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Wu KY, Mina M, Sahyoun JY, Kalevar A, Tran SD. Retinal Prostheses: Engineering and Clinical Perspectives for Vision Restoration. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:5782. [PMID: 37447632 PMCID: PMC10347280 DOI: 10.3390/s23135782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
A retinal prosthesis, also known as a bionic eye, is a device that can be implanted to partially restore vision in patients with retinal diseases that have resulted in the loss of photoreceptors (e.g., age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa). Recently, there have been major breakthroughs in retinal prosthesis technology, with the creation of numerous types of implants, including epiretinal, subretinal, and suprachoroidal sensors. These devices can stimulate the remaining cells in the retina with electric signals to create a visual sensation. A literature review of the pre-clinical and clinical studies published between 2017 and 2023 is conducted. This narrative review delves into the retinal anatomy, physiology, pathology, and principles underlying electronic retinal prostheses. Engineering aspects are explored, including electrode-retina alignment, electrode size and material, charge density, resolution limits, spatial selectivity, and bidirectional closed-loop systems. This article also discusses clinical aspects, focusing on safety, adverse events, visual function, outcomes, and the importance of rehabilitation programs. Moreover, there is ongoing debate over whether implantable retinal devices still offer a promising approach for the treatment of retinal diseases, considering the recent emergence of cell-based and gene-based therapies as well as optogenetics. This review compares retinal prostheses with these alternative therapies, providing a balanced perspective on their advantages and limitations. The recent advancements in retinal prosthesis technology are also outlined, emphasizing progress in engineering and the outlook of retinal prostheses. While acknowledging the challenges and complexities of the technology, this article highlights the significant potential of retinal prostheses for vision restoration in individuals with retinal diseases and calls for continued research and development to refine and enhance their performance, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Y. Wu
- Department of Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1G 2E8, Canada; (K.Y.W.)
| | - Mina Mina
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Jean-Yves Sahyoun
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Ananda Kalevar
- Department of Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1G 2E8, Canada; (K.Y.W.)
| | - Simon D. Tran
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1G1, Canada
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Ryu J, Statz JP, Chan W, Burch FC, Brigande JV, Kempton B, Porsov EV, Renner L, McGill T, Burwitz BJ, Hanna CB, Neuringer M, Hennebold JD. CRISPR/Cas9 editing of the MYO7A gene in rhesus macaque embryos to generate a primate model of Usher syndrome type 1B. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10036. [PMID: 35710827 PMCID: PMC9203743 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13689-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the MYO7A gene lead to Usher syndrome type 1B (USH1B), a disease characterized by congenital deafness, vision loss, and balance impairment. To create a nonhuman primate (NHP) USH1B model, CRISPR/Cas9 was used to disrupt MYO7A in rhesus macaque zygotes. The targeting efficiency of Cas9 mRNA and hybridized crRNA-tracrRNA (hyb-gRNA) was compared to Cas9 nuclease (Nuc) protein and synthetic single guide (sg)RNAs. Nuc/sgRNA injection led to higher editing efficiencies relative to mRNA/hyb-gRNAs. Mutations were assessed by preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and those with the desired mutations were transferred into surrogates. A pregnancy was established from an embryo where 92.1% of the PGT sequencing reads possessed a single G insertion that leads to a premature stop codon. Analysis of single peripheral blood leukocytes from the infant revealed that half the cells possessed the homozygous single base insertion and the remaining cells had the wild-type MYO7A sequence. The infant showed sensitive auditory thresholds beginning at 3 months. Although further optimization is needed, our studies demonstrate that it is feasible to use CRISPR technologies for creating NHP models of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junghyun Ryu
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - John P Statz
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, 59812, USA
| | - William Chan
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Fernanda C Burch
- Assisted Reproductive Technologies Core, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - John V Brigande
- Department of Otolaryngology, Oregon Hearing Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Beth Kempton
- Department of Otolaryngology, Oregon Hearing Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Edward V Porsov
- Department of Otolaryngology, Oregon Hearing Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Lauren Renner
