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García-Posadas L, Romero-Castillo I, Katsinas N, Krstić L, López-García A, Diebold Y. Characterization and functional performance of a commercial human conjunctival epithelial cell line. Exp Eye Res 2022; 223:109220. [PMID: 35985531 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The conjunctiva is a complex tissue that covers the eye beginning at the corneal limbus and extending over the inner surfaces of the eyelids. Due to its important functions in maintaining the health of the ocular surface, adequate in vitro models of conjunctival structure and function are essential to understand its roll in different pathologies. Because there is scarcity of human conjunctival tissue that can be used in research, cell lines are often the only option for initial studies. An immortalized human conjunctival epithelial cell (IM-HConEpiC) line is now commercially available; however, it is not very well characterized. In this study, we have developed a new protocol to culture these cells without the use of collagen-coated culture surfaces, but with a defined cell culture medium. We characterized IM-HConEpiCs cultured under these conditions and corroborated that the cells maintained a conjunctival epithelial phenotype, including acidic and neutral mucins, junctional proteins E-cadherin and zonula occludens 1, and expression of CK8 and CK19, among others. In addition, we analyzed the response to oxidative stress and inflammatory stimuli and found that IM-HConEpiCs respond as expected for conjunctival epithelial tissue. For instance, cells exposed to oxidative stress increased the production of reactive oxygen species, and that increase was blocked in the presence of an antioxidant agent. In addition, after stimulation with TNF-α, IM-HConEpiCs significantly increased the production of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IP-10. Therefore, with this study we conclude that IM-HConEpiCs can be a useful tool in functional studies to determine the response of the conjunctiva to pathological conditions and/or to test new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura García-Posadas
- Ocular Surface Group, Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain.
| | - Ismael Romero-Castillo
- Ocular Surface Group, Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Nikolaos Katsinas
- Ocular Surface Group, Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Luna Krstić
- Ocular Surface Group, Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Antonio López-García
- Ocular Surface Group, Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Yolanda Diebold
- Ocular Surface Group, Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Valladolid, Spain
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Hidalgo-Alvarez V, Dhowre HS, Kingston OA, Sheridan CM, Levis HJ. Biofabrication of Artificial Stem Cell Niches in the Anterior Ocular Segment. Bioengineering (Basel) 2021; 8:135. [PMID: 34677208 PMCID: PMC8533470 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering8100135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The anterior segment of the eye is a complex set of structures that collectively act to maintain the integrity of the globe and direct light towards the posteriorly located retina. The eye is exposed to numerous physical and environmental insults such as infection, UV radiation, physical or chemical injuries. Loss of transparency to the cornea or lens (cataract) and dysfunctional regulation of intra ocular pressure (glaucoma) are leading causes of worldwide blindness. Whilst traditional therapeutic approaches can improve vision, their effect often fails to control the multiple pathological events that lead to long-term vision loss. Regenerative medicine approaches in the eye have already had success with ocular stem cell therapy and ex vivo production of cornea and conjunctival tissue for transplant recovering patients' vision. However, advancements are required to increase the efficacy of these as well as develop other ocular cell therapies. One of the most important challenges that determines the success of regenerative approaches is the preservation of the stem cell properties during expansion culture in vitro. To achieve this, the environment must provide the physical, chemical and biological factors that ensure the maintenance of their undifferentiated state, as well as their proliferative capacity. This is likely to be accomplished by replicating the natural stem cell niche in vitro. Due to the complex nature of the cell microenvironment, the creation of such artificial niches requires the use of bioengineering techniques which can replicate the physico-chemical properties and the dynamic cell-extracellular matrix interactions that maintain the stem cell phenotype. This review discusses the progress made in the replication of stem cell niches from the anterior ocular segment by using bioengineering approaches and their therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Hidalgo-Alvarez
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK
| | - Hala S. Dhowre
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK; (H.S.D.); (O.A.K.)
| | - Olivia A. Kingston
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK; (H.S.D.); (O.A.K.)
| | - Carl M. Sheridan
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK; (H.S.D.); (O.A.K.)
| | - Hannah J. Levis
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK; (H.S.D.); (O.A.K.)
