell proliferation to increase the endothelial cell density. We hypothesize that pre‐transplantation treatment of proliferative tissue‐cultivated corneas may increase corneal endothelial cell density. We observed that the airlift cultures were superior to immersion cultures with respect to both transparency and thickness. In this tissue culture system, we observed that lysophosphatidic acid increased the rabbit corneal endothelial cell density, number of BrdU‐positive cells and improve wound healing. We also observed an indirect effect of lysophosphatidic acid on corneal endothelial cell proliferation mediated by the stimulation of interleukin‐1β secretion from stromal cells. Human corneal tissues treated with lysophosphatidic acid or interleukin‐1β contained significantly more Ki‐67‐positive cells than untreated group. The lysophosphatidic acid‐ or interleukin‐1β‐treated cultured tissue remained hexagon‐shaped, with ZO‐1 expression and no evidence of the endothelial‐mesenchymal transition. Our novel protocol of tissue culture may be applicable for eye banks to optimize corneal grafting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Jen Hsueh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan.,Center for Tissue Engineering, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
| | - Yaa-Jyuhn James Meir
- Center for Tissue Engineering, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Yang Lai
- Institute of Biochemical and Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Materials Engineering, Ming Chi University of Technology, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan.,Center for Tissue Engineering, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - David Hui-Kang Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan.,Center for Tissue Engineering, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan.,Department of Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Cheng Huang
- Center for Tissue Engineering, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Te Lu
- Center for Tissue Engineering, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Min Cheng
- Center for Tissue Engineering, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chi Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Abstract
Penetrating keratoplasty was the only therapeutic choice for the treatment of corneal endothelial decompensation until the introduction of evolutional endothelial keratoplasties, namely Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) and Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). Although now in widespread use, DSAEK and DMEK still have associated problems, such as difficulty of the surgical technique, acute and chronic cell loss, and shortage of donor corneas. Therefore, regeneration of the corneal endothelium by tissue engineering techniques is being researched to overcome these problems. The concept of transplantation of cultured corneal endothelial cells (CECs) was proposed in the 1970s. However, cultivation of human CECs (HCECs) in sufficient quantity and with acceptable quality for clinical use has proven surprisingly difficult, and the development of methods for transplanting cultured HCECs has been necessary. Numerous research groups have developed culture protocols and techniques that are now bringing corneal endothelial regeneration closer to real-world therapy. For instance, we started a clinical trial in 2013 involving the injection of cultured HCECs into the anterior chamber of patients with corneal endothelial decompensation. This review outlines the rapid progression of this research field, including clinical trial results, and is also intended to identify topics that still require further research or discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Okumura
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, Kyotanabe, Japan
| | - Noriko Koizumi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, Kyotanabe, Japan
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47
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Peh GSL, Ong HS, Adnan K, Ang HP, Lwin CN, Seah XY, Lin SJ, Mehta JS. Functional Evaluation of Two Corneal Endothelial Cell-Based Therapies: Tissue-Engineered Construct and Cell Injection. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6087. [PMID: 30988373 PMCID: PMC6465252 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42493-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Restoration of vision due to corneal blindness from corneal endothelial dysfunction can be achieved via a corneal transplantation. However, global shortage of donor tissues has driven the development cell-based therapeutics. With the capacity to propagate regulatory compliant human corneal endothelial cells (CEnCs), this study evaluated the functionality of propagated CEnCs delivered via tissue-engineered endothelial keratoplasty (TE-EK) or corneal endothelial cell injection (CE-CI) within a rabbit model of bullous keratopathy. For animals with TE-EK grafts, central corneal thickness (CCT) increased to >1000 μm post-operatively. Gradual thinning with improvements in corneal clarity was observed from week 1. CCT at week 3 was 484.3 ± 73.7 μm. In rabbits with CE-CI, corneal clarity was maintained throughout, and CCT at week 3 was 582.5 ± 171.5 μm. Control corneas remained significantly edematous throughout the study period compared to their respective experimental groups (p < 0.05). Characterization of excised corneas showed a monolayer with heterogeneously shaped CEnCs in both TE-EK and CE-CI groups. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated reactivity to anti-human specific nuclei antibody attributing corneal recovery to the functional human CEnCs. This study showed that regulatory compliant cell-based therapy for corneal endothelial dysfunction can be delivered by both TE-EK and CE-CI, and holds great promise as an alternative to traditional corneal transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary S L Peh
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore. .,Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Hon Shing Ong
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore.,Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Khadijah Adnan
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Heng-Pei Ang
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chan N Lwin
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xin-Yi Seah
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shu-Jun Lin
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jodhbir S Mehta
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore. .,Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Singapore. .,Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore. .,School of Material Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.