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Trevor McGill
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Benjamin J Burwitz
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Carol B Hanna
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
- Assisted Reproductive Technologies Core, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Martha Neuringer
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Jon D Hennebold
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
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Bacci GM, Becherucci V, Marziali E, Sodi A, Bambi F, Caputo R. Treatment of Inherited Retinal Dystrophies with Somatic Cell Therapy Medicinal Product: A Review. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12050708. [PMID: 35629375 PMCID: PMC9147057 DOI: 10.3390/life12050708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies and retinal degenerations related to more common diseases (i.e., age-related macular dystrophy) are a major issue and one of the main causes of low vision in pediatric and elderly age groups. Advancement and understanding in molecular biology and the possibilities raised by gene-editing techniques opened a new era for clinicians and patients due to feasible possibilities of treating disabling diseases and the reduction in their complications burden. The scope of this review is to focus on the state-of-the-art in somatic cell therapy medicinal products as the basis of new insights and possibilities to use this approach to treat rare eye diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Maria Bacci
- Pediatric Ophthalmology Unit, Children’s Hospital A. Meyer-University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.M.); (R.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Valentina Becherucci
- Cell Factory Meyer, Children’s Hospital A. Meyer-University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (V.B.); (F.B.)
| | - Elisa Marziali
- Pediatric Ophthalmology Unit, Children’s Hospital A. Meyer-University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.M.); (R.C.)
| | - Andrea Sodi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy;
| | - Franco Bambi
- Cell Factory Meyer, Children’s Hospital A. Meyer-University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (V.B.); (F.B.)
| | - Roberto Caputo
- Pediatric Ophthalmology Unit, Children’s Hospital A. Meyer-University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.M.); (R.C.)
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Ladha R, Caspers LE, Willermain F, de Smet MD. Subretinal Therapy: Technological Solutions to Surgical and Immunological Challenges. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:846782. [PMID: 35402424 PMCID: PMC8985755 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.846782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in ocular gene and cellular therapy rely on precisely controlled subretinal delivery. Due to its inherent limitations, manual delivery can lead to iatrogenic damage to the retina, the retinal pigment epithelium, favor reflux into the vitreous cavity. In addition, it suffers from lack of standardization, variability in delivery and the need to maintain proficiency. With or without surgical damage, an eye challenged with an exogenous viral vector or transplanted cells will illicit an immune response. Understanding how such a response manifests itself and to what extent immune privilege protects the eye from a reaction can help in anticipating short- and long-term consequences. Avoidance of spillover from areas of immune privilege to areas which either lack or have less protection should be part of any mitigation strategy. In that regard, robotic technology can provide reproducible, standardized delivery which is not dependent on speed of injection. The advantages of microprecision medical robotic technology for precise targeted deliveries are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Ladha
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Saint-Pierre and Brugmann, Brussels, Belgium
- Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Reza Ladha
| | - Laure E. Caspers
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Saint-Pierre and Brugmann, Brussels, Belgium
- Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - François Willermain
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Saint-Pierre and Brugmann, Brussels, Belgium
- Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marc D. de Smet
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
- Preceyes B.V., Eindhoven, Netherlands
