1
|
Kim D, Lee J, Seok OH, Lee Y, Hwang CS. Cytosolic N-terminal formyl-methionine deformylation derives cancer stem cell features and tumor progression. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14900. [PMID: 38942903 PMCID: PMC11213908 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65701-1] [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: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic cells can synthesize formyl-methionine (fMet)-containing proteins not only in mitochondria but also in the cytosol to some extent. Our previous study revealed substantial upregulation of N-terminal (Nt)-fMet-containing proteins in the cytosol of SW480 colorectal cancer cells. However, the functional and pathophysiological implications remain unclear. Here, we demonstrated that removal of the Nt-formyl moiety of Nt-fMet-containing proteins (via expressing Escherichia coli PDF peptide deformylase) resulted in a dramatic increase in the proliferation of SW480 colorectal cancer cells. This proliferation coincided with the acquisition of cancer stem cell features, including reduced cell size, enhanced self-renewal capacity, and elevated levels of the cancer stem cell surface marker CD24 and pluripotent transcription factor SOX2. Furthermore, deformylation of Nt-fMet-containing proteins promoted the tumorigenicity of SW480 colorectal cancer cells in an in vivo xenograft mouse model. Taken together, these findings suggest that cytosolic deformylation has a tumor-enhancing effect, highlighting its therapeutic potential for cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dasom Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongeun Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Ok-Hee Seok
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoontae Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea.
| | - Cheol-Sang Hwang
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Trousil J, Cabral JV, Voukali E, Nováčková J, Pop-Georgievski O, Vacík T, Studený P, Studenovska H, Jirsova K. Electrospun poly(l-lactide- co-dl-lactide) nanofibrous scaffold as substrate for ex vivo limbal epithelial cell cultivation. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30970. [PMID: 38803982 PMCID: PMC11128869 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Ultrathin electrospun poly (l-lactide-co-dl-lactide) nanofibrous membranes coated with fibronectin were explored as scaffolds for the ex vivo cultivation of limbal epithelial cells (LECs) for the treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency. The developed scaffolds were compared with the "gold-standard" fibrin gel. The resulting membranes composed of nanofibers possessed a very low thickness of 4 μm and allowed very good optical transparency in the wet state. The fibronectin-coated nanofibrous scaffolds demonstrated LEC expansion and successful cultivation similar to that on fibrin gel. Unlike the regular cobblestone epithelial cell morphology on the fibrin gel, the nanofibrous scaffold presented a mostly irregular epithelial morphology with a shift to a mesenchymal phenotype, as confirmed by the upregulation of profibroblastic genes: ACTA2 (p = 0.023), FBLN1 (p < 0.001), and THY1 (p < 0.001). Both culture conditions revealed comparable expression of stem cell markers, including KLF4, ΔNp63α and ABCG2, emphasizing the promise of polylactide-based nanofibrous membranes for further investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiří Trousil
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Joao Victor Cabral
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eleni Voukali
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka Nováčková
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ognen Pop-Georgievski
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Vacík
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Studený
- Ophthalmology Department, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Studenovska
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Jirsova
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chen R, Wang Y, Zhang Z, Wang X, Li Y, Wang M, Wang H, Dong M, Zhou Q, Yang L. The Role of SLIT3-ROBO4 Signaling in Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Induced Delayed Corneal Epithelial and Nerve Regeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:8. [PMID: 38700874 PMCID: PMC11077912 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.5.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose In the present study, we aim to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induced delayed corneal epithelial wound healing and nerve regeneration. Methods Human limbal epithelial cells (HLECs) were treated with thapsigargin to induce excessive ER stress and then RNA sequencing was performed. Immunofluorescence, qPCR, Western blot, and ELISA were used to detect the expression changes of SLIT3 and its receptors ROBO1-4. The role of recombinant SLIT3 protein in corneal epithelial proliferation and migration were assessed by CCK8 and cell scratch assay, respectively. Thapsigargin, exogenous SLIT3 protein, SLIT3-specific siRNA, and ROBO4-specific siRNA was injected subconjunctivally to evaluate the effects of different intervention on corneal epithelial and nerve regeneration. In addition, Ki67 staining was performed to evaluate the proliferation ability of epithelial cells. Results Thapsigargin suppressed normal corneal epithelial and nerve regeneration significantly. RNA sequencing genes related to development and regeneration revealed that thapsigargin induced ER stress significantly upregulated the expression of SLIT3 and ROBO4 in corneal epithelial cells. Exogenous SLIT3 inhibited normal corneal epithelial injury repair and nerve regeneration, and significantly suppressed the proliferation and migration ability of cultured mouse corneal epithelial cells. SLIT3 siRNA inhibited ROBO4 expression and promoted epithelial wound healing under thapsigargin treatment. ROBO4 siRNA significantly attenuated the delayed corneal epithelial injury repair and nerve regeneration induced by SLIT3 treatment or thapsigargin treatment. Conclusions ER stress inhibits corneal epithelial injury repair and nerve regeneration may be related with the upregulation of SLIT3-ROBO4 pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rong Chen
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Yao Wang
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhenzhen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaolei Wang
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Ya Li
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Min Wang
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Huifeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Muchen Dong
- Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University, Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Eye Hospital), Jinan, China
| | - Qingjun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Lingling Yang
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liu C, Lin MTY, Lee IXY, Wong JHF, Lu D, Lam TC, Zhou L, Mehta JS, Ong HS, Ang M, Tong L, Liu YC. Neuropathic Corneal Pain: Tear Proteomic and Neuromediator Profiles, Imaging Features, and Clinical Manifestations. Am J Ophthalmol 2024; 265:6-20. [PMID: 38521157 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2024.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the tear proteomic and neuromediator profiles, in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) imaging features, and clinical manifestations in neuropathic corneal pain (NCP) patients. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. METHODS A total of 20 NCP patients and 20 age-matched controls were recruited. All subjects were evaluated by corneal sensitivity, Schirmer test, tear break-up time, and corneal and ocular surface staining, Ocular Surface Disease Index and Ocular Pain Assessment Survey questionnaires were administered, as well as IVCM examinations for corneal nerves, microneruomas, and epithelial and dendritic cells. Tears were collected for neuromediator and proteomic analysis using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry. RESULTS Burning and sensitivity to light were the 2 most common symptoms in NCP. A total of 188 significantly dysregulated proteins, such as elevated metallothionein-2, creatine kinases B-type, vesicle-associated membrane protein 2, neurofilament light polypeptide, and myelin basic protein, were identified in the NCP patients. The top 10 dysregulated biological pathways in NCP include neurotoxicity, axonal signaling, wound healing, neutrophil degradation, apoptosis, thrombin signaling mitochondrial dysfunction, and RHOGDI and P70S6K signaling pathways. Compared to controls, the NCP cohort presented with significantly decreased corneal sensitivity (P < .001), decreased corneal nerve fiber length (P = .003), corneal nerve fiber density (P = .006), and nerve fiber fractal dimension (P = .033), as well as increased corneal nerve fiber width (P = .002), increased length, total area and perimeter of microneuromas (P < .001, P < .001, P = .019), smaller corneal epithelial size (P = .017), and higher nerve growth factor level in tears (P = .006). CONCLUSIONS These clinical manifestations, imaging features, and molecular characterizations would contribute to the diagnostics and potential therapeutic targets for NCP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- From Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group (C.L., M.T.-Y.L., I.X.Y.L., J.S.M., H.S.O., Y.-C.L.), Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore; Cornea and Refractive Surgery Group (C.L., J.S.M., H.S.O., Y.-C.L.), Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
| | - Molly Tzu-Yu Lin
- From Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group (C.L., M.T.-Y.L., I.X.Y.L., J.S.M., H.S.O., Y.-C.L.), Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
| | - Isabelle Xin Yu Lee
- From Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group (C.L., M.T.-Y.L., I.X.Y.L., J.S.M., H.S.O., Y.-C.L.), Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
| | - Jipson Hon Fai Wong
- Clinical Research Platform (J.H.F.W.), Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
| | - Daqian Lu
- Centre for Myopia Research (D.L., T.C.L.), School of Optometry, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Thomas Chuen Lam
- Centre for Myopia Research (D.L., T.C.L.), School of Optometry, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong; Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR) (T.C.L.), Hong Kong
| | - Lei Zhou
- School of Optometry (L.Z.), Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Research Centre for SHARP Vision (RCSV); The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Jodhbir S Mehta
- From Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group (C.L., M.T.-Y.L., I.X.Y.L., J.S.M., H.S.O., Y.-C.L.), Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore; Cornea and Refractive Surgery Group (C.L., J.S.M., H.S.O., Y.-C.L.), Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore; Department of Cornea and External Eye Disease (J.S.M., H.S.O., M.A., L.T., Y.-C.L.), Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore; Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program (J.S.M., H.S.O., M.A., Y.-C.L.), Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Hon Shing Ong
- From Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group (C.L., M.T.-Y.L., I.X.Y.L., J.S.M., H.S.O., Y.-C.L.), Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore; Cornea and Refractive Surgery Group (C.L., J.S.M., H.S.O., Y.-C.L.), Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore; Department of Cornea and External Eye Disease (J.S.M., H.S.O., M.A., L.T., Y.-C.L.), Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore; Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program (J.S.M., H.S.O., M.A., Y.-C.L.), Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Marcus Ang
- Department of Cornea and External Eye Disease (J.S.M., H.S.O., M.A., L.T., Y.-C.L.), Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore; Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program (J.S.M., H.S.O., M.A., Y.-C.L.), Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Louis Tong
- Department of Cornea and External Eye Disease (J.S.M., H.S.O., M.A., L.T., Y.-C.L.), Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore; Ocular Surface Research Group (L.T.), Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore; Eye Academic Clinical Program (L.T.), Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Department of Ophthalmology (L.T.), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yu-Chi Liu
- From Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group (C.L., M.T.-Y.L., I.X.Y.L., J.S.M., H.S.O., Y.-C.L.), Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore; Cornea and Refractive Surgery Group (C.L., J.S.M., H.S.O., Y.-C.L.), Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore; Department of Cornea and External Eye Disease (J.S.M., H.S.O., M.A., L.T., Y.-C.L.), Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore; Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program (J.S.M., H.S.O., M.A., Y.-C.L.), Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Department of Ophthalmology (Y.-C.L.), National Taiwan University, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bai J, Zeng X. Computational modeling and simulation of epithelial wound closure. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6265. [PMID: 37069231 PMCID: PMC10110613 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33111-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Wounds in the epithelium may lead to serious injurious events or chronic inflammatory diseases, however, multicellular organisms have the ability to self-repair wounds through the movement of epithelial cell toward the wound area. Despite intensive studies exploring the mechanism of wound closure, the role of mechanics in epithelial wound closure is still not well explained. In order to investigate the role of mechanical properties on wound closure process, a three-dimensional continuum physics-based computational model is presented in this study. The model takes into account the material property of the epithelial cell, intercellular interactions between neighboring cells at cell-cell junctions, and cell-substrate adhesion between epithelial cells and ECM. Through finite element simulation, it is found that the closure efficiency is related to the initial gap size and the intensity of lamellipodial protrusion. It is also shown that cells at the wound edge undergo higher stress compared with other cells in the epithelial monolayer, and the cellular normal stress dominates over the cellular shear stress. The model presented in this study can be employed as a numerical tool to unravel the mechanical principles behind the complex wound closure process. These results might have the potential to improve effective wound management and optimize the treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Bai
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA
| | - Xiaowei Zeng
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Evaluation of a Serum-Free Medium for Human Epithelial and Stromal Cell Culture. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231710035. [PMID: 36077429 PMCID: PMC9455993 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, growing demand from many domains (research, cosmetics, pharmaceutical industries, etc.) has given rise to significant expansion of the number of in vitro cell cultures. Despite the widespread use of fetal bovine serum, many issues remain. Among them, the whole constitution of most serums remains unknown and is subject to significant variations. Furthermore, the presence of potential contamination and xenogeny elements is challenging for clinical applications, while limited production is an obstacle to the growing demand. To circumvent these issues, a Serum-Free Medium (SFM) has been developed to culture dermal and vesical fibroblasts and their corresponding epithelial cells, namely, keratinocytes and urothelial cells. To assess the impact of SFM on these cells, proliferation, clonogenic and metabolic assays have been compared over three passages to conditions associated with the use of a classic Fetal Bovine Serum-Containing Medium (FBSCM). The results showed that the SFM enabled fibroblast and epithelial cell proliferation while maintaining a morphology, cell size and metabolism similar to those of FBSCM. SFM has repeatedly been found to be better suited for epithelial cell proliferation and clonogenicity. Fibroblasts and epithelial cells also showed more significant mitochondrial metabolism in the SFM compared to the FBSCM condition. However, the SFM may need further optimization to improve fibroblast proliferation.