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van Velthoven AJ, Bertolin M, Barbaro V, Sthijns MM, Nuijts RM, LaPointe VL, Dickman MM, Ferrari S. Increased Cell Survival of Human Primary Conjunctival Stem Cells in Dimethyl Sulfoxide-Based Cryopreservation Media. Biopreserv Biobank 2021; 19:67-72. [PMID: 33185460 PMCID: PMC7892306 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2020.0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycerol and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) are widely used cryoprotectants for freezing human cell cultures. During the manufacturing process of ocular stem cell-based autographs, ex vivo cultivated ocular cells are cryopreserved for quality control purposes in accordance with regulatory requirements. The efficiency of the cryopreservation methods is limited by their effect on cell survival and quality. We compared two cryopreservation reagents, glycerol and DMSO, for their influence on the survival and quality of human primary conjunctival cultures. We found increased cell viability after cryopreservation in DMSO compared to cryopreservation in glycerol. The clonogenic and proliferative capacity was unaffected by the cryopreservation reagents, as shown by the colony forming efficiency and cumulative cell doubling. Importantly, the percentage of p63α- and keratin 19 (K19)-positive cells following cryopreservation in DMSO or glycerol was comparable. Taken together, our results demonstrate that cryopreservation in DMSO improves cell survival compared to cryopreservation in glycerol, with no subsequent effect on cell proliferative-, clonogenic-, or differentiation capacity. Therefore, we advise the use of a 10% DMSO-based cryopreservation medium for the cryopreservation of human primary conjunctival cells, as it will improve the number of cells available for the manufacturing of conjunctival stem cell-based autografts for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianne J.H. van Velthoven
- University Eye Clinic Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Mireille M.J.P.E. Sthijns
- Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Rudy M.M.A. Nuijts
- University Eye Clinic Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Vanessa L.S. LaPointe
- Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Mor M. Dickman
- University Eye Clinic Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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Witt J, Dietrich J, Mertsch S, Schrader S, Spaniol K, Geerling G. Decellularized porcine conjunctiva as an alternative substrate for tissue-engineered epithelialized conjunctiva. Ocul Surf 2020; 18:901-911. [PMID: 32860970 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2020.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The long-term success of visual rehabilitation in patients with severe conjunctival scarring is reliant on the reconstruction of the conjunctiva with a suitable substitute. The purpose of this study is the development and investigation of a re-epithelialized conjunctival substitute based on porcine decellularized conjunctiva (PDC). METHODS PDC was re-epithelialized either with pre-expanded human conjunctival epithelial cells (PDC + HCEC) or with a human conjunctival explant placed directly on PDC (PDC + HCEx). Histology and immunohistochemistry were performed to evaluate epithelial thickness, proliferation (Ki67), apoptosis (Caspase 3), goblet cells (MUC5AC), and progenitor cells (CK15, ΔNp63, ABCG2). The superior construct (PDC + HCEx) was transplanted into a conjunctival defect of a rabbit (n = 6). Lissamine green staining verified the epithelialization in vivo. Orbital tissue was exenterated on day 10 and processed for histological and immunohistochemical analysis to examine the engrafted PDC + HCEx. A human-specific antibody was used to detect the transplanted cells. RESULTS From day-14 in vitro onward, a significantly thicker epithelium and greater number of cells expressing Ki67, CK15, ΔNp63, and ABCG2 were noted for PDC + HCEx versus PDC + HCEC. MUC5AC-positive cells were found only in PDC + HCEx. The PDC + HCEx-grafted rabbit conjunctivas were lissamine-negative during the evaluation period, indicating epithelial integrity. Engrafted PDC + HCEx showed preserved progenitor cell properties and an increased number of goblet cells comparable to those of native conjunctiva. CONCLUSION Placing and culturing a human conjunctival explant directly on PDC (PDC + HCEx) enables the generation of a stable, stratified, goblet cell-rich construct that could provide a promising alternative conjunctival substitute for patients with extensive conjunctival stem and goblet cell loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Witt
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Germany.