- MIOS SA, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Martinez Velazquez LA, Ballios BG. The Next Generation of Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics for Inherited Retinal Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111542. [PMID: 34768969 PMCID: PMC8583900 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) are a diverse group of conditions that are often characterized by the loss of photoreceptors and blindness. Recent innovations in molecular biology and genomics have allowed us to identify the causative defects behind these dystrophies and to design therapeutics that target specific mechanisms of retinal disease. Recently, the FDA approved the first in vivo gene therapy for one of these hereditary blinding conditions. Current clinical trials are exploring new therapies that could provide treatment for a growing number of retinal dystrophies. While the field has had early success with gene augmentation strategies for treating retinal disease based on loss-of-function mutations, many novel approaches hold the promise of offering therapies that span the full spectrum of causative mutations and mechanisms. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the approaches currently in development including a discussion of retinal neuroprotection, gene therapies (gene augmentation, gene editing, RNA modification, optogenetics), and regenerative stem or precursor cell-based therapies. Our review focuses on technologies that are being developed for clinical translation or are in active clinical trials and discusses the advantages and limitations for each approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brian G. Ballios
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3A9, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Scaffold-Free Retinal Pigment Epithelium Microtissues Exhibit Increased Release of PEDF. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111317. [PMID: 34768747 PMCID: PMC8583603 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) plays a critical role in photoreceptor survival and function. RPE deficits are implicated in a wide range of diseases that result in vision loss, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and Stargardt disease, affecting millions worldwide. Subretinal delivery of RPE cells is considered a promising avenue for treatment, and encouraging results from animal trials have supported recent progression into the clinic. However, the limited survival and engraftment of transplanted RPE cells delivered as a suspension continues to be a major challenge. While RPE delivery as epithelial sheets exhibits improved outcomes, this comes at the price of increased complexity at both the production and transplant stages. In order to combine the benefits of both approaches, we have developed size-controlled, scaffold-free RPE microtissues (RPE-µTs) that are suitable for scalable production and delivery via injection. RPE-µTs retain key RPE molecular markers, and interestingly, in comparison to conventional monolayer cultures, they show significant increases in the transcription and secretion of pigment-epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), which is a key trophic factor known to enhance the survival and function of photoreceptors. Furthermore, these microtissues readily spread in vitro on a substrate analogous to Bruch’s membrane, suggesting that RPE-µTs may collapse into a sheet upon transplantation. We anticipate that this approach may provide an alternative cell delivery system to improve the survival and integration of RPE transplants, while also retaining the benefits of low complexity in production and delivery.
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Al-Ani A, Sunba S, Hafeez B, Toms D, Ungrin M. In Vitro Maturation of Retinal Pigment Epithelium Is Essential for Maintaining High Expression of Key Functional Genes. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176066. [PMID: 32842471 PMCID: PMC7503905 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the industrialized world. AMD is associated with dysfunction and atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which provides critical support for photoreceptor survival and function. RPE transplantation is a promising avenue towards a potentially curative treatment for early stage AMD patients, with encouraging reports from animal trials supporting recent progression toward clinical treatments. Mature RPE cells have been reported to be superior, but a detailed investigation of the specific changes in the expression pattern of key RPE genes during maturation is lacking. To understand the effect of maturity on RPE, we investigated transcript levels of 19 key RPE genes using ARPE-19 cell line and human embryonic stem cell-derived RPE cultures. Mature RPE cultures upregulated PEDF, IGF-1, CNTF and BDNF—genes that code for trophic factors known to enhance the survival and function of photoreceptors. Moreover, the mRNA levels of these genes are maximized after 42 days of maturation in culture and lost upon dissociation to single cells. Our findings will help to inform future animal and human RPE transplantation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Al-Ani
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (A.A.-A.); (S.S.); (B.H.); (M.U.)
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
- Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Leaders in Medicine Program, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Saud Sunba
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (A.A.-A.); (S.S.); (B.H.); (M.U.)
| | - Bilal Hafeez
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (A.A.-A.); (S.S.); (B.H.); (M.U.)
| | - Derek Toms
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (A.A.-A.); (S.S.); (B.H.); (M.U.)
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Correspondence:
| | - Mark Ungrin
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (A.A.-A.); (S.S.); (B.H.); (M.U.)
