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Poole K, Iyer KS, Schmidtke DW, Petroll WM, Varner VD. Corneal keratocytes, fibroblasts, and myofibroblasts exhibit distinct transcriptional profiles in vitro. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.28.582620. [PMID: 38464034 PMCID: PMC10925317 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.28.582620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Purpose After stromal injury to the cornea, the release of growth factors and pro-inflammatory cytokines promotes the activation of quiescent keratocytes into a migratory fibroblast and/or fibrotic myofibroblast phenotype. Persistence of the myofibroblast phenotype can lead to corneal fibrosis and scarring, which are leading causes of blindness worldwide. This study aims to establish comprehensive transcriptional profiles for cultured corneal keratocytes, fibroblasts, and myofibroblasts to gain insights into the mechanisms through which these phenotypic changes occur. Methods Primary rabbit corneal keratocytes were cultured in either defined serum-free media (SF), fetal bovine serum (FBS) containing media, or in the presence of TGF-β1 to induce keratocyte, fibroblast, or myofibroblast phenotypes, respectively. Bulk RNA sequencing followed by bioinformatic analyses was performed to identify significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and enriched biological pathways for each phenotype. Results Genes commonly associated with keratocytes, fibroblasts, or myofibroblasts showed high relative expression in SF, FBS, or TGF-β1 culture conditions, respectively. Differential expression and functional analyses revealed novel DEGs for each cell type, as well as enriched pathways indicative of differences in proliferation, apoptosis, extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis, cell-ECM interactions, cytokine signaling, and cell mechanics. Conclusions Overall, these data demonstrate distinct transcriptional differences among cultured corneal keratocytes, fibroblasts, and myofibroblasts. We have identified genes and signaling pathways that may play important roles in keratocyte differentiation, including many related to mechanotransduction and ECM biology. Our findings have revealed novel molecular markers for each cell type, as well as possible targets for modulating cell behavior and promoting physiological corneal wound healing.
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Riau AK, Look Z, Yam GHF, Boote C, Ma Q, Han EJY, Binte M Yusoff NZ, Ong HS, Goh TW, Binte Halim NSH, Mehta JS. Impact of keratocyte differentiation on corneal opacity resolution and visual function recovery in male rats. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4959. [PMID: 38862465 PMCID: PMC11166667 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49008-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Intrastromal cell therapy utilizing quiescent corneal stromal keratocytes (qCSKs) from human donor corneas emerges as a promising treatment for corneal opacities, aiming to overcome limitations of traditional surgeries by reducing procedural complexity and donor dependency. This investigation demonstrates the therapeutic efficacy of qCSKs in a male rat model of corneal stromal opacity, underscoring the significance of cell-delivery quality and keratocyte differentiation in mediating corneal opacity resolution and visual function recovery. Quiescent CSKs-treated rats display improvements in escape latency and efficiency compared to wounded, non-treated rats in a Morris water maze, demonstrating improved visual acuity, while stromal fibroblasts-treated rats do not. Advanced imaging, including multiphoton microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, and transmission electron microscopy, revealed that qCSK therapy replicates the native cornea's collagen fibril morphometry, matrix order, and ultrastructural architecture. These findings, supported by the expression of keratan sulfate proteoglycans, validate qCSKs as a potential therapeutic solution for corneal opacities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andri K Riau
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, 169856, Singapore
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Zhuojian Look
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, 169856, Singapore
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Gary H F Yam
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, 169856, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Craig Boote
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Qian Ma
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Evelina J Y Han
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, 169856, Singapore
| | - Nur Zahirah Binte M Yusoff
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, 169856, Singapore
| | - Hon Shing Ong
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, 169856, Singapore
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
- Corneal and External Eye Disease Department, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, 168751, Singapore
| | - Tze-Wei Goh
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, 169856, Singapore
| | | | - Jodhbir S Mehta
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, 169856, Singapore.
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169857, Singapore.
- Corneal and External Eye Disease Department, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, 168751, Singapore.
