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Liu H, Lu S, Chen M, Gao N, Yang Y, Hu H, Ren Q, Liu X, Chen H, Zhu Q, Li S, Su J. Towards Stem/Progenitor Cell-Based Therapies for Retinal Degeneration. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024:10.1007/s12015-024-10740-4. [PMID: 38809490 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10740-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Retinal degeneration (RD) is a leading cause of blindness worldwide and includes conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and Stargardt's disease (STGD). These diseases result in the permanent loss of vision due to the progressive and irreversible degeneration of retinal cells, including photoreceptors (PR) and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The adult human retina has limited abilities to regenerate and repair itself, making it challenging to achieve complete self-replenishment and functional repair of retinal cells. Currently, there is no effective clinical treatment for RD. Stem cell therapy, which involves transplanting exogenous stem cells such as retinal progenitor cells (RPCs), embryonic stem cells (ESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), or activating endogenous stem cells like Müller Glia (MG) cells, holds great promise for regenerating and repairing retinal cells in the treatment of RD. Several preclinical and clinical studies have shown the potential of stem cell-based therapies for RD. However, the clinical translation of these therapies for the reconstruction of substantial vision still faces significant challenges. This review provides a comprehensive overview of stem/progenitor cell-based therapy strategies for RD, summarizes recent advances in preclinical studies and clinical trials, and highlights the major challenges in using stem/progenitor cell-based therapies for RD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Liu
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Shuaiyan Lu
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Ming Chen
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Na Gao
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Yuhe Yang
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Huijuan Hu
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Qing Ren
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Hongxu Chen
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Qunyan Zhu
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325011, China
| | - Shasha Li
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, 325001, China.
| | - Jianzhong Su
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325011, China.
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, 325001, China.
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Liu YV, Santiago CP, Sogunro A, Konar GJ, Hu MW, McNally MM, Lu YC, Flores-Bellver M, Aparicio-Domingo S, Li KV, Li ZL, Agakishiev D, Hadyniak SE, Hussey KA, Creamer TJ, Orzolek LD, Teng D, Canto-Soler MV, Qian J, Jiang Z, Johnston RJ, Blackshaw S, Singh MS. Single-cell transcriptome analysis of xenotransplanted human retinal organoids defines two migratory cell populations of nonretinal origin. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:1138-1154. [PMID: 37163980 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Human retinal organoid transplantation could potentially be a treatment for degenerative retinal diseases. How the recipient retina regulates the survival, maturation, and proliferation of transplanted organoid cells is unknown. We transplanted human retinal organoid-derived cells into photoreceptor-deficient mice and conducted histology and single-cell RNA sequencing alongside time-matched cultured retinal organoids. Unexpectedly, we observed human cells that migrated into all recipient retinal layers and traveled long distances. Using an unbiased approach, we identified these cells as astrocytes and brain/spinal cord-like neural precursors that were absent or rare in stage-matched cultured organoids. In contrast, retinal progenitor-derived rods and cones remained in the subretinal space, maturing more rapidly than those in the cultured controls. These data suggest that recipient microenvironment promotes the maturation of transplanted photoreceptors while inducing or facilitating the survival of migratory cell populations that are not normally derived from retinal progenitors. These findings have important implications for potential cell-based treatments of retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying V Liu
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Clayton P Santiago
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Akin Sogunro
- Department of Biology, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gregory J Konar
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ming-Wen Hu
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Minda M McNally
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yu-Chen Lu
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Miguel Flores-Bellver
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Program, Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Silvia Aparicio-Domingo
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Program, Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kang V Li
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Program, Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Zhuo-Lin Li
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dzhalal Agakishiev
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sarah E Hadyniak
- Department of Biology, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Katarzyna A Hussey
- Department of Biology, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tyler J Creamer
- Institute for Basic Biomedical Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Linda D Orzolek
- Institute for Basic Biomedical Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Derek Teng
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - M Valeria Canto-Soler
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Program, Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jiang Qian
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zheng Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robert J Johnston
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Biology, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Seth Blackshaw
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Mandeep S Singh
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Duarri A, Rodríguez-Bocanegra E, Martínez-Navarrete G, Biarnés M, García M, Ferraro LL, Kuebler B, Aran B, Izquierdo E, Aguilera-Xiol E, Casaroli-Marano RP, Trias E, Fernandez E, Raya Á, Veiga A, Monés J. Transplantation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelium in a Swine Model of Geographic Atrophy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910497. [PMID: 34638840 PMCID: PMC8508834 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to test the feasibility and safety of subretinal transplantation of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells into the healthy margins and within areas of degenerative retina in a swine model of geographic atrophy (GA). METHODS Well-delimited selective outer retinal damage was induced by subretinal injection of NaIO3 into one eye in minipigs (n = 10). Thirty days later, a suspension of hiPSC-derived RPE cells expressing green fluorescent protein was injected into the subretinal space, into the healthy margins, and within areas of degenerative retina. In vivo follow-up was performed by multimodal imaging. Post-mortem retinas were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and histology. RESULTS In vitro differentiated hiPSC-RPE cells showed a typical epithelial morphology, expressed RPE-related genes, and had phagocytic ability. Engrafted hiPSC-RPE cells were detected in 60% of the eyes, forming mature epithelium in healthy retina extending towards the border of the atrophy. Histological analysis revealed RPE interaction with host photoreceptors in the healthy retina. Engrafted cells in the atrophic zone were found in a patchy distribution but failed to form an epithelial-like layer. CONCLUSIONS These results might support the use of hiPSC-RPE cells to treat atrophic GA by providing a housekeeping function to aid the overwhelmed remnant RPE, which might improve its survival and therefore slow down the progression of GA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Duarri
- Program for Clinical Translation of Regenerative Medicine in Catalonia–P-CMR[C], Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain; (A.D.); (B.K.); (B.A.); (Á.R.)
- National Stem Cell Bank-Barcelona Node, Biomolecular and Bioinformatics Resources Platform PRB2, ISCIII, IDIBELL, Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
- Ophthalmology Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduardo Rodríguez-Bocanegra
- Barcelona Macula Foundation: Research for Vision, 08022 Barcelona, Spain; (E.R.-B.); (M.B.); (M.G.); (L.L.F.)
- Institut de la Màcula, Centro Médico Teknon, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gema Martínez-Navarrete
- Networking Research Center of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (G.M.-N.); (E.F.)
- Institute of Bioengineering, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03202 Alicante, Spain
| | - Marc Biarnés
- Barcelona Macula Foundation: Research for Vision, 08022 Barcelona, Spain; (E.R.-B.); (M.B.); (M.G.); (L.L.F.)
- Institut de la Màcula, Centro Médico Teknon, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miriam García
- Barcelona Macula Foundation: Research for Vision, 08022 Barcelona, Spain; (E.R.-B.); (M.B.); (M.G.); (L.L.F.)
- Institut de la Màcula, Centro Médico Teknon, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lucía Lee Ferraro
- Barcelona Macula Foundation: Research for Vision, 08022 Barcelona, Spain; (E.R.-B.); (M.B.); (M.G.); (L.L.F.)
- Institut de la Màcula, Centro Médico Teknon, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bernd Kuebler
- Program for Clinical Translation of Regenerative Medicine in Catalonia–P-CMR[C], Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain; (A.D.); (B.K.); (B.A.); (Á.R.)
| | - Begoña Aran
- Program for Clinical Translation of Regenerative Medicine in Catalonia–P-CMR[C], Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain; (A.D.); (B.K.); (B.A.); (Á.R.)
- National Stem Cell Bank-Barcelona Node, Biomolecular and Bioinformatics Resources Platform PRB2, ISCIII, IDIBELL, Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Ricardo P. Casaroli-Marano
- Banc de Sang i Teixits (BST), Institute of Biomedical Research (IIB-Sant Pau), 08025 Barcelona, Spain;
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine and Health Science, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esteve Trias
- LEITAT Technological Center, 08005 Barcelona, Spain;
- Advanced Therapies Unit, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, 08005 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduardo Fernandez
- Networking Research Center of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (G.M.-N.); (E.F.)
- Institute of Bioengineering, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03202 Alicante, Spain
| | - Ángel Raya
- Program for Clinical Translation of Regenerative Medicine in Catalonia–P-CMR[C], Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain; (A.D.); (B.K.); (B.A.); (Á.R.)
- Networking Research Center of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (G.M.-N.); (E.F.)
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Veiga
- Program for Clinical Translation of Regenerative Medicine in Catalonia–P-CMR[C], Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain; (A.D.); (B.K.); (B.A.); (Á.R.)
- National Stem Cell Bank-Barcelona Node, Biomolecular and Bioinformatics Resources Platform PRB2, ISCIII, IDIBELL, Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.V.); (J.M.)
| | - Jordi Monés
- Barcelona Macula Foundation: Research for Vision, 08022 Barcelona, Spain; (E.R.-B.); (M.B.); (M.G.); (L.L.F.)