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
- Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
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Cremers FPM, Lee W, Collin RWJ, Allikmets R. Clinical spectrum, genetic complexity and therapeutic approaches for retinal disease caused by ABCA4 mutations. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 79:100861. [PMID: 32278709 PMCID: PMC7544654 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The ABCA4 protein (then called a “rim protein”) was first
identified in 1978 in the rims and incisures of rod photoreceptors. The
corresponding gene, ABCA4, was cloned in 1997, and variants
were identified as the cause of autosomal recessive Stargardt disease (STGD1).
Over the next two decades, variation in ABCA4 has been
attributed to phenotypes other than the classically defined STGD1 or fundus
flavimaculatus, ranging from early onset and fast progressing cone-rod dystrophy
and retinitis pigmentosa-like phenotypes to very late onset cases of mostly mild
disease sometimes resembling, and confused with, age-related macular
degeneration. Similarly, analysis of the ABCA4 locus uncovered
a trove of genetic information, including >1200 disease-causing mutations
of varying severity, and of all types – missense, nonsense, small
deletions/insertions, and splicing affecting variants, of which many are located
deep-intronic. Altogether, this has greatly expanded our understanding of
complexity not only of the diseases caused by ABCA4 mutations,
but of all Mendelian diseases in general. This review provides an in depth
assessment of the cumulative knowledge of ABCA4-associated retinopathy –
clinical manifestations, genetic complexity, pathophysiology as well as current
and proposed therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frans P M Cremers
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9104, 6500 HE, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Winston Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA; Department of Genetics & Development, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Rob W J Collin
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9104, 6500 HE, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Rando Allikmets
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA; Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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Kleinlogel S, Vogl C, Jeschke M, Neef J, Moser T. Emerging approaches for restoration of hearing and vision. Physiol Rev 2020; 100:1467-1525. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00035.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Impairments of vision and hearing are highly prevalent conditions limiting the quality of life and presenting a major socioeconomic burden. For long, retinal and cochlear disorders have remained intractable for causal therapies, with sensory rehabilitation limited to glasses, hearing aids, and electrical cochlear or retinal implants. Recently, the application of gene therapy and optogenetics to eye and ear has generated hope for a fundamental improvement of vision and hearing restoration. To date, one gene therapy for the restoration of vision has been approved and undergoing clinical trials will broaden its application including gene replacement, genome editing, and regenerative approaches. Moreover, optogenetics, i.e. controlling the activity of cells by light, offers a more general alternative strategy. Over little more than a decade, optogenetic approaches have been developed and applied to better understand the function of biological systems, while protein engineers have identified and designed new opsin variants with desired physiological features. Considering potential clinical applications of optogenetics, the spotlight is on the sensory systems. Multiple efforts have been undertaken to restore lost or hampered function in eye and ear. Optogenetic stimulation promises to overcome fundamental shortcomings of electrical stimulation, namely poor spatial resolution and cellular specificity, and accordingly to deliver more detailed sensory information. This review aims at providing a comprehensive reference on current gene therapeutic and optogenetic research relevant to the restoration of hearing and vision. We will introduce gene-therapeutic approaches and discuss the biotechnological and optoelectronic aspects of optogenetic hearing and vision restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Tobias Moser
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience, University Medical Center Goettingen, Germany
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Sasso P, Silvestri V, Sulfaro M, Scupola A, Fasciani R, Amore F. Perceptual learning in patients with Stargardt disease. Can J Ophthalmol 2019; 54:708-716. [PMID: 31836104 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjo.2019.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of Perceptual Learning in improving the peripheral reading performance of patients with Stargardt disease (STGD). DESIGN Prospective observational randomized study. PARTICIPANTS Fourteen consecutive patients (7 females, 7 males; median age of 50.4 ± 12.8 years) with STGD were analyzed and divided into two groups: Group A received "Win-flash" as Perceptual Learning training and Group B was used as control. METHODS Subjects underwent an ophthalmic evaluation at baseline, after perceptual learning training and at 6 months of follow-up. Outcomes measured included reading speed, contrast sensitivity and fixation stability. RESULTS Reading speed improved of 51,7% after training in group A. Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and fixation stability enhanced in group A after training from 0.89 (±0.09) LogMAR to 0.75 (±0.2) LogMAR (t(6)= 3.6, p= 0.001), from 0.8 (±0.3) LogC (0.6 - 0.9) to 1.3 (±0.3) LogC (t(13)=3.17, p= 0.003) and from 59.3 % (± 24.3) to 71.5 % (± 20.4) (t(13)=1.8 p= 0.04), respectively. No changes were found in group B. At 6-monts of follow-up, visual acuity and contrast sensitivity decreased in group A. CONCLUSIONS STGD patients receiving "Win-flash training", as PL technique, showed an improvement of reading performance on a real-world task. Early follow-up for perceptual learning re-intervention should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Sasso
- National Centre of Services and Research for the Prevention of Blindness and Rehabilitation of Low Vision Patients, International Agency for Prevention of Blindness-IAPB Italia Onlus, Rome, Italy.