Collapse
|
7
|
Puri S, Moreno IY, Sun M, Verma S, Lin X, Gesteira TF, Coulson-Thomas VJ. Hyaluronan supports the limbal stem cell phenotype during ex vivo culture. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:384. [PMID: 35907870 PMCID: PMC9338506 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03084-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyaluronan (HA) has previously been identified as an integral component of the limbal stem cell niche in vivo. In this study, we investigated whether a similar HA matrix is also expressed in vitro providing a niche supporting limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs) during ex vivo expansion. We also investigated whether providing exogenous HA in vitro is beneficial to LESCs during ex vivo expansion. METHOD Human LESCs (hLESCs) were isolated from donor corneas and a mouse corneal epithelial progenitor cell line (TKE2) was obtained. The HA matrix was identified surrounding LESCs in vitro using immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry and red blood exclusion assay. Thereafter, LESCs were maintained on HA coated dishes or in the presence of HA supplemented in the media, and viability, proliferation, cell size, colony formation capabilities and expression of putative stem cell markers were compared with cells maintained on commonly used coated dishes. RESULTS hLESCs and TKE2 cells express an HA-rich matrix in vitro, and this matrix is essential for maintaining LESCs. Further supplying exogenous HA, as a substrate and supplemented to the media, increases LESC proliferation, colony formation capabilities and the expression levels of putative limbal stem cell markers. CONCLUSION Our data show that both exogenous and endogenous HA help to maintain the LESC phenotype. Exogenous HA provides improved culture conditions for LESC during ex vivo expansion. Thus, HA forms a favorable microenvironment for LESCs during ex vivo expansion and, therefore, could be considered as an easy and cost-effective substrate and/or supplement for culturing LESCs in the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sudan Puri
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Isabel Y Moreno
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mingxia Sun
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sudhir Verma
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Zoology, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Xiao Lin
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Breau KA, Ok MT, Gomez-Martinez I, Burclaff J, Kohn NP, Magness ST. Efficient transgenesis and homology-directed gene targeting in monolayers of primary human small intestinal and colonic epithelial stem cells. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:1493-1506. [PMID: 35523179 PMCID: PMC9213823 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) cultures of intestinal and colonic epithelium can be generated using human intestinal stem cells (hISCs) derived from primary tissue sources. These 2D cultures are emerging as attractive and versatile alternatives to three-dimensional organoid cultures; however, transgenesis and gene-editing approaches have not been developed for hISCs grown as 2D monolayers. Using 2D cultured hISCs we show that electroporation achieves up to 80% transfection in hISCs from six anatomical regions with around 64% survival and produces 0.15% transgenesis by PiggyBac transposase and 35% gene edited indels by electroporation of Cas9-ribonucleoprotein complexes at the OLFM4 locus. We create OLFM4-emGFP knock-in hISCs, validate the reporter on engineered 2D crypt devices, and develop complete workflows for high-throughput cloning and expansion of transgenic lines in 3–4 weeks. New findings demonstrate small hISCs expressing the highest OLFM4 levels exhibit the most organoid forming potential and show utility of the 2D crypt device to evaluate hISC function. Transgenesis in hISCs exclusively in monolayer cultures Electroporation efficiencies up to nearly 80% in SI and colon epithelial stem cells Simple high-throughput methods transfect both DNA and Cas9 protein complexes A new OLFM4-emGFP hISC line accurately reports stem cell potency in culture
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keith A Breau
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Meryem T Ok
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Ismael Gomez-Martinez
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Joseph Burclaff
- Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Nathan P Kohn
- Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Scott T Magness
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
An Analysis of the Progression of Conjunctivalisation after Transplantation of Cultivated Corneal Epithelium. J Ophthalmol 2021; 2021:8499640. [PMID: 34853705 PMCID: PMC8629671 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8499640] [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: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To analyse the recurrence of superficial neovascularisation after previous corneal surface reconstruction with cultivated corneal epithelial cells. Materials and Methods Forty-eight eyes underwent autologous transplantation of cultivated corneal epithelium to treat partial or total limbal stem cell deficiency caused by chemical or thermal injury. The carrier for the epithelial sheets was a denuded amniotic membrane. Follow-up was conducted for up to 120 months. Recurrent revascularisation (measured in terms of clock hours affected) was evaluated with slit-lamp examination and the support of confocal microscopy. Results During the long-term observation, only 7 eyes had stable epithelia with no neovascularisation from the conjunctiva. Nineteen eyes developed pathologic vessels in 1 quadrant, with additional 4 eyes developing them in 2 quadrants. Twelve patients developed subtotal or total conjunctivalisation of the corneal surface. They were referred for second cultivated epithelium transplantation (3 patients), allogenic keratolimbal transplantation (7 patients), or keratoprosthesis (2 patients). Six patients withdrew consent. The use of confocal scans of up to 100 µm in resolution enabled the detection of pathologic microvasculature originating from the conjunctiva and the exclusion of stromal vascular ingrowth. Conclusions Local ingrowth of the conjunctiva is a common complication after the transplantation of cultivated epithelial cells. Severe and progressive vascularisation inevitably leads to graft failure. However, if local ingrowth stops before reaching the central cornea, the treatment even with this complication can be considered a success.
Collapse
|
10
|
Bonnet C, González S, Roberts JS, Robertson SYT, Ruiz M, Zheng J, Deng SX. Human limbal epithelial stem cell regulation, bioengineering and function. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 85:100956. [PMID: 33676006 PMCID: PMC8428188 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.100956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The corneal epithelium is continuously renewed by limbal stem/progenitor cells (LSCs), a cell population harbored in a highly regulated niche located at the limbus. Dysfunction and/or loss of LSCs and their niche cause limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), a disease that is marked by invasion of conjunctival epithelium into the cornea and results in failure of epithelial wound healing. Corneal opacity, pain, loss of vision, and blindness are the consequences of LSCD. Successful treatment of LSCD depends on accurate diagnosis and staging of the disease and requires restoration of functional LSCs and their niche. This review highlights the major advances in the identification of potential LSC biomarkers and components of the LSC niche, understanding of LSC regulation, methods and regulatory standards in bioengineering of LSCs, and diagnosis and staging of LSCD. Overall, this review presents key points for researchers and clinicians alike to consider in deepening the understanding of LSC biology and improving LSCD therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Bonnet
- Cornea Division, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA; Cornea Department, Paris University, Cochin Hospital, AP-HP, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Sheyla González
- Cornea Division, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - JoAnn S Roberts
- Cornea Division, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Sarah Y T Robertson
- Cornea Division, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Maxime Ruiz
- Cornea Division, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Jie Zheng
- Basic Science Division, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Sophie X Deng
- Cornea Division, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wnt6 plays a complex role in maintaining human limbal stem/progenitor cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20948. [PMID: 34686698 PMCID: PMC8536737 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00273-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The corneal epithelium is consistently regenerated by limbal stem/progenitor cells (LSCs), a very small population of adult stem cells residing in the limbus. Several Wnt ligands, including Wnt6, are preferentially expressed in the limbus. To investigate the role of Wnt6 in regulating proliferation and maintenance of human LSCs in an in vitro LSC expansion setting, we generated NIH-3T3 feeder cells to overexpress different levels of Wnt6. Characterization of LSCs cultured on Wnt6 expressing 3T3 cells showed that high level of Wnt6 increased proliferation of LSCs. Medium and high levels of Wnt6 also increased the percentage of small cells (diameter ≤ 12 µm), a feature of the stem cell population. Additionally, the percentage of cells expressing the differentiation marker K12 was significantly reduced in the presence of medium and high Wnt6 levels. Although Wnt6 is mostly known as a canonical Wnt ligand, our data showed that canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways were activated in the Wnt6-supplemented LSC cultures, a finding suggesting that interrelationships between both pathways are required for LSC regulation.