- Institut de la Màcula, Centro Médico Teknon, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.V.); (J.M.)
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Ludwig AL, Gamm DM. Outer Retinal Cell Replacement: Putting the Pieces Together. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:15. [PMID: 34724034 PMCID: PMC8572485 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.10.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases (RDDs) affecting photoreceptors (PRs) are one of the most prevalent sources of incurable blindness worldwide. Due to a lack of endogenous repair mechanisms, functional cell replacement of PRs and/or retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) cells are among the most anticipated approaches for restoring vision in advanced RDD. Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) technologies have accelerated development of outer retinal cell therapies as they provide a theoretically unlimited source of donor cells. Human PSC-RPE replacement therapies have progressed rapidly, with several completed and ongoing clinical trials. Although potentially more promising, hPSC-PR replacement therapies are still in their infancy. A first-in-human trial of hPSC-derived neuroretinal transplantation has recently begun, but a number of questions regarding survival, reproducibility, functional integration, and mechanism of action remain. The discovery of biomaterial transfer between donor and PR cells has highlighted the need for rigorous safety and efficacy studies of PR replacement. In this review, we briefly discuss the history of neuroretinal and PR cell transplantation to identify remaining challenges and outline a stepwise approach to address specific pieces of the outer retinal cell replacement puzzle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison L. Ludwig
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - David M. Gamm
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Huang J, Xian B, Peng Y, Zeng B, Li W, Li Z, Xie Y, Zhao M, Zhang H, Zhou M, Yu H, Wu P, Liu X, Huang B. Migration of pre-induced human peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the transplanted to contralateral eye in mice. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:168. [PMID: 33691753 PMCID: PMC7945672 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02180-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Retina diseases may lead to blindness as they often afflict both eyes. Stem cell transplantation into the affected eye(s) is a promising therapeutic strategy for certain retinal diseases. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs) are a good source of stem cells, but it is unclear whether pre-induced hPBMCs can migrate from the injected eye to the contralateral eye for bilateral treatment. We examine the possibility of bilateral cell transplantation from unilateral cell injection. Methods One hundred and sixty-one 3-month-old retinal degeneration 1 (rd1) mice were divided randomly into 3 groups: an untreated group (n = 45), a control group receiving serum-free Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM) injection into the right subretina (n = 45), and a treatment group receiving injection of pre-induced hPBMCs into the right subretina (n = 71). Both eyes were examined by full-field electroretinogram (ERG), immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) at 1 and 3 months post-injection. Results At both 1 and 3 months post-injection, labeled pre-induced hPBMCs were observed in the retinal inner nuclear layer of the contralateral (left untreated) eye as well as the treated eye as evidenced by immunofluorescence staining for a human antigen. Flow cytometry of fluorescently label cells and qRT-PCR of hPBMCs genes confirmed that transplanted hPBMCs migrated from the treated to the contralateral untreated eye and remained viable for up to 3 months. Further, full-field ERG showed clear light-evoked a and b waves in both treated and untreated eyes at 3 months post-transplantation. Labeled pre-induced hPBMCs were also observed in the contralateral optic nerve but not in the blood circulation, suggesting migration via the optic chiasm. Conclusion It may be possible to treat binocular eye diseases by unilateral stem cell injection. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-021-02180-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfa Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Bikun Xian
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China.,The Second People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuting Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China.,Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Baozhu Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Weihua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Zhiquan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yaojue Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Minglei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Hening Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Minyi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Huan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Peixin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Xing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| | - Bing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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Zhang CJ, Ma Y, Jin ZB. The road to restore vision with photoreceptor regeneration. Exp Eye Res 2020; 202:108283. [PMID: 33010290 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neuroretinal diseases are the predominant cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, mainly due to photoreceptor loss. Currently, there are no radical treatments to fully reverse the degeneration or even stop the disease progression. Thus, it is urgent to develop new biological therapeutics for these diseases on the clinical side. Stem cell-based treatments have become a promising therapeutic for neuroretinal diseases through the replacement of damaged cells with photoreceptors and some allied cells. To date, considerable efforts have been made to regenerate the diseased retina based on stem cell technology. In this review, we overview the current status of stem cell-based treatments for photoreceptor regeneration, including the major cell sources derived from different stem cells in pre-clinical or clinical trial stages. Additionally, we discuss herein the major challenges ahead for and potential new strategy toward photoreceptor regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Jun Zhang
- Laboratory for Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Ya Ma
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Science Key Laboratory, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Zi-Bing Jin
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Science Key Laboratory, Beijing, 100730, China.
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7
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Shen Y. Stem cell therapies for retinal diseases: from bench to bedside. J Mol Med (Berl) 2020; 98:1347-1368. [PMID: 32794020 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-020-01960-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
As the human retina has no regenerative ability, stem cell interventions represent potential therapies for various blinding retinal diseases. This type of therapy has been extensively studied in the human eyes through decades of preclinical studies. The safety profiles shown in clinical trials thus far have indicated that these strategies should be further explored. There are still challenges with regard to cell source, cell delivery, immuno-related adverse events and long-term maintenance of the therapeutic effects. Retinal stem cell therapy is likely to be most successful with a combination of multiple technologies, such as gene therapy. The purpose of this review is to present a synthetical and systematic coverage of stem cell therapies that target retinal diseases from bench to bedside, intending to appeal to both junior specialists and the broader community of clinical investigators alike. This review will only focus on therapies that have already been studied in clinical trials. This review summarizes key concepts, highlights the main studies in human patients and discusses the current challenges and potential methods to reduce safety concerns while enhancing the therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuening Shen
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London , 11-43 Bath St, London, EC1V 9EL, UK. .,Department of Medical Retina, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, 162 City Road, London, EC1V 2PD, UK.
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8
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Gao H, Ni N, Zhang D, Wang Y, Tang Z, Sun N, Ju Y, Dai X, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Gu P. miR-762 regulates the proliferation and differentiation of retinal progenitor cells by targeting NPDC1. Cell Cycle 2020; 19:1754-1767. [PMID: 32544377 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2020.1777805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal degenerations, which lead to irreversible decline in visual function, are still no effective recovery treatments. Currently, retinal progenitor cell (RPC) transplantation therapy is expected to provide a new approach to treat these diseases; however, the limited proliferation capacity and differentiation potential toward specific retinal neurons of RPCs hinder their potential clinical applications. microRNAs have been reported to serve as important regulators in the cell fate determination of stem/progenitor cells. In this study, our data demonstrated that miR-762 inhibited NPDC1 expression to positively regulate RPC proliferation and suppress RPC neuronal differentiation. Furthermore, the knockdown of miR-762 upregulated NPDC1 expression in RPCs, leading to the inhibition of RPC proliferation and the increase in neuronal differentiation. Moreover, NPDC1 could rescue anti-miR-762-induced RPC proliferation deficiency and the inhibitory effect of miR-762 on RPC differentiation. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that miR-762 plays a crucial role in regulating RPC proliferation and differentiation by directly targeting NPDC1, which is firstly reported that microRNAs positively regulate RPC proliferation and negatively regulate RPC differentiation, which provides a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms that dominate RPC proliferation and differentiation in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiqin Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine , Shanghai, P.R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology , Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Ni Ni
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine , Shanghai, P.R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology , Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Dandan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine , Shanghai, P.R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology , Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yuyao Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine , Shanghai, P.R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology , Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Zhimin Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine , Shanghai, P.R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology , Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Na Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine , Shanghai, P.R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology , Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yahan Ju
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine , Shanghai, P.R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology , Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Xiaochan Dai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine , Shanghai, P.R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology , Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yidan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University , Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine , Shanghai, P.R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology , Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Ping Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine , Shanghai, P.R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology , Shanghai, P.R. China
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9
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Singh MS, Park SS, Albini TA, Canto-Soler MV, Klassen H, MacLaren RE, Takahashi M, Nagiel A, Schwartz SD, Bharti K. Retinal stem cell transplantation: Balancing safety and potential. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 75:100779. [PMID: 31494256 PMCID: PMC7056514 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2019.100779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Stem cell transplantation holds great promise as a potential treatment for currently incurable retinal degenerative diseases that cause poor vision and blindness. Recently, safety data have emerged from several Phase I/II clinical trials of retinal stem cell transplantation. These clinical trials, usually run in partnership with academic institutions, are based on sound preclinical studies and are focused on patient safety. However, reports of serious adverse events arising from cell therapy in other poorly regulated centers have now emerged in the lay and scientific press. While progress in stem cell research for blindness has been greeted with great enthusiasm by patients, scientists, doctors and industry alike, these adverse events have raised concerns about the safety of retinal stem cell transplantation and whether patients are truly protected from undue harm. The aim of this review is to summarize and appraise the safety of human retinal stem cell transplantation in the context of its potential to be developed into an effective treatment for retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandeep S Singh
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
| | - Susanna S Park
- Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, University of California-Davis Eye Center, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Thomas A Albini
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - M Valeria Canto-Soler
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Research Program, Department of Ophthalmology, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Henry Klassen
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute and Stem Cell Research Center, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Robert E MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford and Oxford University Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Masayo Takahashi
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Aaron Nagiel