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Puistola P, Kethiri A, Nurminen A, Turkki J, Hopia K, Miettinen S, Mörö A, Skottman H. Cornea-Specific Human Adipose Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Matrix for Corneal Stroma Tissue Engineering. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:15761-15772. [PMID: 38513048 PMCID: PMC10995904 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c17803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Utilizing tissue-specific extracellular matrices (ECMs) is vital for replicating the composition of native tissues and developing biologically relevant biomaterials. Human- or animal-derived donor tissues and organs are the current gold standard for the source of these ECMs. To overcome the several limitations related to these ECM sources, including the highly limited availability of donor tissues, cell-derived ECM offers an alternative approach for engineering tissue-specific biomaterials, such as bioinks for three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting. 3D bioprinting is a state-of-the-art biofabrication technology that addresses the global need for donor tissues and organs. In fact, there is a vast global demand for human donor corneas that are used for treating corneal blindness, often resulting from damage in the corneal stromal microstructure. Human adipose tissue is one of the most abundant tissues and easy to access, and adipose tissue-derived stem cells (hASCs) are a highly advantageous cell type for tissue engineering. Furthermore, hASCs have already been studied in clinical trials for treating corneal stromal pathologies. In this study, a corneal stroma-specific ECM was engineered without the need for donor corneas by differentiating hASCs toward corneal stromal keratocytes (hASC-CSKs). Furthermore, this ECM was utilized as a component for corneal stroma-specific bioink where hASC-CSKs were printed to produce corneal stroma structures. This cost-effective approach combined with a clinically relevant cell type provides valuable information on developing more sustainable tissue-specific solutions and advances the field of corneal tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Puistola
- Eye
Regeneration Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere 33520, Finland
| | - Abhinav Kethiri
- Eye
Regeneration Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere 33520, Finland
| | - Antti Nurminen
- Eye
Regeneration Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere 33520, Finland
| | - Johannes Turkki
- Eye
Regeneration Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere 33520, Finland
| | - Karoliina Hopia
- Eye
Regeneration Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere 33520, Finland
| | - Susanna Miettinen
- Adult
Stem Cell Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere 33520, Finland
- Tays
Research Services, Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa, Tampere University Hospital, 33520 Tampere, Finland
| | - Anni Mörö
- Eye
Regeneration Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere 33520, Finland
| | - Heli Skottman
- Eye
Regeneration Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere 33520, Finland
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Puistola P, Miettinen S, Skottman H, Mörö A. Novel strategy for multi-material 3D bioprinting of human stem cell based corneal stroma with heterogenous design. Mater Today Bio 2024; 24:100924. [PMID: 38226015 PMCID: PMC10788621 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting offers an automated, customizable solution to manufacture highly detailed 3D tissue constructs and holds great promise for regenerative medicine to solve the severe global shortage of donor tissues and organs. However, uni-material 3D bioprinting is not sufficient for manufacturing heterogenous 3D constructs with native-like microstructures and thus, innovative multi-material solutions are required. Here, we developed a novel multi-material 3D bioprinting strategy for bioprinting human corneal stroma. The human cornea is the transparent outer layer of your eye, and vision loss due to corneal blindness has serious effects on the quality of life of individuals. One of the main reasons for corneal blindness is the damage in the detailed organization of the corneal stroma where collagen fibrils are arranged in layers perpendicular to each other and the corneal stromal cells grow along the fibrils. Donor corneas for treating corneal blindness are scarce, and the current tissue engineering (TE) technologies cannot produce artificial corneas with the complex microstructure of native corneal stroma. To address this, we developed a novel multi-material 3D bioprinting strategy to mimic detailed organization of corneal stroma. These multi-material 3D structures with heterogenous design were bioprinted by using human adipose tissue -derived stem cells (hASCs) and hyaluronic acid (HA) -based bioinks with varying stiffnesses. In our novel design of 3D models, acellular stiffer HA-bioink and cell-laden softer HA-bioink were printed in alternating filaments, and the filaments were printed perpendicularly in alternating layers. The multi-material bioprinting strategy was applied for the first time in corneal stroma 3D bioprinting to mimic the native microstructure. As a result, the soft bioink promoted cellular growth and tissue formation of hASCs in the multi-material 3D bioprinted composites, whereas the stiff bioink provided mechanical support as well as guidance of cellular organization upon culture. Interestingly, cellular growth and tissue formation altered the mechanical properties of the bioprinted composite constructs significantly. Importantly, the bioprinted composite structures showed good integration to the host tissue in ex vivo cornea organ culture model. As a conclusion, the developed multi-material bioprinting strategy provides great potential as a biofabrication solution for manufacturing organized, heterogenous microstructures of native tissues. To the best of our knowledge, this multi-material bioprinting strategy has never been applied in corneal bioprinting. Therefore, our work advances the technological achievements in additive manufacturing and brings the field of corneal TE to a new level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Puistola