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Moura-Coelho N, Tavares Ferreira J, Bruxelas CP, Dutra-Medeiros M, Cunha JP, Pinto Proença R. Rho kinase inhibitors-a review on the physiology and clinical use in Ophthalmology. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2019; 257:1101-1117. [PMID: 30843105 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-019-04283-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Rho kinase (ROCK) signaling pathway is involved in several cellular events that include cell proliferation and cytoskeleton modulation leading to cell adhesion. The ROCK pathway in the human eye has been hypothesized to play important roles in corneal endothelial cell physiology and pathologic states. In addition, ROCK signaling has been identified as an important regulator of trabecular meshwork (TM) outflow, which is altered in glaucomatous eyes. These roles in corneal and glaucomatous disease states have led to the growing interest in the development of drugs selectively targeting this pathway (ROCK inhibitors). The authors provide a review of the literature on the pathobiology of the ROCK signaling in corneal endothelial disease, glaucoma, and vitreoretinal disease, as well as the clinical usefulness of ROCK inhibitors in Ophthalmology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno Moura-Coelho
- Ophthalmology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Central (CHULC), Alameda Santo António Capuchos, 1169-050, Lisbon, Portugal. .,Faculty of Medical Sciences
- NOVA Medical School-Nova University of Lisbon (FCM
- NMS-UNL), Lisbon, Portugal. .,Instituto Português de Retina (IPR), Lisbon, Portugal. .,Associação Médica Olhar Bem (AMO Bem), Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Joana Tavares Ferreira
- Ophthalmology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Central (CHULC), Alameda Santo António Capuchos, 1169-050, Lisbon, Portugal.,Faculty of Medical Sciences
- NOVA Medical School-Nova University of Lisbon (FCM
- NMS-UNL), Lisbon, Portugal.,Associação Médica Olhar Bem (AMO Bem), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carolina Pereira Bruxelas
- Faculty of Medical Sciences
- NOVA Medical School-Nova University of Lisbon (FCM
- NMS-UNL), Lisbon, Portugal.,Ophthalmology Department, Ocidental Lisbon Hospital Center (CHLO), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marco Dutra-Medeiros
- Ophthalmology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Central (CHULC), Alameda Santo António Capuchos, 1169-050, Lisbon, Portugal.,Faculty of Medical Sciences
- NOVA Medical School-Nova University of Lisbon (FCM
- NMS-UNL), Lisbon, Portugal.,Instituto Português de Retina (IPR), Lisbon, Portugal.,Associação Protectora dos Diabéticos de Portugal (APDP), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Paulo Cunha
- Ophthalmology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Central (CHULC), Alameda Santo António Capuchos, 1169-050, Lisbon, Portugal.,Faculty of Medical Sciences
- NOVA Medical School-Nova University of Lisbon (FCM
- NMS-UNL), Lisbon, Portugal.,Associação Médica Olhar Bem (AMO Bem), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rita Pinto Proença
- Ophthalmology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Central (CHULC), Alameda Santo António Capuchos, 1169-050, Lisbon, Portugal.,Associação Médica Olhar Bem (AMO Bem), Lisbon, Portugal.,Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa-Universidade de Lisboa (FML-UL), Lisbon, Portugal
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Brasch ME, Passucci G, Gulvady AC, Turner CE, Manning ML, Henderson JH. Nuclear position relative to the Golgi body and nuclear orientation are differentially responsive indicators of cell polarized motility. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211408. [PMID: 30759123 PMCID: PMC6373915 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell motility is critical to biological processes from wound healing to cancer metastasis to embryonic development. The involvement of organelles in cell motility is well established, but the role of organelle positional reorganization in cell motility remains poorly understood. Here we present an automated image analysis technique for tracking the shape and motion of Golgi bodies and cell nuclei. We quantify the relationship between nuclear orientation and the orientation of the Golgi body relative to the nucleus before, during, and after exposure of mouse fibroblasts to a controlled change in cell substrate