- The Vision Center, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA; USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90007, USA
| | - Steven D Schwartz
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA; Edythe and Eli Broad Stem Cell Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Kapil Bharti
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 90892, USA
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10
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Huckenpahler AL, Carroll J, Salmon AE, Sajdak BS, Mastey RR, Allen KP, Kaplan HJ, McCall MA. Noninvasive Imaging and Correlative Histology of Cone Photoreceptor Structure in the Pig Retina. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2019; 8:38. [PMID: 31867139 PMCID: PMC6922271 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.8.6.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate different methods of studying cone photoreceptor structure in wild-type (WT) and transgenic pigs carrying the human rhodopsin P23H mutant gene (TgP23H). METHODS For in vivo imaging, pigs were anesthetized with tiletamine-zolazepam and isoflurane and given lidocaine-bupivacaine retrobulbar injections. Stay sutures and a custom head mount were used to hold and steer the head for adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO). Six WT and TgP23H littermates were imaged at postnatal day 30 (P30), P90, and P180 with AOSLO and optical coherence tomography (OCT), and two additional sets of littermates were imaged at P3 and P15 with OCT only. AOSLO imaging and correlative differential interference contrast microscopy were performed on a P240 WT pig and on WT and TgP23H littermates at P30 and P180. RESULTS AOSLO cone density generally underestimates histology density (mean difference ± SD = 24.8% ± 21.4%). The intensity of the outer retinal hyperreflective OCT band attributed to photoreceptors is attenuated in TgP23H pigs at all ages. In contrast, AOSLO images show cones that retain inner and outer segments through P180. At retinal locations outside the visual streak, TgP23H pigs show a heterogeneous degenerating cone mosaic by using two criteria: variable contrast on a split detector AOSLO and high reflectivity on a confocal AOSLO. CONCLUSIONS AOSLO reveals that the cone mosaic is similar to ex vivo histology. Its use as a noninvasive tool will enable observation of morphologic changes that arise in the cone mosaic of TgP23H pigs over time. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE Pigs are widely used for translational studies, and the ability to noninvasively assess cellular changes in the cone mosaic will facilitate more detailed investigations of new retinal disease models as well as outcomes of potential therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison L Huckenpahler
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Joseph Carroll
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Alexander E Salmon
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Benjamin S Sajdak
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Rebecca R Mastey
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Kenneth P Allen
- Biomedical Resource Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Henry J Kaplan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Maureen A McCall
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
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11
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Takiuti JT, Takahashi VKL, Apatoff MBL, Tsang SH. Stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine in RPE degenerative disease: advances and challenges. EXPERT REVIEW OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/17469899.2018.1555034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Júlia T. Takiuti
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Jonas Children’s Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia University, New York, USA
- Division of Ophthalmology, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vitor K. L. Takahashi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Jonas Children’s Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia University, New York, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mary Ben L. Apatoff
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Jonas Children’s Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia University, New York, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, NewYork, NY, USA
| | - Stephen H. Tsang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Jonas Children’s Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia University, New York, USA
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Stem Cell Initiative (CSCI), Institute of Human Nutrition, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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12
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Wu H, Li J, Mao X, Li G, Xie L, You Z. Transplantation of rat embryonic stem cell-derived retinal cells restores visual function in the Royal College of Surgeons rats. Doc Ophthalmol 2018; 137:71-78. [DOI: 10.1007/s10633-018-9648-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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13
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Apatoff MBL, Sengillo JD, White EC, Bakhoum MF, Bassuk AG, Mahajan VB, Tsang SH. Autologous stem cell therapy for inherited and acquired retinal disease. Regen Med 2018; 13:89-96. [PMID: 29360008 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2017-0089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian retina, derived from neural ectoderm, has little regenerative potential. For conditions where irreversible retinal pigment epithelium or photoreceptor cell loss occurs, advanced techniques are required to restore vision. Inherited retinal dystrophies and some acquired conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration, have a similar end result of photoreceptor cell death leading to debilitating vision loss. These diseases stand to benefit from future regenerative medicine as dietary recommendations and current pharmacologic therapy only seek to prevent further disease progression. Cell-based strategies, such as autologously derived induced pluripotent stem cells, have come a long way in overcoming previous technical and ethical concerns. Clinical trials for such techniques are already underway. These trials and the preceding preclinical studies will be discussed in the context of retinal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Ben L Apatoff
- Jonas Children's Vision Care & Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jesse D Sengillo
- Jonas Children's Vision Care & Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.,College of Medicine, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
| | - Eugenia C White
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Mathieu F Bakhoum
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | | - Vinit B Mahajan
- Omics Laboratory, Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Palo Alto Veterans Administration, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Stephen H Tsang
- Jonas Children's Vision Care & Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.,Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.,Institute of Human Nutrition, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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14
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The retinal determination gene network: from developmental regulator to cancer therapeutic target. Oncotarget 2018; 7:50755-50765. [PMID: 27203207 PMCID: PMC5226618 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Although originally identified for its function in Drosophila melanogaster eye specification, the Retinal Determination Gene Network (RDGN) is essential for the development of multiple organs in mammals. The RDGN regulates proliferation, differentiation and autocrine signaling, and interacts with other key signaling pathways. Aberrant expression of RDGN members such as DACH, EYA and SIX contributes to tumor initiation and progression; indeed, the levels of RDGN members are clinically prognostic factors in various cancer types. Stimulation or suppression of the activities of these crucial components can block cancer cell proliferation, prevent cancer stem cell expansion and even reverse the EMT process, thereby attenuating malignant phenotypes. Thus, cancer therapeutic interventions targeting RDGN members should be pursued in future studies.
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15
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Song CG, Zhang YZ, Wu HN, Cao XL, Guo CJ, Li YQ, Zheng MH, Han H. Stem cells: a promising candidate to treat neurological disorders. Neural Regen Res 2018; 13:1294-1304. [PMID: 30028342 PMCID: PMC6065243 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.235085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurologic impairments are usually irreversible as a result of limited regeneration in the central nervous system. Therefore, based on the regenerative capacity of stem cells, transplantation therapies of various stem cells have been tested in basic research and preclinical trials, and some have shown great prospects. This manuscript overviews the cellular and molecular characteristics of embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, neural stem cells, retinal stem/progenitor cells, mesenchymal stem/stromal cells, and their derivatives in vivo and in vitro as sources for regenerative therapy. These cells have all been considered as candidates to treat several major neurological disorders and diseases, owing to their self-renewal capacity, multi-directional differentiation, neurotrophic properties, and immune modulation effects. We also review representative basic research and recent clinical trials using stem cells for neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and age-related macular degeneration, as well as traumatic brain injury and glioblastoma. In spite of a few unsuccessful cases, risks of tumorigenicity, and ethical concerns, most results of animal experiments and clinical trials demonstrate efficacious therapeutic effects of stem cells in the treatment of nervous system disease. In summary, these emerging findings in regenerative medicine are likely to contribute to breakthroughs in the treatment of neurological disorders. Thus, stem cells are a promising candidate for the treatment of nervous system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Geng Song
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yi-Zhe Zhang
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Hai-Ning Wu
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xiu-Li Cao
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Chen-Jun Guo
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yong-Qiang Li
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Min-Hua Zheng
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Hua Han
- Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Fourth Military Medical University; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
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16
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Nuzzi R, Tridico F. Glaucoma: Biological Trabecular and Neuroretinal Pathology with Perspectives of Therapy Innovation and Preventive Diagnosis. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:494. [PMID: 28928631 PMCID: PMC5591842 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a common degenerative disease affecting retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and optic nerve axons, with progressive and chronic course. It is one of the most important reasons of social blindness in industrialized countries. Glaucoma can lead to the development of irreversible visual field loss, if not treated. Diagnosis may be difficult due to lack of symptoms in early stages of disease. In many cases, when patients arrive at clinical evaluation, a severe neuronal damage may have already occurred. In recent years, newer perspective in glaucoma treatment have emerged. The current research is focusing on finding newer drugs and associations or better delivery systems in order to improve the pharmacological treatment and patient compliance. Moreover, the application of various stem cell types with restorative and neuroprotective intent may be found appealing (intravitreal autologous cellular therapy). Advances are made also in terms of parasurgical treatment, characterized by various laser types and techniques. Moreover, recent research has led to the development of central and peripheral retinal rehabilitation (featuring residing cells reactivation and replacement of defective elements), as well as innovations in diagnosis through more specific and refined methods and inexpensive tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Nuzzi
- Eye Clinic Section, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Ophthalmic HospitalTurin, Italy
| | - Federico Tridico
- Eye Clinic Section, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Ophthalmic HospitalTurin, Italy
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17
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Assessment of Safety and Functional Efficacy of Stem Cell-Based Therapeutic Approaches Using Retinal Degenerative Animal Models. Stem Cells Int 2017; 2017:9428176. [PMID: 28928775 PMCID: PMC5592015 DOI: 10.1155/2017/9428176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction and death of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and or photoreceptors can lead to irreversible vision loss. The eye represents an ideal microenvironment for stem cell-based therapy. It is considered an “immune privileged” site, and the number of cells needed for therapy is relatively low for the area of focused vision (macula). Further, surgical placement of stem cell-derived grafts (RPE, retinal progenitors, and photoreceptor precursors) into the vitreous cavity or subretinal space has been well established. For preclinical tests, assessments of stem cell-derived graft survival and functionality are conducted in animal models by various noninvasive approaches and imaging modalities. In vivo experiments conducted in animal models based on replacing photoreceptors and/or RPE cells have shown survival and functionality of the transplanted cells, rescue of the host retina, and improvement of visual function. Based on the positive results obtained from these animal experiments, human clinical trials are being initiated. Despite such progress in stem cell research, ethical, regulatory, safety, and technical difficulties still remain a challenge for the transformation of this technique into a standard clinical approach. In this review, the current status of preclinical safety and efficacy studies for retinal cell replacement therapies conducted in animal models will be discussed.