| | - Jana Dietrich
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Germany
| | - Sonja Mertsch
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Germany
| | - Stefan Schrader
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Germany
| | - Kristina Spaniol
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Germany
| | - Gerd Geerling
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Germany
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Witt J, Mertsch S, Borrelli M, Dietrich J, Geerling G, Schrader S, Spaniol K. Decellularised conjunctiva for ocular surface reconstruction. Acta Biomater 2018; 67:259-269. [PMID: 29225150 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.11.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Conjunctival reconstruction is an integral component of ocular surface restoration. Decellularised tissues are frequently used clinically for tissue engineering. This study identifies porcine decellularised conjunctiva (PDC) and human decellularised conjunctiva (HDC) as promising substitutes for conjunctival reconstruction. PDC and HDC were nearly DNA-free, structurally intact and showed no cytotoxic effects in vitro, which was confirmed by DNA quantification, histology, transmission electron microscopy, collagen quantification and cytotoxicity assay. Comparing the biomechanical properties to amniotic membrane (AM), the most frequently applied matrix for ocular surface reconstruction today, the decellularised conjunctiva was more extensible and elastic but exhibited less tensile strength. The in vivo application in a rabbit model proofed significantly enhanced transplant stability and less suture losses comparing PDC and HDC to AM while none of the matrices induced considerable inflammation. Ten days after implantation, all PDC, 4 of 6 HDC but none of the AM transplants were completely integrated into the recipient conjunctiva with a partially multi-layered epithelium. Altogether, decellularised conjunctivas of porcine and human origin were superior to AM for conjunctival reconstruction after xenogeneic application in vivo. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Conjunctival integrity is essential for a healthy ocular surface and clear vision. Its reconstruction is required in case of immunological diseases, after trauma, chemical or thermal burns or surgery involving the conjunctiva. Due to limitations of currently used substitute tissues such as amniotic membrane, there is a need for the development of new matrices for conjunctival reconstruction. Decellularised tissues are frequently applied clinically for tissue engineering. The present study identifies porcine and human decellularised conjunctiva as biocompatible and well tolerated scaffolds with superior integration into the recipient conjunctiva compared to amniotic membrane. Decellularised conjunctiva depicts a promising substitute for conjunctival reconstruction in ophthalmology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Witt
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Germany
| | - Sonja Mertsch
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Germany
| | - Maria Borrelli
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Germany
| | - Jana Dietrich
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Germany
| | - Gerd Geerling
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Germany
| | - Stefan Schrader
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Germany
| | - Kristina Spaniol
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Germany.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Reconstruction of the conjunctiva is an essential part of ocular surface reconstruction. Clinically applied and experimentally tested tissue- and stem-cell-based approaches are presented and evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS Current literature and our own results will be presented. RESULTS Autologous conjunctiva, mucous membrane of the mouth or nose, and amniotic membrane are routinely used for conjunctival reconstruction. Limitations are limited availability, involvement in autoimmune diseases, donor heterogeneity, and degradation in an inflamed environment. Experimentally tested matrices as tissues made from extracellular matrix proteins, synthetic polymers, temperature-sensitive culture dishes, and decellularized conjunctiva have been tested in vitro and partly in vivo. To replace conjunctival cells, cells of conjunctiva and mucous membrane of mouth and nose have been evaluated and show progenitor cell properties as well as secretory capacity (goblet cell differentiation). CONCLUSIONS Although different matrices are available for conjunctival reconstruction there is-due to specific limitations of existing tissues-a need for the development of new therapies for conjunctival replacement. Matrices produced in the laboratory have already been partly investigated in vivo and may thus be clinically applicable in the near future. Adult mucous membrane cells show many properties of conjunctival epithelium after expansion in vitro and thus are a promising cell source for conjunctival tissue engineering. Other stem cells sources require further evaluation.