topography, from flat to wrinkles, designed to trigger polarized motility. We find that the cells alter their mean nuclei orientation, in terms of the nuclear major axis, to increasingly align with the wrinkle direction once the wrinkles form on the substrate surface. This change in alignment occurs within 8 hours of completion of the topographical transition. In contrast, the position of the Golgi body relative to the nucleus remains aligned with the pre-programmed wrinkle direction, regardless of whether it has been fully established. These findings indicate that intracellular positioning of the Golgi body precedes nuclear reorientation during mouse fibroblast directed migration on patterned substrates. We further show that both processes are Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) mediated as they are abolished by pharmacologic ROCK inhibition whereas mouse fibroblast motility is unaffected. The automated image analysis technique introduced could be broadly employed in the study of polarization and other cellular processes in diverse cell types and micro-environments. In addition, having found that the nuclei Golgi vector may be a more sensitive indicator of substrate features than the nuclei orientation, we anticipate the nuclei Golgi vector to be a useful metric for researchers studying the dynamics of cell polarity in response to different micro-environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E. Brasch
- Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States of America
- Syracuse Biomaterials Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States of America
| | - Giuseppe Passucci
- Department of Physics, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States of America
| | - Anushree C. Gulvady
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States of America
| | - Christopher E. Turner
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States of America
| | - M. Lisa Manning
- Syracuse Biomaterials Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States of America
- Department of Physics, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States of America
| | - James H. Henderson
- Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States of America
- Syracuse Biomaterials Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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50
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Feizi S. Corneal endothelial cell dysfunction: etiologies and management. Ther Adv Ophthalmol 2018; 10:2515841418815802. [PMID: 30560230 PMCID: PMC6293368 DOI: 10.1177/2515841418815802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A transparent cornea is essential for the formation of a clear image on the
retina. The human cornea is arranged into well-organized layers, and each layer
plays a significant role in maintaining the transparency and viability of the
tissue. The endothelium has both barrier and pump functions, which are important
for the maintenance of corneal clarity. Many etiologies, including Fuchs’
endothelial corneal dystrophy, surgical trauma, and congenital hereditary
endothelial dystrophy, lead to endothelial cell dysfunction. The main treatment
for corneal decompensation is replacement of the abnormal corneal layers with
normal donor tissue. Nowadays, the trend is to perform selective endothelial
keratoplasty, including Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty
and Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty, to manage corneal endothelial
dysfunction. This selective approach has several advantages over penetrating
keratoplasty, including rapid recovery of visual acuity, less likelihood of
graft rejection, and better patient satisfaction. However, the global limitation
in the supply of donor corneas is becoming an increasing challenge,
necessitating alternatives to reduce this demand. Consequently, in
vitro expansion of human corneal endothelial cells is evolving as a
sustainable choice. This method is intended to prepare corneal endothelial cells
in vitro that can be transferred to the eye. Herein, we
describe the etiologies and manifestations of human corneal endothelial cell
dysfunction. We also summarize the available options for as well as recent
developments in the management of corneal endothelial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepehr Feizi
- Ophthalmic Research Center, Labbafinejad Medical Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 16666, Iran
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