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18
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Tang Z, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Zhang D, Shen B, Luo M, Gu P. Progress of stem/progenitor cell-based therapy for retinal degeneration. J Transl Med 2017; 15:99. [PMID: 28486987 PMCID: PMC5424366 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-017-1183-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal degeneration (RD), such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa, is one of the leading causes of blindness. Presently, no satisfactory therapeutic options are available for these diseases principally because the retina and retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) do not regenerate, although wet AMD can be prevented from further progression by anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. Nevertheless, stem/progenitor cell approaches exhibit enormous potential for RD treatment using strategies mainly aimed at the rescue and replacement of photoreceptors and RPE. The sources of stem/progenitor cells are classified into two broad categories in this review, which are (1) ocular-derived progenitor cells, such as retinal progenitor cells, and (2) non-ocular-derived stem cells, including embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, and mesenchymal stromal cells. Here, we discuss in detail the progress in the study of four predominant stem/progenitor cell types used in animal models of RD. A short overview of clinical trials involving the stem/progenitor cells is also presented. Currently, stem/progenitor cell therapies for RD still have some drawbacks such as inhibited proliferation and/or differentiation in vitro (with the exception of the RPE) and limited long-term survival and function of grafts in vivo. Despite these challenges, stem/progenitor cells represent the most promising strategy for RD treatment in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuyao Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Dandan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingqiao Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ping Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
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19
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Jones MK, Lu B, Girman S, Wang S. Cell-based therapeutic strategies for replacement and preservation in retinal degenerative diseases. Prog Retin Eye Res 2017; 58:1-27. [PMID: 28111323 PMCID: PMC5441967 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2017.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Revised: 01/08/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cell-based therapeutics offer diverse options for treating retinal degenerative diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP). AMD is characterized by both genetic and environmental risks factors, whereas RP is mainly a monogenic disorder. Though treatments exist for some patients with neovascular AMD, a majority of retinal degenerative patients have no effective therapeutics, thus indicating a need for universal therapies to target diverse patient populations. Two main cell-based mechanistic approaches are being tested in clinical trials. Replacement therapies utilize cell-derived retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells to supplant lost or defective host RPE cells. These cells are similar in morphology and function to native RPE cells and can potentially supplant the responsibilities of RPE in vivo. Preservation therapies utilize supportive cells to aid in visual function and photoreceptor preservation partially by neurotrophic mechanisms. The goal of preservation strategies is to halt or slow the progression of disease and maintain remaining visual function. A number of clinical trials are testing the safety of replacement and preservation cell therapies in patients; however, measures of efficacy will need to be further evaluated. In addition, a number of prevailing concerns with regards to the immune-related response, longevity, and functionality of the grafted cells will need to be addressed in future trials. This review will summarize the current status of cell-based preclinical and clinical studies with a focus on replacement and preservation strategies and the obstacles that remain regarding these types of treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa K Jones
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Bin Lu
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Sergey Girman
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Shaomei Wang
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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20
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Bharti D, Shivakumar SB, Subbarao RB, Rho GJ. Research Advancements in Porcine Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2016. [PMID: 26201864 PMCID: PMC5403966 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x10666150723145911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In the present era of stem cell biology, various animals such as Mouse, Bovine, Rabbit and Porcine have been tested for the efficiency of their mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) before their actual use for stem cell based application in humans. Among them pigs have many similarities to humans in the form of organ size, physiology and their functioning, therefore they have been considered as a valuable model system for in vitro studies and preclinical assessments. Easy assessability, few ethical issues, successful MSC isolation from different origins like bone marrow, skin, umbilical cord blood, Wharton’s jelly, endometrium, amniotic fluid and peripheral blood make porcine a good model for stem cell therapy. Porcine derived MSCs (pMSCs) have shown greater in vitro differentiation and transdifferention potential towards mesenchymal lineages and specialized lineages such as cardiomyocytes, neurons, hepatocytes and pancreatic beta cells. Immunomodulatory and low immunogenic profiles as shown by autologous and heterologous MSCs proves them safe and appropriate models for xenotransplantation purposes. Furthermore, tissue engineered stem cell constructs can be of immense importance in relation to various osteochondral defects which are difficult to treat otherwise. Using pMSCs successful treatment of various disorders like Parkinson’s disease, cardiac ischemia, hepatic failure, has been reported by many studies. Here, in this review we highlight current research findings in the area of porcine mesenchymal stem cells dealing with their isolation methods, differentiation ability, transplantation applications and their therapeutic potential towards various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Gyu-Jin Rho
- OBS/Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, 900 Gazwa, Jinju 660-701, Republic of Korea.
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21
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Wu N, Wang Y, Yang L, Cho KS. Signaling Networks of Retinal Ganglion Cell Formation and the Potential Application of Stem Cell–Based Therapy in Retinal Degenerative Diseases. Hum Gene Ther 2016; 27:609-20. [PMID: 27466076 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2016.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nan Wu
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Wang
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing, China
| | - Lanbo Yang
- 2 Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kin-Sang Cho
- 2 Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts
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White RE, Barry DS. The emerging roles of transplanted radial glial cells in regenerating the central nervous system. Neural Regen Res 2015; 10:1548-51. [PMID: 26692835 PMCID: PMC4660731 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.165317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Robin E White
- Biology Department, Westfield State University, Westfield, MA, USA
| | - Denis S Barry
- Department of Anatomy, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Ireland
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23
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Kostic C, Arsenijevic Y. Animal modelling for inherited central vision loss. J Pathol 2015; 238:300-10. [PMID: 26387748 PMCID: PMC5063185 DOI: 10.1002/path.4641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Revised: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Disease-causing variants of a large number of genes trigger inherited retinal degeneration leading to photoreceptor loss. Because cones are essential for daylight and central vision such as reading, mobility, and face recognition, this review focuses on a variety of animal models for cone diseases. The pertinence of using these models to reveal genotype/phenotype correlations and to evaluate new therapeutic strategies is discussed. Interestingly, several large animal models recapitulate human diseases and can serve as a strong base from which to study the biology of disease and to assess the scale-up of new therapies. Examples of innovative approaches will be presented such as lentiviral-based transgenesis in pigs and adeno-associated virus (AAV)-gene transfer into the monkey eye to investigate the neural circuitry plasticity of the visual system. The models reported herein permit the exploration of common mechanisms that exist between different species and the identification and highlighting of pathways that may be specific to primates, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne Kostic
- Unit of Gene Therapy and Stem Cell Biology, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yvan Arsenijevic
- Unit of Gene Therapy and Stem Cell Biology, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
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Xian B, Huang B. The immune response of stem cells in subretinal transplantation. Stem Cell Res Ther 2015; 6:161. [PMID: 26364954 PMCID: PMC4568575 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-015-0167-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cell transplantation is a potential curative treatment for degenerative diseases of the retina. Among cell injection sites, the subretinal space (SRS) is particularly advantageous as it is maintained as an immune privileged site by the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) layer. Thus, the success of subretinal transplantation depends on maintenance of RPE integrity. Moreover, both embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have negligible immunogenicity and in fact are immunosuppressive. Indeed, many studies have demonstrated that immunosuppressive drugs are not necessary for subretinal transplantation of stem cells if the blood-retinal barrier is not breached during surgery. The immunogenicity of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) appears more complex, and requires careful study before clinical application. Despite low rates of graft rejection in animal models, survival rates for ESCs, MSCs, and iPSCs in retina are generally poor, possibly due to resident microglia activated by cell transplantation. To improve graft survival in SRS transplantation, damage to the blood-retinal barrier must be minimized using appropriate surgical techniques. In addition, agents that inhibit microglial activation may be required. Finally, immunosuppressants may be required, at least temporarily, until the blood-retinal barrier heals. We review surgical methods and drug regimens to enhance the likelihood of graft survival after SRS transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bikun Xian
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Bing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong Province, China.