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7
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Yao Q, Zhang W, Hu Y, Chen J, Shao C, Fan X, Fu Y. Electrospun collagen/poly(L-lactic acid-co-ε-caprolactone) scaffolds for conjunctival tissue engineering. Exp Ther Med 2017; 14:4141-4147. [PMID: 29104630 PMCID: PMC5658689 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.5073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Conjunctival injuries are general but intractable ocular surface diseases, the sequelae of which are particularly challenging to treat. A promising therapy for conjunctival injuries is to employ biodegradable scaffolds to deliver conjunctival epithelial cells for repairing damaged or diseased conjunctiva. In the present study, an ultrathin porous nanofibrous scaffold was fabricated by using collagen and poly(L-lactic acid-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL) and displayed a thickness of 20 µm, with a high porosity and an average fiber diameter of 248.83±26.44 nm. Conjunctival epithelial cells seeded on the scaffolds proliferated well and had a high cell viability. Reverse-transcription quantitative PCR showed the expression of conjunctival epithelial cell-specific genes; in addition, there was no significant difference in the inflammatory gene expression between cells grown on collagen/PLCL scaffolds and tricalcium phosphate scaffolds. After co-culture for 2 weeks in vitro, epithelial cell stratification was observed using hematoxylin and eosin staining, exhibiting three to four epithelial-cell layers. In conclusion, these results suggested that collagen/PLCL scaffolds have potential application for repairing conjunctival epithelial coloboma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinke Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Weijie Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Yang Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Junzhao Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Chunyi Shao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Xianqun Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Yao Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
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Kasbekar S, Kaye SB, Williams RL, Stewart RMK, Leow-Dyke S, Rooney P. Development of decellularized conjunctiva as a substrate for the ex vivo expansion of conjunctival epithelium. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2017; 12:e973-e982. [PMID: 28112872 DOI: 10.1002/term.2419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This study was performed to develop a method to decellularize human conjunctiva and to characterize the tissue in terms of its deoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA) content, tensile strength, collagen denaturation, basement membrane, extracellular matrix components and its potential to support conjunctival epithelial growth. Human conjunctival tissues were subjected to a decellularization process involving hypotonic detergent and nuclease buffers. Variations in sodium dodecyl sulfate concentration (0.05-0.5%, w/v) were tested to determine the appropriate concentration of detergent buffer. DNA quantification, collagen denaturation, cytotoxicity and tensile strength were investigated. Human conjunctival cell growth by explant culture on the decellularized tissue substrate was assessed after 28 days in culture. Samples were fixed and paraffin embedded for immunohistochemistry including conjunctival epithelial cell markers and extracellular matrix proteins. Conjunctival tissue from 20 eyes of 10 donors (age range 65-92 years) was used. Decellularization of human conjunctiva was achieved to 99% or greater DNA removal (p < 0.001) with absence of nuclear staining. This was reproducible at the lowest concentration of sodium dodecyl sulfate (0.05% w/v). No collagen denaturation (p = 0.74) and no difference in tensile strength parameters was demonstrated following decellularization. No significant difference was noted in the immunolocalization of collagen IV, laminin and fibronectin, or in the appearance of periodic acid-Schiff-stained basement membranes following decellularization. The decellularized tissue did not exhibit any cytotoxicity and explant culture resulted in the growth of stratified conjunctival epithelium. Allogeneic decellularized human conjunctiva can be successfully decellularized using the described protocol. It represents a novel substrate to support the expansion of conjunctival epithelium for ocular surface cellular replacement therapies. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani Kasbekar
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Daulby Street, Liverpool, UK
| | - Stephen B Kaye
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Daulby Street, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rachel L Williams
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Daulby Street, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rosalind M K Stewart
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Daulby Street, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sophie Leow-Dyke
- National Health Service Blood and Transplant Tissue Services, Speke, Liverpool, UK
| | - Paul Rooney
- National Health Service Blood and Transplant Tissue Services, Speke, Liverpool, UK
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Preservation of Ocular Epithelial Limbal Stem Cells: The New Frontier in Regenerative Medicine. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 951:179-189. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-45457-3_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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10
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Drechsler CC, Kunze A, Kureshi A, Grobe G, Reichl S, Geerling G, Daniels JT, Schrader S. Development of a conjunctival tissue substitute on the basis of plastic compressed collagen. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2015; 11:896-904. [DOI: 10.1002/term.1991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Revised: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- C. C. Drechsler
- Department of Ophthalmology; University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University; Germany
| | - A. Kunze
- Department of Ophthalmology; University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University; Germany
| | - A. Kureshi
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology; London UK
| | - G. Grobe
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technologies; Technical University of Braunschweig; Germany
| | - S. Reichl
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technologies; Technical University of Braunschweig; Germany
| | - G. Geerling
- Department of Ophthalmology; University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University; Germany
| | | | - S. Schrader
- Department of Ophthalmology; University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University; Germany
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11
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Ex-vivo ocular surface stem cell therapies: current techniques, applications, hurdles and future directions. Expert Rev Mol Med 2013; 15:e4. [DOI: 10.1017/erm.2013.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Engineered tissue derived from ocular surface stem cells (SCs) are a cutting edge biotechnology for repair and restoration of severely damaged eyes as a result of ocular surface dysfunction because of SC failure. Ex-vivo SC expansion techniques have advanced significantly since the first patients were treated in the late 1990s. The techniques and clinical reports reviewed here highlight the evolution and successes of these techniques, while also revealing gaps in our understanding of ocular surface and SC biology that drives further research and development in this field. Although hurdles still remain before stem-cell-based therapies are more widely available for patients with devastating ocular surface disease, recent discoveries in the field of mesenchymal SCs and the potential of induced pluripotent SCs heralds a promising future for clinicians and our patients.