Collapse
|
12
|
Li JM, Kim S, Zhang Y, Bian F, Hu J, Lu R, Pflugfelder SC, Chen R, Li DQ. Single-Cell Transcriptomics Identifies a Unique Entity and Signature Markers of Transit-Amplifying Cells in Human Corneal Limbus. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:36. [PMID: 34297801 PMCID: PMC8300054 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.9.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Differentiated from adult stem cells (ASCs), transit-amplifying cells (TACs) play an important role in tissue homeostasis, development, and regeneration. This study aimed to characterize the gene expression profile of a candidate TAC population in limbal basal epithelial cells using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Methods Single cells isolated from the basal corneal limbus were subjected to scRNA-seq using the 10x Genomics platform. Cell types were clustered by graph-based visualization methods and unbiased computational analysis. BrdU proliferation assays, immunofluorescent staining, and real-time reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction were performed using multiple culture models of primary human limbal epithelial cells to characterize the TAC pool. Results Single-cell transcriptomics of 16,360 limbal basal cells revealed 12 cell clusters. A unique cluster (3.21% of total cells) was identified as a TAC entity, based on its less differentiated progenitor status and enriched exclusive proliferation marker genes, with 98.1% cells in S and G2/M phases. The cell cycle-dependent genes were revealed to be largely enriched by the TAC population. The top genes were characterized morphologically and functionally at protein and mRNA levels. The specific expression patterns of RRM2, TK1, CENPF, NUSAP1, UBE2C, and CDC20 were well correlated in a time- and cycle-dependent manner with proliferation stages in the cell growth and regeneration models. Conclusions For the first time, to the best of our knowledge, we have identified a unique TAC entity and uncovered a group of cell cycle-dependent genes that serve as TAC signature markers. The findings provide insight into ASCs and TACs and lay the foundation for understanding corneal homeostasis and diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Miao Li
- Ocular Surface Center, Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States.,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sangbae Kim
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Yun Zhang
- Ocular Surface Center, Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Fang Bian
- Ocular Surface Center, Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Jiaoyue Hu
- Ocular Surface Center, Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Rong Lu
- Ocular Surface Center, Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States.,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Stephen C Pflugfelder
- Ocular Surface Center, Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Rui Chen
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - De-Quan Li
- Ocular Surface Center, Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Asadullah, Kumar S, Saxena N, Sarkar M, Barai A, Sen S. Combined heterogeneity in cell size and deformability promotes cancer invasiveness. J Cell Sci 2021; 134:jcs.250225. [PMID: 33602741 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.250225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic heterogeneity is increasingly acknowledged to confer several advantages to cancer progression and drug resistance. Here, we probe the collective importance of heterogeneity in cell size and deformability in breast cancer invasion. A computational model of invasion of a heterogeneous cell aggregate predicts that combined heterogeneity in cell size and deformability enhances invasiveness of the whole population, with maximum invasiveness at intermediate cell-cell adhesion. We then show that small cells of varying deformability, a subpopulation predicted to be enriched at the invasive front, exhibit considerable overlap with the biophysical properties of cancer stem cells (CSCs). In MDA-MB-231 cells, these include CD44 hi CD24- mesenchymal CSCs, which are small and soft, and CD44 hi CD24+ hybrid CSCs, which exhibit a wide range of size and deformability. We validate our predictions by tracking the pattern of cell invasion from spheroids implanted in three-dimensional collagen gels, wherein we show temporal enrichment of CD44 hi cells at the invasive front. Collectively, our results illustrate the advantages imparted by biophysical heterogeneity in enhancing cancer invasiveness.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asadullah
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Neha Saxena
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Madhurima Sarkar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Amlan Barai
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Shamik Sen
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Characterization of heterogeneous primary human cartilage-derived cell population using non-invasive live-cell phase-contrast time-lapse imaging. Cytotherapy 2020; 23:488-499. [PMID: 33092987 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2020.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Reliable and reproducible cell therapy strategies to treat osteoarthritis demand an improved characterization of the cell and heterogeneous cell population resident in native cartilage tissue. Using live-cell phase-contrast time-lapse imaging (PC-TLI), this study investigates the morphological attributes and biological performance of the three primary biological objects enzymatically isolated from primary human cartilage: connective tissue progenitors (CTPs), non-progenitors (NPs) and multi-cellular structures (MCSs). The authors' results demonstrated that CTPs were smaller in size in comparison to NPs (P < 0.001). NPs remained part of the adhered cell population throughout the cell culture period. Both NPs and CTP progeny on day 8 increased in size and decreased in circularity in comparison to their counterparts on day 1, although the percent change was considerably less in CTP progeny (P < 0.001). PC-TLI analyses indicated three colony types: single-CTP-derived (29%), multiple-CTP-derived (26%) and MCS-derived (45%), with large heterogeneity with respect to cell morphology, proliferation rate and cell density. On average, clonal (CL) (P = 0.009) and MCS (P = 0.001) colonies exhibited higher cell density (cells per colony area) than multi-clonal (MC) colonies; however, it is interesting to note that the behavior of CL (less cells per colony and less colony area) and MCS (high cells per colony and high colony area) colonies was quite different. Overall effective proliferation rate (EPR) of the CTPs that formed CL colonies was higher than the EPR of CTPs that formed MC colonies (P = 0.02), most likely due to CTPs with varying EPR that formed the MC colonies. Finally, the authors demonstrated that lag time before first cell division of a CTP (early attribute) could potentially help predict its proliferation rate long-term. Quantitative morphological characterization using non-invasive PC-TLI serves as a reliable and reproducible technique to understand cell heterogeneity. Size and circularity parameters can be used to distinguish CTP from NP populations. Morphological cell and colony features can also be used to reliably and reproducibly identify CTP subpopulations with preferred proliferation and differentiation potentials in an effort to improve cell manufacturing and therapeutic outcomes.
Collapse
|
15
|
Adewoye AB, Tampakis D, Follenzi A, Stolzing A. Multiparameter flow cytometric detection and quantification of senescent cells in vitro. Biogerontology 2020; 21:773-786. [PMID: 32776262 PMCID: PMC7541365 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-020-09893-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
It has been over half a century since cellular senescence was first noted and characterized, and yet no consensus senescent marker has been reliably established. This challenge is compounded by the complexity and heterogenic phenotypes of senescent cells. This necessitates the use of multiple biomarkers to confidently characterise senescent cells. Despite cytochemical staining of senescence associated-beta-galactosidase being a single marker approach, as well as being time and labour-intensive, it remains the most popular detection method. We have developed an alternative flow cytometry-based method that simultaneously quantifies multiple senescence markers at a single-cell resolution. In this study, we applied this assay to the quantification of both replicative and induced senescent primary cells. Using this assay, we were able to quantify the activity level of SA β-galactosidase, the expression level of p16INK4a and γH2AX in these cell populations. Our results show this flow cytometric approach to be sensitive, robust, and consistent in discriminating senescent cells in different cell senescence models. A strong positive correlation between these commonly- used senescence markers was demonstrated. The method described in this paper can easily be scaled up to accommodate high-throughput screening of senescent cells in applications such as therapeutic cell preparation, and in therapy-induced senescence following cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adeolu Badi Adewoye
- Centre for Biological Engineering, School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK.,Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Dimitris Tampakis
- Centre for Biological Engineering, School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK.,Division of Cancer Studies, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Antonia Follenzi
- Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "A. Avogadro,", 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Alexandra Stolzing
- Centre for Biological Engineering, School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Computational modeling of therapy on pancreatic cancer in its early stages. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2019; 19:427-444. [PMID: 31501963 PMCID: PMC7105451 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-019-01219-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
More than eighty percent of pancreatic cancer involves ductal adenocarcinoma with an abundant desmoplastic extracellular matrix surrounding the solid tumor entity. This aberrant tumor microenvironment facilitates a strong resistance of pancreatic cancer to medication. Although various therapeutic strategies have been reported to be effective in mice with pancreatic cancer, they still need to be tested quantitatively in wider animal-based experiments before being applied as therapies. To aid the design of experiments, we develop a cell-based mathematical model to describe cancer progression under therapy with a specific application to pancreatic cancer. The displacement of cells is simulated by solving a large system of stochastic differential equations with the Euler-Maruyama method. We consider treatment with the PEGylated drug PEGPH20 that breaks down hyaluronan in desmoplastic stroma followed by administration of the chemotherapy drug gemcitabine to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells. Modeling the effects of PEGPH20 + gemcitabine concentrations is based on Green's fundamental solutions of the reaction-diffusion equation. Moreover, Monte Carlo simulations are performed to quantitatively investigate uncertainties in the input parameters as well as predictions for the likelihood of success of cancer therapy. Our simplified model is able to simulate cancer progression and evaluate treatments to inhibit the progression of cancer.