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25
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Stem cell based therapies for age-related macular degeneration: The promises and the challenges. Prog Retin Eye Res 2015; 48:1-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2015.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Revised: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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26
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Abud M, Baranov P, Hicks C, Patel S, Lieppman B, Regatieri C, Sinden J, Isaac D, Avila M, Young M. The Effect of Transient Local Anti-inflammatory Treatment on the Survival of Pig Retinal Progenitor Cell Allotransplants. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2015; 4:6. [PMID: 26425402 PMCID: PMC4585327 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.4.5.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2014] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The development of photoreceptor replacement therapy for retinal degenerative disorders requires the identification of the optimal cell source and immunosuppressive regimen in a large animal model. Allotransplants are not acutely rejected in swine subretinal space, although it is not known if survival can be improved with immunosuppression. Here we investigated the survival and integration of expanded pig retinal progenitor cells (pRPCs) in normal recipients with and without transient anti-inflammatory suppression. METHODS pRPCs were derived from the neural retina of E60 GFP transgenic pigs, expanded for six passages, characterized, and transplanted into the subretinal space of 12 pigs. Six recipients received a single intravitreal injection of rapamycin and dexamethasone. RESULTS pRPCs expressed the photoreceptor development genes Sox2, Pax6, Lhx2, Crx, Nrl, and Recoverin in vitro. Transplanted cells were identified in 9 out of 12 recipients 4 weeks after the injection. pRPCs integrated primarily into the photoreceptor inner segment layer and outer nuclear layer with single cells present in the inner nuclear layer. Donor cells remained recoverin-positive and acquired rhodopsin. We did not observe any signs of graft proliferation. The immunosuppression did not affect the survival or distribution of grafts. No macrophage infiltration or loss of retinal structure was observed in either group. CONCLUSIONS Local immunosuppression with rapamycin and dexamethasone does not improve the outcome of pRPC allotransplantation into the subretinal space. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE Survival and integration of pRPC together with the lack of graft proliferation suggests that allogeneic RPC transplantation without transient immunosuppression is a favorable approach for photoreceptor cell replacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murilo Abud
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA ; Federal University of Goias, Goiania, Brazil
| | - Petr Baranov
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Burke Lieppman
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - David Isaac
- Federal University of Goias, Goiania, Brazil
| | | | - Michael Young
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Ahmed TAE, Ringuette R, Wallace VA, Griffith M. Autologous fibrin glue as an encapsulating scaffold for delivery of retinal progenitor cells. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2015; 2:85. [PMID: 25692127 PMCID: PMC4315092 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2014.00085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 12/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The retina is a highly sophisticated piece of the neural machinery that begins the translation of incoming light signals into meaningful visual information. Several degenerative diseases of the retina are characterized by photoreceptor loss and eventually lead to irreversible blindness. Regenerative medicine, using tissue engineering-based constructs to deliver progenitor cells or photoreceptors along with supporting carrier matrix is a promising approach for restoration of structure and function. Fresh fibrin glue (FG) produced by the CryoSeal(®)FS system in combination with mouse retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) were evaluated in this study. In vitro expanded RPCs isolated from postnatal mouse retina were encapsulated into FG and cultured in the presence of the protease inhibitor, tranexamic acid. Encapsulation of RPCs into FG did not show adverse effects on cell proliferation or cell survival. RPCs exhibited fibroblast-like morphology concomitantly with attachment to the encapsulating FG surface. They expressed α7 and β3 integrin subunits that could mediate attachment to fibrin matrix via an RGD-independent mechanism. The three-dimensional environment and the attachment surface provided by FG was associated with a rapid down-regulation of the progenitor marker SOX2 and enhanced the expression of the differentiation markers cone-rod homeobox and recoverin. However, the in vitro culture conditions did not promote full differentiation into mature photoreceptors. Nevertheless, we have shown that autologous fibrin, when fabricated into a scaffold for RPCs for delivery to the retina, provides the cells with external cues that could potentially improve the differentiation events. Hence, transient encapsulation of RPCs into FG could be a valid and potential treatment strategy to promote retinal regeneration following degenerative diseases. However, further optimization is necessary to maximize the outcomes in terms of mature photoreceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamer A E Ahmed
- Vision Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute , Ottawa, ON , Canada ; Medical Biotechnology Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technology Applications (SRTA-City) , Alexandria , Egypt ; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa , Ottawa, ON , Canada
| | - Randy Ringuette
- Vision Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute , Ottawa, ON , Canada ; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa , Ottawa, ON , Canada
| | - Valerie A Wallace
- Vision Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute , Ottawa, ON , Canada ; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa , Ottawa, ON , Canada ; Vision Science Research Program, Toronto Western Research Institute , Toronto, ON , Canada
| | - May Griffith
- Vision Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute , Ottawa, ON , Canada ; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa , Ottawa, ON , Canada ; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Integrative Regenerative Medicine Centre, Linköping University , Linköping , Sweden
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28
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Baranov P, Michaelson A, Kundu J, Carrier RL, Young M. Interphotoreceptor matrix-poly(ϵ-caprolactone) composite scaffolds for human photoreceptor differentiation. J Tissue Eng 2014; 5:2041731414554139. [PMID: 25383176 PMCID: PMC4221930 DOI: 10.1177/2041731414554139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue engineering has been widely applied in different areas of regenerative medicine, including retinal regeneration. Typically, artificial biopolymers require additional surface modification (e.g. with arginine–glycine–aspartate-containing peptides or adsorption of protein, such as fibronectin), before cell seeding. Here, we describe an alternative approach for scaffold design: the manufacture of hybrid interphotoreceptor matrix-poly (ϵ-caprolactone) scaffolds, in which the insoluble extracellular matrix of the retina is incorporated into a biodegradable polymer well suited for transplantation. The incorporation of interphotoreceptor matrix did not change the topography of polycaprolactone film, although it led to a slight increase in hydrophilic properties (water contact angle measurements). This hybrid scaffold provided sufficient stimuli for human retinal progenitor cell adhesion and inhibited proliferation, leading to differentiation toward photoreceptor cells (expression of Crx, Nrl, rhodopsin, ROM1). This scaffold may be used for transplantation of retinal progenitor cells and their progeny to treat retinal degenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Baranov
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrew Michaelson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joydip Kundu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca L Carrier
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael Young
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Baranov PY, Tucker BA, Young MJ. Low-oxygen culture conditions extend the multipotent properties of human retinal progenitor cells. Tissue Eng Part A 2014; 20:1465-75. [PMID: 24320879 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2013.0361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Development of an effective cell-based therapy is highly dependent upon having a reproducible cell source suitable for transplantation. One potential source, isolated from the developing fetal neural retina, is the human retinal progenitor cell (hRPC). One limiting factor for the use of hRPCs is their in vitro expansion limit. As such, the aim of this study was to determine whether culturing hRPCs under 3% O2 would support their proliferative capacity while maintaining multipotency. METHODS To determine the effect of low oxygen on the ability of hRPCs to self-renew, rates of proliferation and apoptosis, telomerase activity, and expression of proliferative, stemness, and differentiation markers were assessed for hRPCs cultured in 3% and 20% oxygen conditions. RESULTS Culture under 3% oxygen increases the proliferation rate and shifts the proliferation limit of hRPCs to greater 40 divisions. This increased capacity for proliferation is correlated with an upregulation of Ki67, CyclinD1, and telomerase activity and a decrease in p53 expression and apoptosis. Increased expression of cMyc, Klf4, Oct4, and Sox2 in 3% O₂ is correlated with stabilization of both HIF1α and HIF2α. The eye field development markers Pax6, Sox2, and Otx2 are present in hRPCs up to passage 16 in 3% O₂ . Following in vitro differentiation hRPCs expanded in the 3% O₂ were able to generate specialized retinal cells, including rods and cones. CONCLUSIONS Low-oxygen culture conditions act to maintain both multipotency and self-renewal properties of hRPCs in vitro. The extended expansion limits permit the development of a clinical-grade reagent for transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Y Baranov
- 1 The Schepens Eye Research Institute , Boston, Massachusetts
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30
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31