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12
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Schrader S, O'Callaghan AR, Tuft SJ, Beaconsfield M, Geerling G, Daniels JT. Wnt signalling in an in vitro niche model for conjunctival progenitor cells. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2012; 8:969-77. [PMID: 22933392 DOI: 10.1002/term.1599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2011] [Revised: 06/22/2012] [Accepted: 07/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Mimicking an environment in vitro that is more similar to the stem cell niche in vivo, by co-culture of mitotically active conjunctival fibroblasts (HCF) with human conjunctival epithelial cells (HCECs), improves the maintenance of epithelial cells with progenitor cell characteristics during in vitro expansion. However, little is known about the pathways controlling the fate of the epithelial progenitor cells during in vitro culture. In this study, differences in gene expression between this in vitro 'niche' model and standard culture conditions, in which growth-arrested 3 T3 feeder cells and fetal calf serum are used, were explored using a genome level microarray platform, quantitative (q)RT-PCR and western blot. The microarray analysis revealed significant alterations of biological processes involved in cell proliferation, differentiation and cell death. The analysis of stem cell-related pathways indicated changes in expression of genes involved in the Wnt signalling pathway, and further investigation by qPCR revealed significant downregulation of the Wnt ligands Wnt3, Wnt4, Wnt7B and Wnt10A, Wnt receptor proteins FZD1, LRP5, LRP6, ß-catenin and TCF7L1 and important Wnt target genes, such as CCND1, also confirmed by western blot and immunocytochemistry. The results indicate that epithelial cell expansion in the HCEC-HCF co-culture system is accompanied by significant changes in expression of genes involved in the Wnt signalling pathway. This altered pathway activation might be involved in the enhanced maintenance of epithelial progenitor cells in this in vitro 'niche' model.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Schrader
- Cells for Sight Transplantation and Research Programme Ocular Biology and Therapeutics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK; Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Düsseldorf, Germany
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13
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Schrader S, Tuft SJ, Beaconsfield M, Borrelli M, Geerling G, Daniels JT. Evaluation of Human MRC-5 Cells as a Feeder Layer in a Xenobiotic-Free Culture System for Conjunctival Epithelial Progenitor Cells. Curr Eye Res 2012; 37:1067-74. [DOI: 10.3109/02713683.2012.713155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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14
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Neumann Y, David R, Stiubea-Cohen R, Orbach Y, Aframian DJ, Palmon A. Long-term cryopreservation model of rat salivary gland stem cells for future therapy in irradiated head and neck cancer patients. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2012; 18:710-8. [PMID: 22443349 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2012.0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Irradiated head and neck cancer patients suffer from irreversible loss of salivary gland (SG) function, along with significant morbidity and compromised quality of life. To date there is no biologically-based treatment for this distress. Adult salivary gland stem cells are promising candidates for autologous transplantation therapy in the context of tissue-engineered artificial SGs or direct cell therapy. The major restrictions in handling such cells are their limited lifespan during in vitro cultivation, resulting in a narrow time-window for implantation and a risk of tumorigenic changes during culture. To overcome these difficulties, we tested in a rat model the possibility of establishing a personal/autologous SG stem cell bank. SG's integrin-α6β1-expressing cells were shown to hold a subpopulation of SG-specific progenitor-cells. Explanted and cultured single cell-originated clones were cryopreserved for up to 3 years and shown to exhibit genetic and functional stability similar to noncryopreserved cells, as was emphasized by soft agar assay, division potential assessment, flow cytometric analysis, real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, in vitro three-dimensional differentiation assay, and immunofluorescence confocal microscopy. Future integration of the novel strategies presented herein to a clinical therapeutic model will allow safe preservation until transplantation and repeated transplantation if needed. These tools open a new venue for adult autologous stem-cell transplantation-based SG regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoav Neumann