| | - Valeria Silvestri
- National Centre of Services and Research for the Prevention of Blindness and Rehabilitation of Low Vision Patients, International Agency for Prevention of Blindness-IAPB Italia Onlus, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Sulfaro
- National Centre of Services and Research for the Prevention of Blindness and Rehabilitation of Low Vision Patients, International Agency for Prevention of Blindness-IAPB Italia Onlus, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Scupola
- Department of Ophthalmology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Romina Fasciani
- Department of Ophthalmology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Amore
- National Centre of Services and Research for the Prevention of Blindness and Rehabilitation of Low Vision Patients, International Agency for Prevention of Blindness-IAPB Italia Onlus, Rome, Italy
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Tian Y, Davis R, Zonca MR, Stern JH, Temple S, Xie Y. Screening and optimization of potential injection vehicles for storage of retinal pigment epithelial stem cell before transplantation. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2018; 13:76-86. [DOI: 10.1002/term.2770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yangzi Tian
- Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering; SUNY Polytechnic Institute; Albany New York
| | - Richard Davis
- Department of Retina Research; Neural Stem Cell Institute; Rensselaer New York
| | - Michael R. Zonca
- Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering; SUNY Polytechnic Institute; Albany New York
| | - Jeffrey H. Stern
- Department of Retina Research; Neural Stem Cell Institute; Rensselaer New York
| | - Sally Temple
- Department of Retina Research; Neural Stem Cell Institute; Rensselaer New York
| | - Yubing Xie
- Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering; SUNY Polytechnic Institute; Albany New York
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12
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Mustari MJ. Nonhuman Primate Studies to Advance Vision Science and Prevent Blindness. ILAR J 2018; 58:216-225. [PMID: 28575309 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilx009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Most primate behavior is dependent on high acuity vision. Optimal visual performance in primates depends heavily upon frontally placed eyes, retinal specializations, and binocular vision. To see an object clearly its image must be placed on or near the fovea of each eye. The oculomotor system is responsible for maintaining precise eye alignment during fixation and generating eye movements to track moving targets. The visual system of nonhuman primates has a similar anatomical organization and functional capability to that of humans. This allows results obtained in nonhuman primates to be applied to humans. The visual and oculomotor systems of primates are immature at birth and sensitive to the quality of binocular visual and eye movement experience during the first months of life. Disruption of postnatal experience can lead to problems in eye alignment (strabismus), amblyopia, unsteady gaze (nystagmus), and defective eye movements. Recent studies in nonhuman primates have begun to discover the neural mechanisms associated with these conditions. In addition, genetic defects that target the retina can lead to blindness. A variety of approaches including gene therapy, stem cell treatment, neuroprosthetics, and optogenetics are currently being used to restore function associated with retinal diseases. Nonhuman primates often provide the best animal model for advancing fundamental knowledge and developing new treatments and cures for blinding diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Mustari
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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Hsu ST, Gabr H, Viehland C, Sleiman K, Ngo HT, Carrasco-Zevallos OM, Vajzovic L, McNabb RP, Stinnett SS, Izatt JA, Kuo AN, Toth CA. Volumetric Measurement of Subretinal Blebs Using Microscope-Integrated Optical Coherence Tomography. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2018; 7:19. [PMID: 29651361 PMCID: PMC5894912 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.7.2.