Collapse
|
17
|
Song Y, Wang B, Li H, Hu X, Lin X, Hu X, Zhang Y. Low temperature culture enhances ameloblastic differentiation of human keratinocyte stem cells. J Mol Histol 2019; 50:417-425. [PMID: 31278616 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-019-09837-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that several types of human stem cells of non-dental origin can be induced to differentiate into enamel-secreting ameloblasts after recombined with mouse embryonic dental mesenchyme. However, the successful rate of ameloblastic differentiation is about rather low, which presents a major obstacle for future stem cell-based whole tooth bioengineering. Previous studies have shown that cultures at reduced temperature could improve the differentiation capability of stem cells in tissue engineering. In this study, we systematically investigated the effects of low temperature on the viability, proliferation and stemness of human keratinocytes stem cells (hKSCs) in cell culture and further examined ameloblastic differentiation of the hKSCs in human-mouse recombinant chimeric tooth germs. Our results demonstrated that low temperature indeed reduces growth rate and maintains healthy undifferentiated morphology of hKSCs without any effects on cell viability. Moreover, examination of stemness makers revealed improved stemness of hKSCs cultured at low temperature with increased expression of stemness markers K15, CD29 and p63 and decreased expression differentiation marker K10, as compared to those cultured at 37 °C. These low temperature treated hKSCs, when recombined with mouse embryonic dental mesenchyme, exhibited significantly increased rate (40%) of ameloblastic differentiation, as compared to that (17%) in tissue recombinants with those hKSCs treated at standard temperature. Our studies demonstrate that low temperature cell culture improves the stemness and plasticity of hKSCs, which in turn enhances ameloblastic differentiation capability of the stem cells in bioengineered teeth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingnan Song
- Southern Center for Biomedical Research, Fujian Key Laboratory of Developmental and Neural Biology, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350108, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingmei Wang
- Southern Center for Biomedical Research, Fujian Key Laboratory of Developmental and Neural Biology, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350108, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Li
- Southern Center for Biomedical Research, Fujian Key Laboratory of Developmental and Neural Biology, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350108, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxiao Hu
- Southern Center for Biomedical Research, Fujian Key Laboratory of Developmental and Neural Biology, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350108, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Lin
- Southern Center for Biomedical Research, Fujian Key Laboratory of Developmental and Neural Biology, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350108, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuefeng Hu
- Southern Center for Biomedical Research, Fujian Key Laboratory of Developmental and Neural Biology, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350108, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanding Zhang
- Southern Center for Biomedical Research, Fujian Key Laboratory of Developmental and Neural Biology, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350108, Fujian, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Maslanka R, Kwolek-Mirek M, Zadrag-Tecza R. Consequences of calorie restriction and calorie excess for the physiological parameters of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. FEMS Yeast Res 2018; 17:4628043. [PMID: 29145638 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/fox087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucose plays an important role in cell metabolism and has an impact on cellular physiology. Changes in glucose availability may strongly influence growth rate of the cell size, cell metabolism and the rate of generation of cellular by-products, such as reactive oxygen species. The positive effect of low glucose concentration conditions-calorie restriction is observed in a wide range of species, including the Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast, yet little is known about the effect of high glucose concentrations-calorie excess. Such analysis seems to be particularly important due to recently common problem of diabetes and obesity. The effect of glucose on morphological and physiological parameters of the yeast cell was conducted using genetic alteration (disruption of genes involved in glucose signalling) and calorie restriction and calorie excess conditions. The results show a significant relationship among extracellular glucose concentration, cell size and reactive oxygen species generation in yeast cells. Furthermore, the results obtained through the use of mutant strains with disorders in glucose signalling pathways suggest that the intracellular level of glucose is more important than its extracellular concentration. These data also suggest that the calorie excess as a factor, which has a significant impact on cell physiology, requires further comprehensive analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roman Maslanka
- University of Rzeszow, Faculty of Biology and Agriculture, Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Zelwerowicza 4, 35-601 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kwolek-Mirek
- University of Rzeszow, Faculty of Biology and Agriculture, Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Zelwerowicza 4, 35-601 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Renata Zadrag-Tecza
- University of Rzeszow, Faculty of Biology and Agriculture, Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Zelwerowicza 4, 35-601 Rzeszow, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Patruno M, Perazzi A, Martinello T, Gomiero C, Maccatrozzo L, Iacopetti I. Investigations of the corneal epithelium in Veterinary Medicine: State of the art on corneal stem cells found in different mammalian species and their putative application. Res Vet Sci 2018; 118:502-507. [PMID: 29758534 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2018.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The existence of progenitor cells that can readily differentiate into a specific cell type is a common cellular strategy for physiological tissue growth and repair mechanisms. In the mammalian cornea, many aspects regarding the nature and location of these cells are still unclear. In the human limbus (peripheral area of the cornea) progenitor cells have been found and characterized but in non-human mammals, the picture is not so clear. In this review, we examine current knowledge about the morphology of limbus and the localization of corneal epithelial stem cells in all species studied so far, comparing data with humans. We have also explored different research directions in the veterinary field in order to discuss the: i) currently used protocols and ii) best range of treatments for ocular pathologies in which corneal stem cells are involved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Patruno
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro - Agripolis, Padova, Italy.
| | - A Perazzi
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro - Agripolis, Padova, Italy
| | - T Martinello
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro - Agripolis, Padova, Italy
| | - C Gomiero
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro - Agripolis, Padova, Italy
| | - L Maccatrozzo
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro - Agripolis, Padova, Italy
| | - I Iacopetti
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro - Agripolis, Padova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Full-Length Isoforms of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Latency-Associated Nuclear Antigen Accumulate in the Cytoplasm of Cells Undergoing the Lytic Cycle of Replication. J Virol 2017; 91:JVI.01532-17. [PMID: 28978712 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01532-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) of the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) performs a variety of functions to establish and maintain KSHV latency. During latency, LANA localizes to discrete punctate spots in the nucleus, where it tethers viral episomes to cellular chromatin and interacts with nuclear components to regulate cellular and viral gene expression. Using highly sensitive tyramide signal amplification, we determined that LANA localizes to the cytoplasm in different cell types undergoing the lytic cycle of replication after de novo primary infection and after spontaneous, tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate-, or open reading frame 50 (ORF50)/replication transactivator (RTA)-induced activation. We confirmed the presence of cytoplasmic LANA in a subset of cells in lytically active multicentric Castleman disease lesions. The induction of cellular migration by scratch-wounding confluent cell cultures, culturing under subconfluent conditions, or induction of cell differentiation in primary cultures upregulated the number of cells permissive for primary lytic KSHV infection. The induction of lytic replication was characterized by high-level expression of cytoplasmic LANA and nuclear ORF59, a marker of lytic replication. Subcellular fractionation studies revealed the presence of multiple isoforms of LANA in the cytoplasm of ORF50/RTA-activated Vero cells undergoing primary infection. Mass spectrometry analysis demonstrated that cytoplasmic LANA isoforms were full length, containing the N-terminal nuclear localization signal. These results suggest that trafficking of LANA to different subcellular locations is a regulated phenomenon, which allows LANA to interact with cellular components in different compartments during both the latent and the replicative stages of the KSHV life cycle.IMPORTANCE Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) causes AIDS-related malignancies, including lymphomas and Kaposi's sarcoma. KSHV establishes lifelong infections using its latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA). During latency, LANA localizes to the nucleus, where it connects viral and cellular DNA complexes and regulates gene expression, allowing the virus to maintain long-term infections. Our research shows that intact LANA traffics to the cytoplasm of cells undergoing permissive lytic infections and latently infected cells in which the virus is induced to replicate. This suggests that LANA plays important roles in the cytoplasm and nuclear compartments of the cell during different stages of the KSHV life cycle. Determining cytoplasmic function and mechanism for regulation of the nuclear localization of LANA will enhance our understanding of the biology of this virus, leading to therapeutic approaches to eliminate infection and block its pathological effects.
Collapse
|
21
|
Mu L, Huang K, Hu Y, Yan C, Li X, Tao D, Gong J, Qin J. Small-sized colorectal cancer cells harbor metastatic tumor-initiating cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:107907-107919. [PMID: 29296212 PMCID: PMC5746114 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is heterogeneous and contains different-sized cells. Recent studies have shown that tumor-initiating cells (TICs) are involved in cancer initiation, recurrence and metastasis. However, connections between cancer cell size and stem-like properties are largely unknown. Here we purified large- and small-sized CRC cells by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) based on forward scatter (FSC), and demonstrated that small CRC cells possess higher holoclone- and sphere-forming capacity in vitro, tumor-initiating capacity in vivo and form more lung metastases compared with large CRC cells. Furthermore, we found that down-regulated YAP1 (yes-associated protein 1) decreased tumor-initiating and metastatic capacity in small CRC cells but not in large CRC cells. More importantly, our results showed that the expression of YAP1 positively correlated with the poor prognosis in CRCs. Collectively, our findings suggest that small CRC cells enrich for metastatic TICs, and YAP1 is one of the potential therapeutic targets of metastatic TICs, the small CRC cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Mu
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.,Molecular Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Kaiyu Huang
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.,Molecular Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yibing Hu
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.,Molecular Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Chang Yan
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.,Molecular Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xiaolan Li
- Molecular Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Deding Tao
- Molecular Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jianping Gong
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.,Molecular Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jichao Qin
- Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.,Molecular Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Lin L, Zeng X. Numerical investigation of the role of intercellular interactions on collective epithelial cell migration. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2017; 17:439-448. [PMID: 29094276 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-017-0970-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
During collective cell migration, the intercellular forces will significantly affect the collective migratory behaviors. However, the measurement of mechanical stresses exerted at cell-cell junctions is very challenging. A recent experimental observation indicated that the intercellular adhesion sites within a migrating monolayer are subjected to both normal stress exerted perpendicular to cell-cell junction surface and shear stress exerted tangent to cell-cell junction surface. In this study, an interfacial interaction model was proposed to model the intercellular interactions for the first time. The intercellular interaction model-based study of collective epithelial migration revealed that the direction of cell migration velocity has better alignment with the orientation of local principal stress at higher maximum shear stress locations in an epithelial monolayer sheet. Parametric study of the effects of adhesion strength indicated that normal adhesion strength at the cell-cell junction surface has dominated effect on local alignment between the direction of cell velocity vector and the principal stress orientation, while the shear adhesion strength has little effect, which provides compelling evidence to help explain the force transmission via cell-cell junctions between adjacent cells in collective cell motion and provides new insights into "adhesive belt" effects at cell-cell junction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liqiang Lin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA
| | - Xiaowei Zeng
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ray A, Slama ZM, Morford RK, Madden SA, Provenzano PP. Enhanced Directional Migration of Cancer Stem Cells in 3D Aligned Collagen Matrices. Biophys J 2017; 112:1023-1036. [PMID: 28297639 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2017.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Directed cell migration by contact guidance in aligned collagenous extracellular matrix (ECM) is a critical enabler of breast cancer dissemination. The mechanisms of this process are poorly understood, particularly in 3D, in part because of the lack of efficient methods to generate aligned collagen matrices. To address this technological gap, we propose a simple method to align collagen gels using guided cellular compaction. Our method yields highly aligned, acellular collagen constructs with predictable microstructural features, thus providing a controlled microenvironment for in vitro experiments. Quantifying cell behavior in these anisotropic constructs, we find that breast carcinoma cells are acutely sensitive to the direction and extent of collagen alignment. Further, live cell imaging and analysis of 3D cell migration reveals that alignment of collagen does not alter the total motility of breast cancer cells, but simply redirects their migration to produce largely one-dimensional movement. However, a profoundly enhanced motility in aligned collagen matrices is observed for the subpopulation of carcinoma cells with high tumor initiating and metastatic capacity, termed cancer stem cells (CSCs). Analysis of the biophysical determinants of cell migration show that nuclear deformation is not a critical factor associated with the observed increases in motility for CSCs. Rather, smaller cell size, a high degree of phenotypic plasticity, and increased protrusive activity emerge as vital facilitators of rapid, contact-guided migration of CSCs in aligned 3D collagen matrices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arja Ray
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; University of Minnesota Physical Sciences in Oncology Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Zachary M Slama
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Rachel K Morford
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; University of Minnesota Physical Sciences in Oncology Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Samantha A Madden
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Paolo P Provenzano