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Yip HK. Retinal stem cells and regeneration of vision system. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2013; 297:137-60. [PMID: 24293400 DOI: 10.1002/ar.22800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The vertebrate retina is a well-characterized model for studying neurogenesis. Retinal neurons and glia are generated in a conserved order from a pool of mutlipotent progenitor cells. During retinal development, retinal stem/progenitor cells (RPC) change their competency over time under the influence of intrinsic (such as transcriptional factors) and extrinsic factors (such as growth factors). In this review, we summarize the roles of these factors, together with the understanding of the signaling pathways that regulate eye development. The information about the interactions between intrinsic and extrinsic factors for retinal cell fate specification is useful to regenerate specific retinal neurons from RPCs. Recent studies have identified RPCs in the retina, which may have important implications in health and disease. Despite the recent advances in stem cell biology, our understanding of many aspects of RPCs in the eye remains limited. PRCs are present in the developing eye of all vertebrates and remain active in lower vertebrates throughout life. In mammals, however, PRCs are quiescent and exhibit very little activity and thus have low capacity for retinal regeneration. A number of different cellular sources of RPCs have been identified in the vertebrate retina. These include PRCs at the retinal margin, pigmented cells in the ciliary body, iris, and retinal pigment epithelium, and Müller cells within the retina. Because PRCs can be isolated and expanded from immature and mature eyes, it is possible now to study these cells in culture and after transplantation in the degenerated retinal tissue. We also examine current knowledge of intrinsic RPCs, and human embryonic stems and induced pluripotent stem cells as potential sources for cell transplant therapy to regenerate the diseased retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry K Yip
- Department of Anatomy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Adminstrative Region, People's Republic of China; Research Center of Heart, Brain, Hormone and Healthy Aging, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Adminstrative Region, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Adminstrative Region, People's Republic of China
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De AK, Garg S, Singhal DK, Malik H, Mukherjee A, Jena MK, Kumar S, Kaushik JK, Mohanty AK, Das BC, Bag S, Bhanja SK, Malakar D. Derivation of goat embryonic stem cell-like cell lines from in vitro produced parthenogenetic blastocysts. Small Rumin Res 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2013.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Gao H, Zhang HL, Shou J, Chen L, Shen Y, Tang Q, Huang J, Zhu J. Towards retinal ganglion cell regeneration. Regen Med 2013; 7:865-75. [PMID: 23164085 DOI: 10.2217/rme.12.97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic optic nerve injury and glaucoma are among the leading causes of incurable vision loss across the world. What is worse, neither pharmacological nor surgical interventions are significantly effective in reversing or halting the progression of vision loss. Advances in cell biology offer some hope for the victims of optic nerve damage and subsequent partial or complete visual loss. Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) travel through the optic nerve and carry all visual signals to the brain. After injury, RGC axons usually fail to regrow and die, leading to irreversible loss of vision. Various kinds of cells and factors possess the ability to support the process of axon regeneration for RGCs. This article summarizes the latest advances in RGC regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huasong Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fudan University Huashan Hospital, National Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Liu Y, Wang J, Luo Y, Chen S, Lewallen M, Xie T. Stem Cells and Ocular Tissue Regeneration. ASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY (PHILADELPHIA, PA.) 2013; 2:111-8. [PMID: 26108048 DOI: 10.1097/apo.0b013e31828615b7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Millions worldwide have visual impairments caused by dysfunctional eye components, including cornea, lens, retina, and optic nerve, or the visual cortex in the brain. Insufficient cornea donation and inherent artificial lens problems demand alternative treatment strategies for cornea diseases and cataracts, whereas retinal degenerative diseases, including glaucoma, macular degeneration, and retinitis pigmentosa, still lack effective treatments. Stem cells have been investigated for their potential in various eye-specific pathologies to replace lost retinal ganglion cells and photoreceptors in retinal degenerative diseases and toward engineering transplantable patient-specific cornea or lens. DESIGN Many stem cell types, including putative resident eye stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, embryonic stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells, have been investigated for their potential to generate specific cell types in the eye in culture and after transplantation and to engineer eye tissues in combination with structural scaffolds. METHOD Cultured stem cells and in vitro differentiated eye-specific cells are transplanted into different locations of the eye to test their ability to produce functional cells for supporting eye functions. In addition, stem cells have been directly tested in vitro for their capacity to engineer eye-specific tissues. RESULTS Different stem cell types have been shown to have distinct capacities to produce eye-specific cells or even the entire retina. CONCLUSIONS Stem cells offer great hope for treating various eye pathologies. Despite recent progress, many challenges must still be overcome before the era of stem cell-based therapy in the eye truly arrives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhi Liu
- From the *State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China; and †Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO
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35
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Gullapalli VK, Khodair MA, Wang H, Sugino IK, Madreperla S, Zarbin MA. Transplantation Frontiers. Retina 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-1-4557-0737-9.00125-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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36
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Hu Y, Ji J, Xia J, Zhao P, Fan X, Wang Z, Zhou X, Luo M, Gu P. An in vitro comparison study: the effects of fetal bovine serum concentration on retinal progenitor cell multipotentiality. Neurosci Lett 2012; 534:90-5. [PMID: 23153830 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2012.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2012] [Revised: 10/22/2012] [Accepted: 11/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) are an excellent resource for retinal replacement therapy, because they show enormous potential to differentiate into retinal-specific cell types. While the differentiating influence of serum has long been appreciated, the effects of serum concentration on RPC differentiation into specified retinal neural cells have not been investigated. Using cultured murine RPCs, this study compared the effects of different levels of fetal bovine serum (FBS) (1%, 5%, 10% and 20%) on RPC differentiation in vitro. RPC multipotentiality was assessed by using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to determine the relative expression levels of 10 genes involved in retinal development. In addition, analyses of cell morphology and retinal development-related protein expression were performed using microscopy and immunocytochemistry. The data revealed that 1% FBS-induced cultures preferentially generated rhodopsin- and PKC-α-positive cells. Calbindin and AP2α expression levels were greater in 5% FBS-induced cultures. Brn3a was expressed at similar levels in 1%, 5% and 10% FBS treatment conditions but diminished in 20% FBS conditions. Twenty percent FBS induced more glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP)-immunoreactive cells corresponding to glia populations. These findings suggest that the concentration of FBS plays an important role in RPC differentiation in vitro. Treatment with low levels of FBS favors differentiation of rhodopsin-positive photoreceptors, interneurons and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), while high FBS concentrations preferentially induce differentiation of glia cells. These results are expected to facilitate research in the treatment of neurodegenerative retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamin Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200011, China
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37
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Baranov P, Regatieri C, Melo G, Clissold H, Young M. Synthetic peptide-acrylate surface for self-renewal of human retinal progenitor cells. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2012; 19:265-70. [PMID: 22920918 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2012.0217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human retinal progenitor cells (hRPCs), isolated from fetal retina, require extracellular matrix proteins such as fibronectin or laminin for successful attachment and self-renewal in vitro. Here we have shown that a novel synthetic vitronectin-mimicking surface supports self-renewal and multipotency of hRPCs in a chemically defined culture system. The morphology, adhesion, and proliferation of hRPC were equivalent on a novel vitronectin-mimicking surface (Synthemax) compared to a fibronectin-coated surface. When evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and flow cytometry, both surfaces maintained self-renewal of hRPCs, as shown by similar expression levels of Sox2, Nestin, cMyc, Klf4, and Pax6, with no change in integrin beta1 and integrin alpha5 expression. We suggest that the use of synthetic, xeno-free surfaces such as Synthemax will be useful for basic research studies, as well as development of translational strategies aimed at using stem cell transplantation to treat disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Baranov
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Foundation, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.
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38
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In vitro expanded stem cells from the developing retina fail to generate photoreceptors but differentiate into myelinating oligodendrocytes. PLoS One 2012; 7:e41798. [PMID: 22848612 PMCID: PMC3405018 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0041798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2012] [Accepted: 06/25/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell transplantation to treat retinal degenerative diseases represents an option for the replacement of lost photoreceptor cells. In vitro expandable cells isolated from the developing mammalian retina have been suggested as a potential source for the generation of high numbers of donor photoreceptors. In this study we used standardized culture conditions based on the presence of the mitogens FGF-2 and EGF to generate high numbers of cells in vitro from the developing mouse retina. These presumptive ‘retinal stem cells’ (‘RSCs’) can be propagated as monolayer cultures over multiple passages, express markers of undifferentiated neural cells, and generate neuronal and glial cell types upon withdrawal of mitogens in vitro or following transplantation into the adult mouse retina. The proportion of neuronal differentiation can be significantly increased by stepwise removal of mitogens and inhibition of the notch signaling pathway. However, ‘RSCs’, by contrast to their primary counterparts in vivo, i.e. retinal progenitor cells, loose the expression of retina-specific progenitor markers like Rax and Chx10 after passaging and fail to differentiate into photoreceptors both in vitro or after intraretinal transplantation. Notably, ‘RSCs’ can be induced to differentiate into myelinating oligodendrocytes, a cell type not generated by primary retinal progenitor cells. Based on these findings we conclude that ‘RSCs’ expanded in high concentrations of FGF-2 and EGF loose their retinal identity and acquire features of in vitro expandable neural stem-like cells making them an inappropriate cell source for strategies aimed at replacing photoreceptor cells in the degenerated retina.