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We advance studies of subretinal treatments by developing a microscope-integrated optical coherence tomography (MIOCT) image-based method for measuring the volume of therapeutics delivered into the subretinal space. METHODS A MIOCT image-based volume measurement method was developed and assessed for accuracy and reproducibility by imaging an object of known size in model eyes. This method then was applied to subretinal blebs created by injection of diluted triamcinolone. Bleb volumes obtained from MIOCT were compared to the intended injection volume and the surgeon's estimation of leakage. RESULTS Validation of the image-based volume measurement method showed accuracy to ±1.0 μL (6.0% of measured volume) with no statistically significant variation under different imaging settings. When this method was applied to subretinal blebs, four of 11 blebs without surgeon-observed leakage yielded a mean volume of 32 ± 12.5 μL, in contrast to the intended 50 μL volume injected from the delivery device. This constituted a mean difference of -18 μL (mean percent error, 36 ± 25%). For all 11 blebs, the surgeon's estimations of leakage were significantly different from and showed no correlation with the volume loss based on image-based volume measurements (P < 0.001, paired t-test; intraclass correlation = 0). CONCLUSIONS We validated an accurate and reproducible method for measuring subretinal volumes using MIOCT. Use of this method revealed that the intended volume might not be delivered into the subretinal space. MIOCT can allow for accurate assessment of subretinal dose delivered, which may have therapeutic implications in evaluating the efficacy and toxicity of subretinal therapies. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE Use of MIOCT can provide feedback on the accuracy of subretinal injection volumes delivered.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Tammy Hsu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Hesham Gabr
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Karim Sleiman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Hoan T. Ngo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Lejla Vajzovic
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ryan P. McNabb
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sandra S. Stinnett
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Joseph A. Izatt
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Anthony N. Kuo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Cynthia A. Toth
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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14
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Basova LV, Tang X, Umasume T, Gromova A, Zyrianova T, Shmushkovich T, Wolfson A, Hawley D, Zoukhri D, Shestopalov VI, Makarenkova HP. Manipulation of Panx1 Activity Increases the Engraftment of Transplanted Lacrimal Gland Epithelial Progenitor Cells. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 58:5654-5665. [PMID: 29098296 PMCID: PMC5678547 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.17-22071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Sjögren's syndrome is a systemic chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease that primarily targets the salivary and lacrimal glands (LGs). Currently there is no cure; therefore, cell-based regenerative therapy may be a viable option. LG inflammation is facilitated by extracellular ATP and mediated by the Pannexin-1 (Panx1) membrane channel glycoprotein. We propose that suppression of inflammation through manipulation of Panx1 activity can stimulate epithelial cell progenitor (EPCP) engraftment. Methods The expression of pannexins in the mouse and human LG was assayed by qRT-PCR and immunostaining. Acute LG inflammation was induced by interleukin-1α (IL1α) injection. Prior to EPCP transplantation, IL1α-injured or chronically inflamed LGs of thrombospondin-1–null mice (TSP-1−/−) were treated with the Panx1-specific blocking peptide (10panx) or the self-deliverable RNAi (sdRNAi). The efficacy of cell engraftment and the area of inflammation were analyzed by microscopy. Results Panx1 and Panx2 were detected in the mouse and human LGs. Panx1 and proinflammatory factors were upregulated during acute inflammation at days 1 to 3 after the IL1α injection. The analysis of EPCP engraftment demonstrated a significant and reproducible positive correlation between the 10panx peptide or Panx1 sdRNAi treatment and the number of engrafted cells. Similarly, treatment of the LG of the TSP-1−/− mouse (mouse model of chronic LG inflammation) by either Panx1 or Caspase-4 (also known as Casp11) sdRNAi showed a significant decrease in expression of proinflammatory markers and the lymphocyte infiltration. Conclusions Our results suggest that blocking Panx1 and/or Casp4 activities is a beneficial strategy to enhance donor cell engraftment and LG regeneration through the reduction of inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liana V Basova
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Xin Tang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Takeshi Umasume
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Anastasia Gromova
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Tatiana Zyrianova
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States
| | | | | | - Dillon Hawley
- Department of Comprehensive Care, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Driss Zoukhri
- Department of Comprehensive Care, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Valery I Shestopalov