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; University of Minnesota Physical Sciences in Oncology Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Institute for Engineering in Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Li J, Xiao Y, Coursey TG, Chen X, Deng R, Lu F, Pflugfelder SC, Li DQ. Identification for Differential Localization of Putative Corneal Epithelial Stem Cells in Mouse and Human. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5169. [PMID: 28701781 PMCID: PMC5507988 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04569-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Human Corneal epithelial stem cells (CESCs) have been identified to reside in limbus for more than 2 decades. However, the precise location of CESCs in other mammalian remains elusive. This study was to identify differential localization of putative CESCs in mice. Through a series of murine corneal cross-sections from different directions, we identified that anatomically and morphologically the murine limbus is composed of the thinnest epithelium and the thinnest stroma without any palisades of Vogt-like niche structure. The cells expressing five of stem/progenitor cell markers are localized in basal layer of entire murine corneal epithelium. BrdU label-retaining cells, a key characteristic of epithelial stem cells, are detected in both limbal and central cornea of mouse eye. Functionally, corneal epithelium can be regenerated in cultures from central and limbal explants of murine cornea. Such a distribution of mouse CESCs is different from human cornea, where limbal stem cell concept has been well established and accepted. We are aware that some new evidence supports limbal stem cell concept in mouse recently. However, it is important to know that central cornea may provide an alternative source of stem cells when one utilizes mice as animal model for corneal research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Li
- Zhejiang Eye Hospital, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Ocular Surface Center, Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yangyan Xiao
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Ocular Surface Center, Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Terry G Coursey
- Ocular Surface Center, Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Xin Chen
- Zhejiang Eye Hospital, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Ocular Surface Center, Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ruzhi Deng
- Zhejiang Eye Hospital, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Ocular Surface Center, Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Fan Lu
- Zhejiang Eye Hospital, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
| | - Stephen C Pflugfelder
- Ocular Surface Center, Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - De-Quan Li
- Ocular Surface Center, Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Laganà AS, Vitale SG, Salmeri FM, Triolo O, Ban Frangež H, Vrtačnik-Bokal E, Stojanovska L, Apostolopoulos V, Granese R, Sofo V. Unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno: A novel, evidence-based, unifying theory for the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Med Hypotheses 2017; 103:10-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2017.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
|
26
|
Xue M, Dervish S, Chan B, Jackson CJ. The Endothelial Protein C Receptor Is a Potential Stem Cell Marker for Epidermal Keratinocytes. Stem Cells 2017; 35:1786-1798. [PMID: 28480559 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) is a specific receptor for anticoagulant protein C and expressed by human epidermis and cultured keratinocytes. Here we investigated whether: (a) the level of EPCR in keratinocytes is associated with their growth potential; and (b) EPCR is a potential marker for human epidermal stem cells. Human keratinocytes isolated from foreskins or adult skin tissues were transfected with EPCR siRNA or EPCR overexpressing plasmids. Cell proliferation, long term proliferation potential, colony forming efficiency (CFE), and in vitro epidermal regeneration ability of EPCRhigh and EPCRl °w cells were assessed. The expression and colocalization of EPCR with stem cell markers p63, integrin β1, and activation of MAP kinases were detected by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence staining, or Western blot. Results showed that EPCR was highly expressed by the basal layer of skin epidermis. EPCRhigh cells were associated with the highest levels of p63 and integrin β1. Most EPCRhigh cells were smaller in size, formed larger colonies and had a greater long term growth potential, CFE, holoclone formation, and in vitro epidermal regeneration ability when compared to EPCRl °w cells. Blocking EPCR resulted in keratinocyte apoptosis, particularly in nondifferentiated conditions. Cell proliferation and p63 expression were reduced by blocking EPCR and enhanced by overexpressing this receptor. These data indicate that EPCR can regulate p63, is associated with highly proliferative keratinocytes, and is a potential human epidermal stem cell marker. Stem Cells 2017;35:1786-1798.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meilang Xue
- Sutton Research Laboratory, Institute of Bone and Joint Research, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney at Royal North Shore Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Suat Dervish
- Sutton Research Laboratory, Institute of Bone and Joint Research, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney at Royal North Shore Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,Westmead Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Benjamin Chan
- Raymond Purves Research Laboratory, Institute of Bone and Joint Research, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney at Royal North Shore Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher J Jackson
- Sutton Research Laboratory, Institute of Bone and Joint Research, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney at Royal North Shore Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Mitochondrial Function and Cell Size: An Allometric Relationship. Trends Cell Biol 2017; 27:393-402. [PMID: 28284466 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2017.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Allometric scaling of metabolic rate results in lower total mitochondrial oxygen consumption with increasing organismal size. This is considered a universal law in biology. Here, we discuss how allometric laws impose size-dependent limits to mitochondrial activity at the cellular level. This cell-size-dependent mitochondrial metabolic activity results in nonlinear scaling of metabolism in proliferating cells, which can explain size homeostasis. The allometry in mitochondrial activity can be controlled through mitochondrial fusion and fission machinery, suggesting that mitochondrial connectivity can bypass transport limitations, the presumed biophysical basis for allometry. As physical size affects cellular functionality, cell-size-dependent metabolism becomes directly relevant for development, metabolic diseases, and aging.
Collapse
|
28
|
Use of autologous epithelium transplantation on various scaffolds to cover tissue loss in oral cavity: long-term observation. J Appl Biomater Funct Mater 2017; 15:e25-e30. [PMID: 27514495 DOI: 10.5301/jabfm.5000312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate the application of mucous membrane keratinocyte cultures on amniotic membrane and on poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) Purasorb PL38 to cover tissue loss in the oral cavity. Developments in molecular biology techniques and tissue engineering allow the culturing and identification of cells that can be anchored in the wound to achieve integrity of the tissue. Transplantation of tissues obtained from the patient's own cells is superior to allogenous transplantation where there is a possibility of transfection, rejection and the need for long-term immunosuppression. METHODS In 9 patients (15 procedures) keratinocytes cultured on amniotic membrane and PLLA were transplanted to cover antro-oral fistulas and bone loss after osteoradionecrosis. RESULTS In all 6 patients with outlasting antro-oral fistulas, the defects were healed. In 3 patients with 5 cases of tissue loss after osteoradionecrosis, we obtained healing of the wound in only 1 case. Histological examination of the cultures indicated that cultured cells formed well-differentiated layers, very similar to the keratinocytes of mucous membranes, although those seeded on amniotic membrane formed a single layer of cells, while those seeded on the PLLA scaffold were arranged on 2 or more layers: these differences were shown to be statistically significant with a morphometric analysis. CONCLUSIONS Autologous transplants of epithelium cultured on amniotic membrane and PLLA constitute a new and effective way of covering nonhealing tissue loss in the oral cavity in chosen cases, using modern methods of tissue engineering.
Collapse
|
29
|
Busin M, Breda C, Bertolin M, Bovone C, Ponzin D, Ferrari S, Barbaro V, Elbadawy HM. Corneal Epithelial Stem Cells Repopulate the Donor Area within 1 Year from Limbus Removal for Limbal Autograft. Ophthalmology 2016; 123:2481-2488. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2016.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Revised: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
|
30
|
Abstract
Progenitor/stem cell populations of epithelium are known to reside in the small-sized cell population. Our objective was to physically isolate and characterize an oral keratinocyte-enriched population of small-sized progenitor/stem cells. Primary human oral mucosal keratinocytes cultured in a chemically defined serum-free culture system, devoid of animal-derived feeder cells, were sorted by relative cell size and characterized by immunolabeling for β1 integrin, nuclear transcription factor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, and cell-cycle analysis. Sorted cells were distinguished as progenitor/stem cells by functional assays and their ability to regenerate an oral mucosal graft. Small-sized cells demonstrated the lowest expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, the highest colony-forming efficiency, a longer long-term proliferative potential, an enriched quiescent cell population, and the ability to regenerate an oral mucosal graft, implying that the small-sized cultured oral keratinocytes contained an enriched population of progenitor/stem cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Izumi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Michigan Health System, B1-208 TC, Box 0018, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0018, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Kasinathan JR, Namperumalsamy VP, Veerappan M, Chidambaranathan GP. A novel method for a high enrichment of human corneal epithelial stem cells for genomic analysis. Microsc Res Tech 2016; 79:1165-1172. [PMID: 27862636 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.22771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Revised: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate the corneal epithelial stem cells (CESCs) in maintaining corneal homeostasis remains elusive largely due to the lack of a specific marker for their isolation. This study aims to enrich CESCs from human donor limbal epithelium and to evaluate the level of enrichment based on expression of ΔNp63α, a putative CESC marker. A two-stage enrichment of CESCs was carried out. (a) The limbal basal epithelial cells were isolated by differential enzymatic treatment and five-fold enrichment was achieved from 2% of CESCs present in the total limbal epithelium. The CESCs were quantified on the basis of two parameters-high expression of p63/ABCG2 and nucleus to cytoplasmic (N/C) ratio ≥0.7. (b) Cytospin smears of isolated basal cells were Giemsa stained and cells with N/C ratio ≥0.7 were separated by laser capture microdissection. This strategy resulted in an enrichment of CESCs to 78.57% based on two-parameter analysis using p63 and 76.66% using ABCG2. RT-PCR was carried out for ΔNp63 isoforms (α, β, and γ) and connexin-43, with GAPDH for normalization. The expression of ΔNp63α was restricted to the enriched population of CESCs in contrast to its absence in limbal basal cells with N/C ratio <0.7 and CCECs. The unique expression of ΔNp63α and 5.9-fold reduced connexin-43 expression in the enriched population of CESCs indicates its high purity. Further analysis of these cells will help in elucidating the molecular mechanisms associated with stemness and also in identifying a specific marker for CESCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jhansi Rani Kasinathan
- Department of Immunology and Stem Cell Biology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Dr. G. Venkataswamy Eye Research Institute, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Muthukkaruppan Veerappan
- Department of Immunology and Stem Cell Biology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Dr. G. Venkataswamy Eye Research Institute, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Gowri Priya Chidambaranathan
- Department of Immunology and Stem Cell Biology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Dr. G. Venkataswamy Eye Research Institute, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Mirzaei H, Salehi H, Sahebkar A, Avan A, Jaafari MR, Namdar A, Rezaei A, Mirzaei HR. Deciphering biological characteristics of tumorigenic subpopulations in human colorectal cancer reveals cellular plasticity. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN MEDICAL SCIENCES 2016; 21:64. [PMID: 27904609 PMCID: PMC5122187 DOI: 10.4103/1735-1995.187355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2015] [Revised: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is supposed that human colorectal cancer consists of a phenotypically distinct population of tumorigenic cancer cells known as cancer stem cells (CSCs) which play a pivotal role in cancer progression, maintenance, metastasis, and the relapse. The aim of this effort was to investigate and compare biological characterizations of CD133+ with CD133- cell subsets isolated from both primary and metastatic human colorectal tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using our optimized protocols, unfixed colorectal tumors were enzymatically and mechanically dissociated into single cells followed by evaluation of postdigestion viability. The obtained single cell suspensions were then subjected to cell sorting using magnetic beads according to CD133 marker. The resultant CD133+ and CD133- cell subsets were cultured in specific cell culture medium followed by aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDH) activity assessment and flow cytometric analyses. RESULTS The results demonstrate that CD133+ cells have smaller size and lower complexity of intracellular structure, sphere formation ability, and ALDH enzyme activity while CD133- cells isolated from primary colon cancer samples were not able to form a sphere and did not show ALDH enzyme activity. Intriguingly, CD133- cells isolated from metastatic colorectal cancer specimen were able to form a sphere and shown ALDH enzyme activity. The present study indicates that our results are in agreement with SC theory and possibility of the existence of cellular plasticity among cancer subpopulations should be portrayed. CONCLUSION We also conclude that this cellular plasticity is greatly affected by tumor microenvironment cues and the role of CSCs niche in cancer therapeutic strategies should be precisely considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Mirzaei
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hossein Salehi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Avan
- Department of Modern Sciences and Technologies, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Reza Jaafari
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Afshin Namdar
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Abbas Rezaei
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Mirzaei
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Comparative Analysis of KnockOut™ Serum with Fetal Bovine Serum for the In Vitro Long-Term Culture of Human Limbal Epithelial Cells. J Ophthalmol 2016; 2016:7304812. [PMID: 27446607 PMCID: PMC4944074 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7304812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The limbal epithelial cells can be maintained on 3T3 feeder layer with fetal bovine serum supplemented culture medium, and these cells have been used to successfully treat limbal stem cell deficiency. However, fetal bovine serum contains unknown components and displays quantitative and qualitative lot-to-lot variations. To improve the culture condition, the defined KnockOut serum replacement was investigated to replace fetal bovine serum for culturing human limbal epithelial cell. Human primary limbal epithelial cells were cultured in KnockOut serum and fetal bovine serum supplemented medium, respectively. The cell growth rate, gene expression, and maintenance of limbal epithelial stem cells were studied and compared between these two groups. Human primary limbal epithelial cells were isolated and successfully serially cultivated in this novel KnockOut serum supplemented medium; the cell proliferation and stem cell maintenance were similar to those of cells grown in fetal bovine serum supplemented medium. These data suggests that this KnockOut serum supplemented medium is an efficient replacement to traditional fetal bovine serum supplemented medium for limbal epithelial cell culture, and this medium has great potential for long term maintenance of limbal epithelial cells, limbal epithelial stem cells transplantation, and tissue regeneration.