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, Institute of Dental Sciences, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
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Mason SL, Stewart RMK, Kearns VR, Williams RL, Sheridan CM. Ocular epithelial transplantation: current uses and future potential. Regen Med 2011; 6:767-82. [DOI: 10.2217/rme.11.94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Visual loss may be caused by a variety of ocular diseases and places a significant burden on society. Replacing or regenerating epithelial structures in the eye has been demonstrated to recover visual loss in a number of such diseases. Several types of cells (e.g., embryonic stem cells, adult stem/progenitor/differentiated epithelial cells and induced pluripotent cells) have generated much interest and research into their potential in restoring vision in a variety of conditions: from ocular surface disease to age-related macular degeneration. While there has been some success in clinical transplantation of conjunctival and particularly corneal epithelium utilizing ocular stem cells, in particular, from the limbus, the replacement of the retinal pigment epithelium by utilizing stem cell sources has yet to reach the clinic. Advances in our understanding of all of these cell types, their differentiation and subsequent optimization of culture conditions and development of suitable substrates for their transplantation will enable us to overcome current clinical obstacles. This article addresses the current status of knowledge concerning the biology of stem cells, their progeny and the use of differentiated epithelial cells to replace ocular epithelial cells. It will highlight the clinical outcomes to date and their potential for future clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon L Mason
- Department of Eye & Vision Science, Institute of Ageing & Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Daulby Street, L69 3GA, UK
| | - Rosalind MK Stewart
- Department of Eye & Vision Science, Institute of Ageing & Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Daulby Street, L69 3GA, UK
| | - Victoria R Kearns
- Department of Eye & Vision Science, Institute of Ageing & Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Daulby Street, L69 3GA, UK
| | - Rachel L Williams
- Department of Eye & Vision Science, Institute of Ageing & Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Daulby Street, L69 3GA, UK
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Schrader S, Notara M, Tuft SJ, Beaconsfield M, Geerling G, Daniels JT. Simulation of an in vitro niche environment that preserves conjunctival progenitor cells. Regen Med 2011; 5:877-89. [PMID: 21082888 DOI: 10.2217/rme.10.73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To evaluate a serum-free system where mitotically active subconjunctival fibroblasts were co-cultured with conjunctival epithelial cells to mimic a niche environment for conjunctival progenitor cells. METHODS Human conjunctival epithelial cells were expanded in vitro and evaluated for their colony-forming efficiency and clonal ability. The cells were then transferred to a serum-free co-culture system and cultured in the presence of mitotically active subconjunctival fibroblasts (human conjunctival epithelial cells and human bulbar subconjunctival fibroblasts [HCEC-HCF]). Cells were evaluated by Ki67 staining, total colony-forming efficiency and the number of colonies with a surface area of more than 10 mm(2). The expression of putative progenitor cell markers p63α, ABCG2 and CK15, and the presence of MUC5AC- and periodic acid-Schiff-positive cells was compared with standard culture conditions (HCEC-3T3). RESULTS Conjunctival epithelial cells cultured under HCEC-HCF and HCEC-3T3 conditions demonstrated strong immunoreactivity to p63α and ABCG2. Co-localization of CK15 and p63α revealed a subpopulation of CK15-positive cells under HCEC-3T3 conditions compared with only a few CK15-positive cells found under HCEC-HCF conditions. MUC5AC- and periodic acid-Schiff-positive cells were much more common under HCEC-3T3 conditions than under HCEC-HCF conditions. These results were confirmed by reverse transcription-PCR. Cells in HCEC-HCF conditions demonstrated a significantly higher total colony-forming efficiency and a significantly higher percentage of colonies with holoclone-like morphology. CONCLUSIONS The simulation of a niche environment in vitro by co-culturing mitotically active subconjunctival fibroblasts with conjunctival epithelial cells supports the maintenance of conjunctival cells with progenitor cell characteristics and therefore might be a useful tool to expand conjunctival epithelial progenitor cells in vitro for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Schrader
- Cells for Sight Transplantation & Research Programme, Department of Ocular Biology & Therapeutics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK.