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States.,Department of Cell Biology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Helen P Makarenkova
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States
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15
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Zhang Y, Zhang D, Wei W, Shen B, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Ji J, Sun H, Luo M, Gu P. Effects of RPE-conditioned medium on the differentiation of hADSCs into RPE cells, and their proliferation and migration. Exp Ther Med 2017; 14:3699-3707. [PMID: 29042966 PMCID: PMC5639303 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.4997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is associated with the dysfunction and death of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Recently, there has been increasing interest in stem cell-derived RPE cells for cell replacement therapies, such as those for AMD. The present study investigated whether RPE-conditioned medium (RPECM) could promote the differentiation of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hADSCs) into RPE cells, and enhance the proliferation and migration of these cells. Reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated that RPECM induced hADSCs to differentiate into cells expressing RPE markers, including retinoid isomerohydrolase (RPE65), cytokeratin (CK8) and Bestrophin, which were identified to be significantly upregulated by ~10-fold, 3.5-fold and 2.4-fold, respectively, compared with the control group [hADSCs cultured in ADSC-conditioned medium (ADSCCM)]. The immunocytochemistry and western blot analysis results demonstrated that the protein levels of RPE65, CK8 and Bestrophin were significantly increased in RPECM-treated hADSCs. In addition, Cell Counting Kit-8 analysis demonstrated that RPECM promoted the proliferation of induced cells. RPECM also increased the expression level of the cell proliferative marker Ki-67. Furthermore, to evaluate the migration potential, cell migration assays were performed. These assays demonstrated that following RPECM treatment hADSCs migrated more quickly compared with the control group. The results of the present study suggest that RPECM induces hADSCs to differentiate into RPE cells with higher proliferative and migratory potentials, which may aid in applications for hADSCs in RPE regenerative therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Dandan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Bingqiao Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Yuyao Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Yingjie Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Yidan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Jing Ji
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Hao Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Min Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Ping Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
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Abstract
Stem cell therapy has long been considered a promising mode of treatment for retinal conditions. While human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have provided the precedent for regenerative medicine, the development of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) revolutionized this field. iPSCs allow for the development of many types of retinal cells, including those of the retinal pigment epithelium, photoreceptors, and ganglion cells, and can model polygenic diseases such as age-related macular degeneration. Cellular programming and reprogramming technology is especially useful in retinal diseases, as it allows for the study of living cells that have genetic variants that are specific to patients’ diseases. Since iPSCs are a self-renewing resource, scientists can experiment with an unlimited number of pluripotent cells to perfect the process of targeted differentiation, transplantation, and more, for personalized medicine. Challenges in the use of stem cells are present from the scientific, ethical, and political realms. These include transplant complications leading to anatomically incorrect placement, concern for tumorigenesis, and incomplete targeting of differentiation leading to contamination by different types of cells. Despite these limitations, human ESCs and iPSCs specific to individual patients can revolutionize the study of retinal disease and may be effective therapies for conditions currently considered incurable.
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17
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Down-regulated notch signaling in arpe-19 cells Cultured on denuded human Amniotic membrane. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.22376/ijpbs.2017.8.1.b316-323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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