Collapse
|
34
|
Chan EH, Chen L, Rao JY, Yu F, Deng SX. Limbal Basal Cell Density Decreases in Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency. Am J Ophthalmol 2015; 160:678-84.e4. [PMID: 26149968 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2015.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2015] [Revised: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 06/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate changes in limbal basal epithelial cell density in eyes with limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) using in vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy. DESIGN Retrospective observational comparative study. METHODS A total of 43 eyes of 30 patients diagnosed with LSCD were included in the study. Ten eyes from normal subjects were included as control. Confocal imaging of the central cornea, and the superior, nasal, inferior and temporal limbus were collected using the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III Rostock Corneal Module. Basal cell density in all locations was measured by 2 independent observers. RESULTS The mean basal cell density of the normal group was 9264 ± 598 cells/mm(2) in the cornea and 7120 ± 362 cells/mm(2) in the limbus. In the LSCD group, the mean basal cell density in the cornea decreased 31.0% (6389 ± 1820 cells/mm(2), P < .001) and in the limbus decreased 23.6% (5440 ± 1123 cells/mm(2), P < .001) compared to that in the control. There was a trend of basal cell density decline in more advanced stages of LSCD. The basal cell density declined in the unaffected regions at a similar degree as that in the affected region in sectoral LSCD (P > .05). The basal cell diameter increased by 24.6% in the cornea (14.7 μm) and by 15.7% in the limbus (15.5 μm) compared to the control. CONCLUSIONS Basal cell density in both central cornea and limbus decreases in LSCD. Limbal stem cells (LSCs) are affected globally and basal cell density could be used as a parameter to measure LSC function at the early stages of the disease process.
Collapse
|
35
|
Li Q, Rycaj K, Chen X, Tang DG. Cancer stem cells and cell size: A causal link? Semin Cancer Biol 2015; 35:191-9. [PMID: 26241348 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2015.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The majority of normal animal cells are 10-20 μm in diameter. Many signaling mechanisms, notably PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Myc, and Hippo pathways, tightly control and coordinate cell growth, cell size, cell division, and cell number during homeostasis. These regulatory mechanisms are frequently deregulated during tumorigenesis resulting in wide variations in cell sizes and increased proliferation in cancer cells. Here, we first review the evidence that primitive stem cells in adult tissues are quiescent and generally smaller than their differentiated progeny, suggesting a correlation between small cell sizes with the stemness. Conversely, increased cell size positively correlates with differentiation phenotypes. We then discuss cancer stem cells (CSCs) and present some evidence that correlates cell sizes with CSC activity. Overall, a causal link between CSCs and cell size is relatively weak and remains to be rigorously assessed. In the future, optimizing methods for isolating cells based on size should help elucidate the connection between cancer cell size and CSC characteristics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiuhui Li
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Science Park, Smithville, TX 78957, USA
| | - Kiera Rycaj
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Science Park, Smithville, TX 78957, USA
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Science Park, Smithville, TX 78957, USA.
| | - Dean G Tang
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Science Park, Smithville, TX 78957, USA; Cancer Stem Cell Institute, Research Center for Translational Medicine, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Hua X, Yuan X, Li Z, Coursey TG, Pflugfelder SC, Li DQ. A Novel Innate Response of Human Corneal Epithelium to Heat-killed Candida albicans by Producing Peptidoglycan Recognition Proteins. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0128039. [PMID: 26039076 PMCID: PMC4454663 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2014] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections of the cornea can be sight-threatening and have a worse prognosis than other types of microbial corneal infections. Peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGLYRP), which are expressed on the ocular surface, play an important role in the immune response against bacterial corneal infections by activating toll-like receptors (TLRs) or increasing phagocytosis. However, the role of PGLYRPs in innate immune response to fungal pathogens has not been investigated. In this study, we observed a significant induction of three PGLYRPs 2–4 in primary human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) exposed to live or heat-killed Candida albicans (HKCA). The C-type lectin receptor dectin-1 plays a critical role in controlling Candida albicans infections by promoting phagocytic activity and cytokine production in macrophages and dendritic cells. Here, we demonstrate that dectin-1 is expressed by normal human corneal tissue and primary HCECs. HKCA exposure increased expression of dectin-1 on HCECs at mRNA and protein levels. Interestingly, dectin-1 neutralizing antibody, IκB-α inhibitor BAY11-7082, and NF-κB activation inhibitor quinazoline blocked NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation, as well as the induction of the PGLYRPs by HKCA in HCECs. Furthermore, rhPGLYRP-2 was found to suppress colony-forming units of Candida albicans in vitro. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that dectin-1 is expressed by human corneal epithelial cells, and dectin-1/NF-κB signaling pathway plays an important role in regulating Candida albicans/HKCA-induced PGLYRP secretion by HCECs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xia Hua
- Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Ocular Surface Center, Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Xiaoyong Yuan
- Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Ocular Surface Center, Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States of America
- * E-mail: (XYY); (DQL)
| | - Zhijie Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Terry G. Coursey
- Ocular Surface Center, Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Stephen C. Pflugfelder
- Ocular Surface Center, Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - De-Quan Li
- Ocular Surface Center, Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States of America
- * E-mail: (XYY); (DQL)
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Qu Y, Chi W, Hua X, Deng R, Li J, Liu Z, Pflugfelder SC, Li DQ. Unique expression pattern and functional role of periostin in human limbal stem cells. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117139. [PMID: 25658308 PMCID: PMC4319935 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Periostin is a non-structural matricellular protein. Little is known about periostin in human limbal stem cells (LSCs). This study was to explore the unique expression pattern and functional role of periostin in maintaining the properties of human LSCs. Fresh donor corneal tissues were used to make cryosections for evaluation of periostin expression on ex vivo tissues. Primary human limbal epithelial cells (HLECs) were generated from limbal explant culture. In vitro culture models for proliferation and epithelial regeneration were performed to explore functional role of periostin in LSCs. The mRNA expression was determined by reverse transcription and quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR), and the protein production and localization were detected by immunofluorescent staining and Western blot analysis. Periostin protein was found to be exclusively immunolocalized in the basal layer of human limbal epithelium. Periostin localization was well matched with nuclear factor p63, but not with corneal epithelial differentiation marker Keratin 3. Periostin transcripts was also highly expressed in limbal than corneal epithelium. In primary HLECs, periostin expression at mRNA and protein levels was significantly higher in 50% and 70% confluent cultures at exponential growth stage than in 100% confluent cultures at slow growth or quiescent condition. This expression pattern was similar to other stem/progenitor cell markers (p63, integrin β1 and TCF4). Periostin expression at transcripts, protein and immunoreactivity levels increased significantly during epithelial regeneration in wound healing process, especially in 16-24 hours at wound edge, which was accompanied by similar upregulation and activation of p63, integrin β1 and TCF4. Our findings demonstrated that periostin is exclusively produced by limbal basal epithelium and co-localized with p63, where limbal stem cells reside. Periostin promotes HLEC proliferation and regeneration with accompanied activation of stem/progenitor cell markers p63, integrin β1 and TCF4, suggesting its novel role in maintaining the phenotype and functional properties of LSC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yangluowa Qu
- The Eye Institute, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Ocular Surface Center, Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Wei Chi
- Ocular Surface Center, Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, State Key laboratory of Ophthalmology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xia Hua
- Ocular Surface Center, Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ruzhi Deng
- Ocular Surface Center, Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jin Li
- Ocular Surface Center, Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Zuguo Liu
- The Eye Institute, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- * E-mail: (ZL); (DQL)
| | - Stephen C. Pflugfelder
- Ocular Surface Center, Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - De-Quan Li
- Ocular Surface Center, Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail: (ZL); (DQL)
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Grolik M, Szczubiałka K, Wowra B, Dobrowolski D, Orzechowska-Wylęgała B, Wylęgała E, Nowakowska M. Corneal Epithelial Scaffolds Based on Chitosan Membranes Containing Collagen and Keratin. INT J POLYM MATER PO 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/00914037.2014.909425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