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Notara M, Schrader S, Daniels JT. The porcine limbal epithelial stem cell niche as a new model for the study of transplanted tissue-engineered human limbal epithelial cells. Tissue Eng Part A 2011; 17:741-50. [PMID: 20929285 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2010.0343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transparency of the human cornea is dependent upon the integrity of its epithelium and hence a population of limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs). We have previously shown that LESCs reside in limbal epithelial crypts at the periphery of the human cornea. In this study the anatomy and functionality of the porcine limbus was evaluated for the first time as a novel model of the human limbus. Scanning electron microscopy, confocal microscopy, and histology revealed common structures in the porcine and human limbus in terms of the location and topography of palisades of Vogt and limbal epithelial crypts. Epithelial cells harvested from crypt regions achieved higher colony forming efficiency than cultures established from the noncrypt regions and central cornea. Also, expression of the putative SC markers p63α and integrin β1 brightness was higher in the basal layer of the crypt regions, as shown by immunocytochemistry. De-epithelialized porcine corneas were used as an in vitro organ culture model to study the fate of transplanted human epithelium cultured from the limbus. Multilayered epithelium was observed after ∼1 week. Subsequently, wounds were inflicted on the central corneal epithelium. The wounded tissue healed within 5-7 days, and multilayering of the central corneal epithelium was re-established. The transplanted epithelia were repeatedly wounded at least four times and the wounds healed by 1 week. Putative SC marker expression of the transplanted epithelia was confirmed using immunohistochemistry. These results demonstrate that the porcine limbus shares features with the human limbus and as such provides a suitable model for the study of cultured limbal epithelial cell transplantation. These data have significant clinical value as this model can provide information on LESC fate post-transplantation and their ability to respond to injury, which is not possible to study in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Notara
- Ocular Biology and Therapeutics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom.
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Notara M, Shortt AJ, Galatowicz G, Calder V, Daniels JT. IL6 and the human limbal stem cell niche: a mediator of epithelial-stromal interaction. Stem Cell Res 2010; 5:188-200. [PMID: 20813601 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2010.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2010] [Revised: 06/09/2010] [Accepted: 07/26/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The corneal epithelium is maintained by the limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs). In this study, an in vitro model is proposed for the investigation of cell-cell interactions involving LESC maintenance. Imaging of the limbal niche demonstrated close spatial arrangement between basal limbal epithelial cells within putative LESC niche structures and fibroblasts in the stroma. Interactions of the human limbal epithelial (HLE) cells and mitotically active human limbal fibroblasts (HLF) were studied for the first time in a serum-free in vitro model that simulated aspects of the limbal niche microenvironment. HLE cocultured in a ratio 3:1 with HLF exhibited enhanced expression of the putative stem cell markers ABCG2 and p63α and holoclones were preserved as shown by colony-forming efficiency assays, clonal analysis, and colony characterisation. Interleukin 6 (IL6) was found to be up-regulated in the 3.1SF system when compared to the HLE culture with growth-arrested fibroblasts and serum (gold standard system, GS). IL6 caused a time-dependent phosphorylation of STAT3 in HLE cells. STAT3 and IL6 inhibition in 3.1SF cultures significantly reduced HLE colony-forming efficiency, suggesting a previously undetected STAT3-mediated involvement of IL6 in the maintenance of HLE cells in a progenitor-like state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Notara
- Department of Ocular Biology and Therapeutics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK.
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