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39
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Ong JM, da Cruz L. A review and update on the current status of stem cell therapy and the retina. Br Med Bull 2012; 102:133-46. [PMID: 22577179 DOI: 10.1093/bmb/lds013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION OR BACKGROUND Many diseases of the retina result in irreversible visual loss. Stem cell (SC) therapy is a rapidly developing field and represents a novel approach to replace non-functioning neuro-retinal cells. SOURCES OF DATA A systematic computerized literature search was conducted on PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/). AREAS OF AGREEMENT The use of stem cells (SCs) in animal models of retinal diseases has resulted in improvement in visual function and performance. SC therapy represents an exciting prospect in restoring vision. Areas of controversy The use of human embryonic SCs raises ethical concerns. GROWING POINTS Human trials using SCs in retinal diseases have recently been approved. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH The success of SCs in retinal therapy depends not only on implanted cell survival, but also on how well SCs migrate, integrate and form synapses. Further research will be needed to overcome these hurdles.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Ong
- National Institute of Health Research, Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK.
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Photoreceptor Differentiation following Transplantation of Allogeneic Retinal Progenitor Cells to the Dystrophic Rhodopsin Pro347Leu Transgenic Pig. Stem Cells Int 2012; 2012:939801. [PMID: 22567027 PMCID: PMC3337587 DOI: 10.1155/2012/939801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2011] [Accepted: 01/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose. Transplantation of stem, progenitor, or precursor cells has resulted in photoreceptor replacement and evidence of functional efficacy in rodent models of retinal degeneration. Ongoing work has been directed toward the replication of these results in a large animal model, namely, the pig. Methods. Retinal progenitor cells were derived from the neural retina of GFP-transgenic pigs and transplanted to the subretinal space of rhodopsin Pro347Leu-transgenic allorecipients, in the early stage of the degeneration and the absence of immune suppression. Results. Results confirm the survival of allogeneic porcine RPCs without immune suppression in the setting of photoreceptor dystrophy. The expression of multiple photoreceptor markers by grafted cells included the rod outer segment-specific marker ROM-1. Further evidence of photoreceptor differentiation included the presence of numerous photoreceptor rosettes within GFP-positive grafts, indicative of the development of cellular polarity and self-assembly into rudiments of outer retinal tissue. Conclusion. Together, these data support the tolerance of RPCs as allografts and demonstrate the high level of rod photoreceptor development that can be obtained from cultured RPCs following transplantation. Strategies for further progress in this area, together with possible functional implications, are discussed.
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Derivation of neural progenitors and retinal pigment epithelium from common marmoset and human pluripotent stem cells. Stem Cells Int 2012; 2012:417865. [PMID: 22550507 PMCID: PMC3328338 DOI: 10.1155/2012/417865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2011] [Accepted: 11/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs) derived from mammalian species are valuable tools for modeling human disease, including retinal degenerative eye diseases that result in visual loss. Restoration of vision has focused on transplantation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) to the retina. Here we used transgenic common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) and human pluripotent stem cells carrying the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) reporter as a model system for retinal differentiation. Using suspension and subsequent adherent differentiation cultures, we observed spontaneous in vitro differentiation that included NPCs and cells with pigment granules characteristic of differentiated RPE. Retinal cells derived from human and common marmoset pluripotent stem cells provide potentially unlimited cell sources for testing safety and immune compatibility following autologous or allogeneic transplantation using nonhuman primates in early translational applications.
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Kumar De A, Malakar D, Akshey YS, Jena MK, Dutta R. Isolation and characterization of embryonic stem cell-like cells from in vitro produced goat (Capra hircus) embryos. Anim Biotechnol 2012; 22:181-96. [PMID: 22132812 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2011.622189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to isolate and characterize goat embryonic stem cell-like cells from in vitro produced goat embryos. Inner cell mass (ICM) cells were isolated either mechanically or by enzymatic digestion from 150 blastocysts and 35 hatched blastocysts whereas 100 morulae were used for blastomeres isolation mechanically. The ICM derived cells or blastomeres were cultured on a feeder layer. The primary colony formation was significantly higher (P < 0.01) for hatched blastocysts (77.14%) than early/expanded blastocysts (54%) or morula (14%). When ICMs were isolated mechanically the primary colony formation for hatched blastocysts (90%) as well as blastocysts (66%) were significantly more than when ICMs were isolated by enzymatic digestion (60% and 30%, respectively). The colonies were disaggregated either mechanically or by enzymatic digestion for further subculture. When mechanical method was followed, the colonies remained undifferentiated up to 15 passages and three ES cell-like cell lines were produced (gES-1, gES-2, and gES-3). However, enzymatic disaggregation resulted in differentiation. The undifferentiated cells showed stem cell like morphological features, normal karyotype, and expressed stem cell specific surface markers like alkaline phosphatase, TRA-1-61, TRA-1-81, and intracellular markers Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog. Following prolonged culture of the ES cell-like cells were differentiated into several types of cells including neuron like and epithelium-like cells. In conclusion, goat embryonic stem cell-like cells can be isolated from in vitro produced goat embryos and can be maintained for long periods in culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Kumar De
- Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
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Park UC, Cho MS, Park JH, Kim SJ, Ku SY, Choi YM, Moon SY, Yu HG. Subretinal transplantation of putative retinal pigment epithelial cells derived from human embryonic stem cells in rat retinal degeneration model. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2011; 38:216-21. [PMID: 22384445 PMCID: PMC3283081 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2011.38.4.216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2011] [Revised: 11/28/2011] [Accepted: 12/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To differentiate the human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) into the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in the defined culture condition and determine its therapeutic potential for the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases. METHODS The embryoid bodies were formed from hESCs and attached on the matrigel coated culture dishes. The neural structures consisting neural precursors were selected and expanded to form rosette structures. The mechanically isolated neural rosettes were differentiated into pigmented cells in the media comprised of N2 and B27. Expression profiles of markers related to RPE development were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunostaining. Dissociated putative RPE cells (10(5) cells/5 µL) were transplanted into the subretinal space of rat retinal degeneration model induced by intravenous sodium iodate injection. Animals were sacrificed at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after transplantation, and immnohistochemistry study was performed to verify the survival of the transplanted cells. RESULTS The putative RPE cells derived from hESC showed characteristics of the human RPE cells morphologically and expressed molecular markers and associated with RPE fate. Grafted RPE cells were found to survive in the subretinal space up to 4 weeks after transplantation, and the expression of RPE markers was confirmed with immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSION Transplanted RPE cells derived from hESC in the defined culture condition successfully survived and migrated within subretinal space of rat retinal degeneration model. These results support the feasibility of the hESC derived RPE cells for cell-based therapies for retinal degenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Un Chul Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Wong IYH, Poon MW, Pang RTW, Lian Q, Wong D. Promises of stem cell therapy for retinal degenerative diseases. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2011; 249:1439-48. [PMID: 21866334 PMCID: PMC3178027 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-011-1764-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2011] [Revised: 05/19/2011] [Accepted: 07/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
With the development of stem cell technology, stem cell-based therapy for retinal degeneration has been proposed to restore the visual function. Many animal studies and some clinical trials have shown encouraging results of stem cell-based therapy in retinal degenerative diseases. While stem cell-based therapy is a promising strategy to replace damaged retinal cells and ultimately cure retinal degeneration, there are several important challenges which need to be overcome before stem cell technology can be applied widely in clinical settings. In this review, different types of donor cell origins used in retinal treatments, potential target cell types for therapy, methods of stem cell delivery to the eye, assessments of potential risks in stem cell therapy, as well as future developments of retinal stem cells therapy, will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Yat-Hin Wong
- Department of Medicine and Eye Institute, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, PRC
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Du H, Lim SL, Grob S, Zhang K. Induced pluripotent stem cell therapies for geographic atrophy of age-related macular degeneration. Semin Ophthalmol 2011; 26:216-24. [PMID: 21609235 DOI: 10.3109/08820538.2011.577498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
There is currently no FDA-approved therapy for treating patients with geographic atrophy (GA), a late stage of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Cell transplantation has the potential to restore vision in these patients. This review discusses how recent advancement in induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells provides a promising therapy for GA treatment. Recent advances in stem cell biology have demonstrated that it is possible to derive iPS cells from human somatic cells by introducing reprogramming factors. Human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and photoreceptors can be derived from iPS cells by defined factors. Studies show that transplanting these cells can stabilize or recover vision in animal models. However, cell derivation protocols and transplantation procedures still need to be optimized. Much validation has to be done before clinical-grade, patient-derived iPS can be applied for human therapy. For now, RPE cells and photoreceptors derived from patient-specific iPS cells can serve as a valuable tool in elucidating the mechanism of pathogenesis and drug discovery for GA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjun Du
- Institute for Genomic Medicine and Shiley Eye Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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Xenotransplantation of human neural progenitor cells to the subretinal space of nonimmunosuppressed pigs. J Transplant 2011; 2011:948740. [PMID: 21766011 PMCID: PMC3134270 DOI: 10.1155/2011/948740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2011] [Accepted: 04/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate the feasibility of transplanting human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs) to the retina of nonimmunosuppressed pigs, cultured hNPCs were injected into the subretinal space of 5 adult pigs after laser burns were applied to promote donor cell integration. Postoperatively, the retinal vessels appeared normal without signs of exudation, bleeding, or subretinal elevation. Eyes were harvested at 10–28 days. H&E consistently showed mild retinal vasculitis, depigmentation of the RPE, and marked mononuclear cell infiltrate in the choroid adjacent to the site of transplantation. Human-specific antibodies revealed donor cells in the subretinal space at 10–13 days and smaller numbers within the retina on days 12 and 13, with evidence suggesting a limited degree of morphological integration; however, no cells remained at 4 weeks. The strong mononuclear cell reaction and loss of donor cells indicate that modulation of host immunity is likely necessary for prolonged xenograft survival in this model.