39
|
Liang X, Osman TAH, Sapkota D, Neppelberg E, Lybak S, Liavaag PG, Johannessen AC, Jacobsen HK, Enger PØ, Costea DE, Wang J. Rapid adherence to collagen IV enriches for tumour initiating cells in oral cancer. Eur J Cancer 2014; 50:3262-70. [PMID: 25310894 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2014.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Revised: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 09/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although several approaches for identification and isolation of carcinoma cells with tumour initiating properties have been established, enrichment of a population of pure and viable tumour-initiating cells (TICs) is still problematic. This study investigated possibilities to isolate a population of cancer cells with tumour initiating properties based on their adherence properties, rather than expression of defined markers or clonogenicity. METHODS Several human cell lines derived from oral dysplasia and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), as well as primary cells derived from patients with OSCC were allowed to adhere to collagen IV-coated dishes sequentially. Rapid adherent cells (RAC), middle adherent cells (MAC) and late adherent cells (LAC) were then harvested and further investigated for their morphology, stem cell-like properties and molecular profile while grown in vitro and tongue xenotransplantation in NOD-SCID mice at serial dilutions. RESULTS RAC showed significantly higher colony forming efficiency (p<0.05), sphere forming ability, greater migration ability (p<0.05), exhibited longer G2 phase and displayed higher expression of integrin β1 and other stem-cell related molecules as compared to MAC and LAC. RAC induced tongue tumours in NOD-SCID mice with the highest incidence. These tumours were also bigger and metastasised more frequently in loco-regional lymph nodes than MAC and LAC. CONCLUSIONS These findings prove for the first time that OSCC cells with tumour initiating properties can be enriched based on their rapid adhesiveness to collagen IV. This separation procedure provides a potentially useful tool for isolating TICs in OSCC for further studies on understanding their characteristics and drug-resistant behaviour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Liang
- The Gade Laboratory of Pathology, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Tarig Al-Hadi Osman
- The Gade Laboratory of Pathology, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Dipak Sapkota
- The Gade Laboratory of Pathology, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Evelyn Neppelberg
- Department of Oral Surgery, Institute of Clinical Dentistry, University of Bergen, Norway; Department of Ear-Nose-and-Throat, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Stein Lybak
- Department of Ear-Nose-and-Throat, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Per Gunnar Liavaag
- Department of Ear-Nose-and-Throat, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anne Christine Johannessen
- The Gade Laboratory of Pathology, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Norway; Department of Pathology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Per Øyvind Enger
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Norway; Department of Neurosurgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Daniela Elena Costea
- The Gade Laboratory of Pathology, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Norway; Department of Pathology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway; Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Multivariate biophysical markers predictive of mesenchymal stromal cell multipotency. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:E4409-18. [PMID: 25298531 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1402306111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The capacity to produce therapeutically relevant quantities of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) via in vitro culture is a common prerequisite for stem cell-based therapies. Although culture expanded MSCs are widely studied and considered for therapeutic applications, it has remained challenging to identify a unique set of characteristics that enables robust identification and isolation of the multipotent stem cells. New means to describe and separate this rare cell type and its downstream progenitor cells within heterogeneous cell populations will contribute significantly to basic biological understanding and can potentially improve efficacy of stem and progenitor cell-based therapies. Here, we use multivariate biophysical analysis of culture-expanded, bone marrow-derived MSCs, correlating these quantitative measures with biomolecular markers and in vitro and in vivo functionality. We find that, although no single biophysical property robustly predicts stem cell multipotency, there exists a unique and minimal set of three biophysical markers that together are predictive of multipotent subpopulations, in vitro and in vivo. Subpopulations of culture-expanded stromal cells from both adult and fetal bone marrow that exhibit sufficiently small cell diameter, low cell stiffness, and high nuclear membrane fluctuations are highly clonogenic and also exhibit gene, protein, and functional signatures of multipotency. Further, we show that high-throughput inertial microfluidics enables efficient sorting of committed osteoprogenitor cells, as distinct from these mesenchymal stem cells, in adult bone marrow. Together, these results demonstrate novel methods and markers of stemness that facilitate physical isolation, study, and therapeutic use of culture-expanded, stromal cell subpopulations.
Collapse
|
41
|
Yoon JJ, Ismail S, Sherwin T. Limbal stem cells: Central concepts of corneal epithelial homeostasis. World J Stem Cells 2014; 6:391-403. [PMID: 25258661 PMCID: PMC4172668 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v6.i4.391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Revised: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A strong cohort of evidence exists that supports the localisation of corneal stem cells at the limbus. The distinguishing characteristics of limbal cells as stem cells include slow cycling properties, high proliferative potential when required, clonogenicity, absence of differentiation marker expression coupled with positive expression of progenitor markers, multipotency, centripetal migration, requirement for a distinct niche environment and the ability of transplanted limbal cells to regenerate the entire corneal epithelium. The existence of limbal stem cells supports the prevailing theory of corneal homeostasis, known as the XYZ hypothesis where X represents proliferation and stratification of limbal basal cells, Y centripetal migration of basal cells and Z desquamation of superficial cells. To maintain the mass of cornea, the sum of X and Y must equal Z and very elegant cell tracking experiments provide strong evidence in support of this theory. However, several recent studies have suggested the existence of oligopotent stem cells capable of corneal maintenance outside of the limbus. This review presents a summary of data which led to the current concepts of corneal epithelial homeostasis and discusses areas of controversy surrounding the existence of a secondary stem cell reservoir on the corneal surface
Collapse
|
42
|
Scafetta G, Tricoli E, Siciliano C, Napoletano C, Puca R, Vingolo EM, Cavallaro G, Polistena A, Frati G, De Falco E. Suitability of human Tenon's fibroblasts as feeder cells for culturing human limbal epithelial stem cells. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2014; 9:847-57. [PMID: 23832306 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-013-9451-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Corneal epithelial regeneration through ex vivo expansion of limbal stem cells (LSCs) on 3T3-J2 fibroblasts has revealed some limitations mainly due to the corneal microenvironment not being properly replicated, thus affecting long term results. Insights into the feeder cells that are used to expand LSCs and the mechanisms underlying the effects of human feeder cells have yet to be fully elucidated. We recently developed a standardized methodology to expand human Tenon's fibroblasts (TFs). Here we aimed to investigate whether TFs can be employed as feeder cells for LSCs, characterizing the phenotype of the co-cultures and assessing what human soluble factors are secreted. The hypothesis that TFs could be employed as alternative human feeder layer has not been explored yet. LSCs were isolated from superior limbus biopsies, co-cultured on TFs, 3T3-J2 or dermal fibroblasts (DFs), then analyzed by immunofluorescence (p63α), colony-forming efficiency (CFE) assay and qPCR for a panel of putative stem cell and epithelial corneal differentiation markers (KRT3). Co-cultures supernatants were screened for a set of soluble factors. Results showed that the percentage of p63α(+)LSCs co-cultured onto TFs was significantly higher than those on DFs (p = 0.032) and 3T3-J2 (p = 0.047). Interestingly, LSCs co-cultures on TFs exhibited both significantly higher CFE and mRNA expression levels of ΔNp63α than on 3T3-J2 and DFs (p < 0.0001), showing also significantly greater levels of soluble factors (IL-6, HGF, b-FGF, G-CSF, TGF-β3) than LSCs on DFs. Therefore, TFs could represent an alternative feeder layer to both 3T3-J2 and DFs, potentially providing a suitable microenvironment for LSCs culture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Scafetta
- Department of Medical-Surgical Science and Biotechnologies, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", C.so della Repubblica 79, 04100, Latina, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Haddad A, Faria-e-Sousa SJ. Maintenance of the corneal epithelium is carried out by germinative cells of its basal stratum and not by presumed stem cells of the limbus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 47:470-7. [PMID: 24820068 PMCID: PMC4086173 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20143519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2013] [Accepted: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this investigation was to analyze the proliferative behavior of rabbit
corneal epithelium and establish if any particular region was preferentially involved
in epithelial maintenance. [3H]-thymidine was injected intravitreally into
both normal eyes and eyes with partially scraped corneal epithelium. Semithin
sections of the anterior segment were evaluated by quantitative autoradiography.
Segments with active replication (on) and those with no cell division (off) were
intermingled in all regions of the tissue, suggesting that the renewal of the
epithelial surface of the cornea followed an on/off alternating pattern. In the
limbus, heavy labeling of the outermost layers was observed, coupled with a few or no
labeled nuclei in the basal stratum. This suggests that this region is a site of
rapid cell differentiation and does not contain many slow-cycling cells. The
conspicuous and protracted labeling of the basal layer of the corneal epithelium
suggests that its cells undergo repeated cycles of replication before being sent to
the suprabasal strata. This replication model is prone to generate label-retaining
cells. Thus, if these are adult stem cells, one must conclude that they reside in the
corneal basal layer and not the limbal basal layer. One may also infer that the basal
cells of the cornea and not of the limbus are the ones with the main burden of
renewing the corneal epithelium. No particular role in this process could be assigned
to the cells of the basal layer of the limbal epithelium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Haddad
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
| | - S J Faria-e-Sousa
- Departamento de Oftalmologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Hua X, Yuan X, Tang X, Li Z, Pflugfelder SC, Li DQ. Human corneal epithelial cells produce antimicrobial peptides LL-37 and β-defensins in response to heat-killed Candida albicans. Ophthalmic Res 2014; 51:179-86. [PMID: 24662332 DOI: 10.1159/000357977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2013] [Accepted: 12/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To explore the innate response of human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) exposed to fungus by producing antimicrobial peptides LL-37 and β-defensins. METHODS Primary HCECs were treated with heat-killed Candida albicans (HKCA) at different doses (10(3)-10(6) cells/ml) for 2-48 h. The cells were subjected to total RNA extraction, reverse transcription and quantitative real-time PCR for mRNA expression. Cells treated for 48 h were used for immunofluorescent staining and ELISA. RESULTS Human LL-37 and β-defensins (hBDs) 1-4 were detected in normal HCECs. The mRNA expression of LL-37, hBD2, and hBD3 was dose-dependently induced by HKCA with their peak levels at 4 h. HKCA (10(6) cells/ml) stimulated the mRNA of LL-37, hBD2, and hBD3 4.33 ± 1.81, 3.75 ± 1.31, and 4.91 ± 1.09 fold, respectively, in HCECs. The stimulated production of LL-37, hBD2, and hBD3 by HKCA was confirmed at protein levels by immunofluorescent staining and ELISA. The protein production of LL-37, hBD2, and hBD3 significantly increased to 109.1 ± 18.2 pg/ml, 4.33 ± 1.67 ng/ml, and 296.9 ± 81.8 pg/ml, respectively, in culture medium of HCECs exposed to HKCA (10(6) cells/ml) compared to untreated HCECs. CONCLUSIONS HCECs produce antimicrobial peptides, LL-37, hBD2 and hBD3, in response to stimulation of HKCA, which suggests a novel innate immune mechanism of the ocular surface in defense against fungal invasion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xia Hua
- Tianjin Eye Hospital, Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Scafetta G, Siciliano C, Frati G, De Falco E. Culture of human limbal epithelial stem cells on tenon's fibroblast feeder-layers: a translational approach. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1283:187-98. [PMID: 25063497 DOI: 10.1007/7651_2014_102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The coculture technique is the standard method to expand ex vivo limbal stem cells (LSCs) by using inactivated embryonic murine feeder layers (3T3). Although alternative techniques such as amniotic membranes or scaffolds have been proposed, feeder layers are still considered to be the best method, due to their ability to preserve some critical properties of LSCs such as cell growth and viability, stemness phenotype, and clonogenic potential. Furthermore, clinical applications of LSCs cultured on 3T3 have taken place. Nevertheless, for an improved Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliance, the use of human feeder-layers as well as a fine standardization of the process is strictly encouraged. Here, we describe a translational approach in accordance with GMP regulations to culture LSCs onto human Tenon's fibroblasts (TFs). In this chapter, based on our experience we identify and analyze issues that often are encountered by researchers and discuss solutions to common problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Scafetta
- Department of Medical-Surgical Science and Biotechnologies, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", C.so della Repubblica 79, 04100, Latina, Italy
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Characteristic quantities of corneal epithelial structures in confocal laser scanning microscopic volume data sets. Cornea 2013; 32:636-43. [PMID: 23132439 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0b013e31826247bf] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Fully automated quantification of the morphologic features of different epithelial cell layers in healthy human corneas. METHODS In vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy was performed on the unilateral eyes of 6 healthy volunteers. Stacks of 160 images (400 × 400 μm) with an interslice distance of 0.4 μm were used to generate full thickness volume data sets of the epithelium. Size and shape factors of basal (BC) and intermediate cell (IC) layers were quantified using appropriate image analysis algorithms. Evaluated parameters include mean area, compactness, solidity, major and minor diameter, and maximum boundary distance. RESULTS Mean area of BC and IC demonstrated a linear increase from 80 to 160 μm². A similar trend was noted with major and minor diameter and maximum boundary distance. Major diameters of BC and IC measured between 13.2 and 17.0 μm, whereas minor diameter of these cells measured between 8.6 and 12.4 μm. The maximum boundary distance of BC and IC ranged from 7.0 to 9.1 μm. Compactness of epithelial cells clustered around 1.45 and 1.5, whereas cell solidity measured between 1.0 and 1.03. CONCLUSION Several characteristic morphologic quantities can be calculated using this methodology without manual intervention. Our study demonstrated promising results and suggests that this fully automated morphologic quantification can be successfully applied to assess microstructural changes of the epithelium in normal and various corneal disorders.
Collapse
|
47
|
Bath C. Human corneal epithelial subpopulations: oxygen dependent ex vivo expansion and transcriptional profiling. Acta Ophthalmol 2013; 91 Thesis 4:1-34. [PMID: 23732018 DOI: 10.1111/aos.12157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Corneal epithelium is being regenerated throughout life by limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs) believed to be located in histologically defined stem cell niches in corneal limbus. Defective or dysfunctional LESCs result in limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) causing pain and decreased visual acuity. Since the first successful treatment of LSCD by transplantation of ex vivo expanded LESCs in 1997, many attempts have been carried out to optimize culture conditions to improve the outcome of surgery. To date, progress in this field of bioengineering is substantially hindered by both the lack of specific biomarkers of LESCs and the lack of a precise molecular characterization of in situ epithelial subpopulations. The aim of this dissertation was to optimize culture systems with regard to the environmental oxygen concentration for selective ex vivo expansion of LESCs and to analyse in situ subpopulations in human corneal epithelium using a combination of laser capture microdissection and RNA sequencing for global transcriptomic profiling. We compared dissociation cultures, using either expansion on γ-irradiated NIH/3T3 feeder cells in serum-rich medium or expansion directly on plastic in serum-free EpiLife medium, using a range of physiologically relevant oxygen concentrations (2%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%). Using immunocytochemistry and advanced fluorescence microscopy, cells were characterized regarding growth, cell cycle distribution, colony-forming efficiency (CFE), phenotypes and cytomorphometry. Limbal epithelial cells expanded in 2% O2 exhibited slow growth, low fraction of cells in S/G2 , high CFE, high expression of stem cell markers ABCG2 and p63α, and low fraction of differentiation marker CK3 resembling a LESC phenotype. The effect of hypoxia to maintain LESCs in culture was not dependent on the system used for propagation (Bath et al. 2013a). Laser capture microdissection was used to isolate cellular subpopulations in situ from the spatially defined differentiation pathway in human corneal epithelium according to an optimized protocol for maintenance of expression profiles. Isolated total RNA from basal limbal crypts (BLCs), superficial limbal crypts (SLCs), paracentral/central cornea and limbal stroma was amplified and converted to fragmented cDNA libraries for use in deep paired-end next-generation sequencing. Global transcriptional profiling was carried out using bioinformatics. The location of primitive cells in BLCs, migratory and activated cells in SLCs and differentiated cells in paracentral/central cornea was evident from mapping of significantly upregulated genes in each compartment to the gene ontology (GO). Interestingly, many GO terms in BLCs were also involved in neurogenic processes, whereas many GO terms in SLCs were related to vasculature. Mapping upregulated genes in BLCs to pathway annotations in Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes described many active pathways as signalling and cancer-associated pathways. We supply extensive information on possible novel biomarkers, reveal insight into both active pathways and novel regulators of LESCs such as Lrig1 and SOX9 and provide an immense amount of data for future exploration (Bath et al. 2013b). Selective ex vivo expansion of LESCs in hypoxia and the comprehensive molecular characterization of corneal epithelial subpopulations in situ are expected to be beneficial for the future treatment of LSCD by cultured limbal epithelial transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chris Bath
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Bath C, Yang S, Muttuvelu D, Fink T, Emmersen J, Vorum H, Hjortdal J, Zachar V. Hypoxia is a key regulator of limbal epithelial stem cell growth and differentiation. Stem Cell Res 2013; 10:349-60. [PMID: 23435010 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2013.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2012] [Revised: 01/09/2013] [Accepted: 01/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine whether the growth and differentiation of limbal epithelial stem cell cultures could be controlled through manipulation of the oxygen tension. Limbal epithelial cells were isolated from corneoscleral disks, and cultured using either feeder cells in a growth medium supplemented with serum (3T3 system) or without feeder cells in a dedicated serum-free medium (EpiLife). During the culture, the cells were maintained either at ambient oxygen tension (20%) or at different levels of hypoxia (15, 10, 5, and 2% oxygen). The effect of oxygen on cell growth, progression through cell cycle, colony forming efficiency (CFE), and expression of stem cell (ABCG2 and p63α) and differentiation (CK3) markers was determined throughout the culture period of up to 18 days. Low oxygen levels favored a stem cell phenotype with a lower proliferative rate, high CFE, and a relatively higher expression of ABCG2 and p63α, while higher levels of oxygen led not only to decreased CFE but also to increased proportion of differentiated cells positive for CK3. Hypoxic cultures may thus potentially improve stem cell grafts for cultured limbal epithelial transplantation (CLET).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chris Bath
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aalborg University Hospital, 9100 Aalborg, and Laboratory for Stem Cell Research, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Liu Z, Wan P, Duan H, Zhou J, Tan B, Liu Y, Zhou Q, Zhou C, Huang Z, Tian B, Li C, Wang Z. ES micro-environment enhances stemness and inhibits apoptosis in human limbal stem cells via the maintenance of telomerase activity. PLoS One 2013; 8:e53576. [PMID: 23326460 PMCID: PMC3543452 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2012] [Accepted: 11/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous work had found that telomerase rejuvenated in the cytoplasm of corneal epithelial cells cultured in embryonic stem cell-conditioned medium, the functional properties of stem-like corneal epithelial cells can be enhanced by co-culturing with embryonic stem cells (ESCs) via activation of the integrinβ1-FAK-PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. The goal of this study was to explore the potential molecular mechanisms of the ES micro-environment that enhance the stem cell-like phenotype and inhibit apoptosis in human limbal stem cells (LSC). The LSC were cultured in different media, either CnT-20 medium or CnT-20 +20% ES culture supernatant (ESC-CM). We observed that LSC cultured in ESC-CM had an increased proliferative capacity, greater serial passage capacity, higher colony-forming efficiency (CFE) and higher levels of stem cell-associated marker than those cultured in CnT-20. Compared with CnT-20, ESC-CM enhanced the undifferentiated status and inhibited apoptosis in the LSC by promoting the maintenance of telomerase activity, which could reduce the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), maintain the membrane potential (Δψm) at higher levels and reduce the expression of the p21 protein. Our findings indicated that ESC-CM system induced LSC to maintain a stem cell phenotype and inhibit the process of apoptosis. These effects might partially be achieved via the telomerase-p21-mitochondrial axis and the activation of the FAK/Wnt signaling pathways. This study may have high impact and clinic implication on the expansion of LSC in regenerative medicine, especially for ocular surface reconstruction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiping Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Pengxia Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hucheng Duan
- Ophthalmic Center of the Second People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Jin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Bowei Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chenjing Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zheqian Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Bishan Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chaoyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- * E-mail: (CYL); (ZCW)
| | - Zhichong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- * E-mail: (CYL); (ZCW)
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Abstract
The cornea is the transparent front part of the eye and comprises three distinct cell layers. One of these cell layers is a self-renewing epithelium long believed to harbor a resident stem cell population. The location and characteristics of corneal epithelial stem cells have now been confirmed by several research groups, and these cells are currently applied therapeutically. The corneal stroma and endothelium are largely quiescent after infancy, and until recently they were not considered to undergo self-renewal or to maintain stem cells. This view was overturned during the last two decades. At present, cell populations with characteristics of adult stem cells are routinely isolated and characterized from the limbal stroma and the corneal -endothelium. This chapter describes methods for isolation and culture of limbal stromal cells and corneal endothelial cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naresh Polisetti
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|