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Zhou L, Wang W, Liu Y, de Castro JF, Ezashi T, Telugu BPV, Roberts RM, Kaplan HJ, Dean DC. Differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells of swine into rod photoreceptors and their integration into the retina. Stem Cells 2011; 29:972-80. [PMID: 21491544 PMCID: PMC4263955 DOI: 10.1002/stem.637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Absence of a regenerative pathway for damaged retina following injury or disease has led to experiments using stem cell transplantation for retinal repair, and encouraging results have been obtained in rodents. The swine eye is a closer anatomical and physiological match to the human eye, but embryonic stem cells have not been isolated from pig, and photoreceptor differentiation has not been demonstrated with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) of swine. Here, we subjected iPSCs of swine to a rod photoreceptor differentiation protocol consisting of floating culture as embryoid bodies followed by differentiation in adherent culture. Real-time PCR and immunostaining of differentiated cells demonstrated loss of expression of the pluripotent genes POU5F1, NANOG, and SOX2 and induction of rod photoreceptor genes RCVRN, NRL, RHO, and ROM1. While these differentiated cells displayed neuronal morphology, culturing on a Matrigel substratum triggered a further morphological change resulting in concentration of rhodopsin (RHO) and rod outer segment-specific membrane protein 1 in outer segment-like projections resembling those on primary cultures of rod photoreceptors. The differentiated cells were transplanted into the subretinal space of pigs treated with iodoacetic acid to eliminate rod photoreceptors. Three weeks after transplantation, engrafted RHO+ cells were evident in the outer nuclear layer where photoreceptors normally reside. A portion of these transplanted cells had generated projections resembling outer segments. These results demonstrate that iPSCs of swine can differentiate into photoreceptors in culture, and these cells can integrate into the damaged swine neural retina, thus, laying a foundation for future studies using the pig as a model for retinal stem cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P. R. China
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Yongqing Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Birth Defects Center, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Juan Fernandez de Castro
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Toshihiko Ezashi
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | | | | | - Henry J. Kaplan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Douglas C. Dean
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Molecular Targets Program, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Birth Defects Center, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
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Decembrini S, Cananzi M, Gualdoni S, Battersby A, Allen N, Pearson RA, Ali RR, De Coppi P, Sowden JC. Comparative analysis of the retinal potential of embryonic stem cells and amniotic fluid-derived stem cells. Stem Cells Dev 2010; 20:851-63. [PMID: 20939691 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2010.0291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptors have recently been generated from mouse and human embryonic stem cells (ESCs), although ethics concerns impede their utilization for cell replacement therapy for retinal disease. Extra-embryonic tissues have received attention as alternative therapeutic sources of stem cells. Human and mouse amniotic fluid-derived stem cells (AFCs) have been reported to be multipotent and express embryonic and adult stem cell markers. Here, in vitro conditions that generate retinal cells from ESCs were used to analyze and compare the retinal potential of murine AFCs and ESCs. We show that AFCs express pluripotency markers (Nanog, Sox2, and Oct3/4) as well as retinal transcription factor genes (Et, Lhx2, Tll1, Six6, Otx2, Pax6, and Fgf15). AFCs from amniotic fluid of Fgf15.gfp, Nrl.gfp, and Crx.gfp embryos cultured in retinal proliferation and differentiation conditions failed to switch on these retinal transgenes. AFCs cultured in retinal-promoting conditions, effective on ESCs, showed reduced expression of retinal markers. Retinal co-cultures activated retinal genes in ESCs but not in AFCs, and migration assays in retinal explants showed limited migration of AFCs compared with ESCs. Unlike ESCs, AFCs do not express the early embryonic ectodermal gene Utf1 and Western analysis of AFCs identified only the B isoform of Oct3/4, rather than the isoform A present in ESCs. We conclude that AFCs have restricted potential and differ considerably from ESCs and retinal progenitor cells. Reprogramming to induce pluripotency or new differentiation protocols will be required to confer retinal potential to AFCs as expression of a subset of pluripotency and retinal markers is not sufficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Decembrini
- UCL Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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Cho SJ, Lee YS, Lee JI, Bang JI, Yang J, Klassen H, Kong IK. Confirmation of germ-line transmission in the red fluorescence protein (RFP) transgenic cloned male cat. Cell Reprogram 2010; 12:739-47. [PMID: 20818992 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2010.0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The production of transgenic animals is highly desirable for biotechnology and basic research. We investigated the reproductive ability of a red fluorescence protein (RFP) transgenic cloned male cat (RFP TG cat) by natural mating with a domestic female cat. The RFP expression levels were examined in early embryogenesis, tissues from 45-day-old two fetuses, and four RFP TG cat offspring. The RFP gene was detected in tissue samples from one dead kitten, including several organs and the skin. Also, under a fluorescent light source, we were able to directly detect the RFP expression of in in vitro-produced blastocysts derived with sperm from the RFP TG cat. These results indicate that the RFP TG cat exhibits normal reproductive fertility, stable germ-line transmission of the RFP transgene, and characteristic RFP expression in its offspring. We isolated feline neural progenitor cells from a 45-day-old fetus derived from the natural mating of the RFP TG cat with a domestic female cat. Isolated brain and retinal progenitor cells were successfully passaged at least four times post isolation (day 23), and showed a high RFP expression level. This method of producing genetically modified cloned cats will be important for generating biomedical models of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Jin Cho
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21), Graduate School of Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-701, Republic of Korea
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Sun X, Chen M, Li J, Zhuang J, Gao Q, Zhong X, Huang B, Zhang W, Huang L, Ge J. E13.5 retinal progenitors induce mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells to differentiate into retinal progenitor-like cells. Cytotherapy 2010; 13:294-303. [PMID: 20979443 DOI: 10.3109/14653249.2010.523075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Retinal progenitor cells (RPC) are an excellent resource for retinal replacement therapy but usually unavailable. We attempted to induce bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSC) into RPC. METHODS BMSC and embryonic day 13.5 (E13.5) RPC derived from wild-type or enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) transgenic (Egfp(+/+)) mice were co-cultured in a transwell or re-aggregation system. Gene and protein expressions were investigated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunofluorescence, respectively. Spontaneous cell fusion was evaluated by Chloromethylbenzamido derivative of 1,1'- dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3' - tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate (CM-DiI) labeling together with EGFP tracing. RESULTS BMSC from both wild-type and Egfp(+/+) mice displayed similar spindle shapes. The undifferentiated BMSC already expressed immature neural markers but did not express Nfl, Gfap or the retina-related genes Pax6, Math5 and Brn3b. When co-cultured with E13.5 RPC in the transwell system, BMSC displayed transient expression of early retinal development genes, including Pax6, Math5 and Brn3b at 3 days, as well as long-term expression of Nfl (up to 21 days). No expression of the late photoreceptor gene rhodopsin could be detected at any time. In re-aggregation co-culture, E13.5 RPC induced EGFP-positive BMSC to express not only the early retinal development genes but also the late gene rhodopsin. Furthermore, a small fraction of BMSC could be induced to express the synaptophysin protein. Re-aggregation co-culture of CM-DiI-labeled BMSC and EGFP-positive E13.5 RPC displayed minimal co-localization of the two fluorescence signals. CONCLUSIONS E13.5 RPC are capable of inducing BMSC towards an RPC fate. The differentiation is independent of cell fusion. Cytokines and cell-cell interactions exert this induction effect, but they have different functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuerong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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