- Eye Regeneration Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere 33520, Finland
| | - Susanna Miettinen
- Adult Stem Cell Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere 33520, Finland
- Research, Development and Innovation Centre, Tampere University Hospital, 33520 Tampere, Finland
| | - Heli Skottman
- Eye Regeneration Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere 33520, Finland
| | - Anni Mörö
- Eye Regeneration Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere 33520, Finland
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Ahadi M, Ramin S, Abbasi A, Tahmouri H, Hosseini SB. Mini review: human clinical studies of stem cell therapy in keratoconus. BMC Ophthalmol 2024; 24:35. [PMID: 38263090 PMCID: PMC10804477 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-024-03297-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Treatment of keratoconus is one of the most interesting research fields for researchers in the world. Regenerative medicine based on human stem cells in the treatment of keratoconus has recently received attention. Despite extensive laboratory and animal studies in regenerative medicine of cornea, there are limited clinical studies in keratoconus. These studies showed promising results of stem cell therapy. In initial studies, the transplantation of these cells into stroma was associated with increased vision and improved corneal parameters without side effects. In this article, we tried to review different aspects of keratoconus stem cell therapy, including cell extraction and culture, surgical procedure, effectiveness and safety of this method in human clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Ahadi
- Department of Optometry, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Shahrokh Ramin
- Department of Optometry, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Incubation Center for Pharmaceutical Technology (ICPT), Cell Therapy Department, Red Crescent Pharmaceutical and Clinical Complex, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Abbasi
- Department of Optometry, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Incubation Center for Pharmaceutical Technology (ICPT), Cell Therapy Department, Red Crescent Pharmaceutical and Clinical Complex, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hanieh Tahmouri
- Department of Optometry, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Bagher Hosseini
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Bank of Islamic Republic of Iran, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Santra M, Geary ML, Rubin E, Hsu MYS, Funderburgh ML, Chandran C, Du Y, Dhaliwal DK, Jhanji V, Yam GHF. Good manufacturing practice production of human corneal limbus-derived stromal stem cells and in vitro quality screening for therapeutic inhibition of corneal scarring. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:11. [PMID: 38185673 PMCID: PMC10773078 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03626-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cells in the adult corneal stroma (named corneal stromal stem cells, CSSCs) inhibit corneal inflammation and scarring and restore corneal clarity in pre-clinical corneal injury models. This cell therapy could alleviate the heavy reliance on donor materials for corneal transplantation to treat corneal opacities. Herein, we established Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) protocols for CSSC isolation, propagation, and cryostorage, and developed in vitro quality control (QC) metric for in vivo anti-scarring potency of CSSCs in treating corneal opacities. METHODS A total of 24 donor corneal rims with informed consent were used-18 were processed for the GMP optimization of CSSC culture and QC assay development, while CSSCs from the remaining 6 were raised under GMP-optimized conditions and used for QC validation. The cell viability, growth, substrate adhesion, stem cell phenotypes, and differentiation into stromal keratocytes were assayed by monitoring the electric impedance changes using xCELLigence real-time cell analyzer, quantitative PCR, and immunofluorescence. CSSC's conditioned media were tested for the anti-inflammatory activity using an osteoclastogenesis assay with mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells. In vivo scar inhibitory outcomes were verified using a mouse model of anterior stromal injury caused by mechanical ablation using an Algerbrush burring. RESULTS By comparatively assessing various GMP-compliant reagents with the corresponding non-GMP research-grade chemicals used in the laboratory-based protocols, we finalized GMP protocols covering donor limbal stromal tissue processing, enzymatic digestion, primary CSSC culture, and cryopreservation. In establishing the in vitro QC metric, two parameters-stemness stability of ABCG2 and nestin and anti-inflammatory ability (rate of inflammation)-were factored into a novel formula to calculate a Scarring Index (SI) for each CSSC batch. Correlating with the in vivo scar inhibitory outcomes, the CSSC batches with SI < 10 had a predicted 50% scar reduction potency, whereas cells with SI > 10 were ineffective to inhibit scarring. CONCLUSIONS We established a full GMP-compliant protocol for donor CSSC cultivation, which is essential toward clinical-grade cell manufacturing. A novel in vitro QC-in vivo potency correlation was developed to predict the anti-scarring efficacy of donor CSSCs in treating corneal opacities. This method is applicable to other cell-based therapies and pharmacological treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mithun Santra
- Corneal Regeneration Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Moira L Geary
- Corneal Regeneration Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Rubin
- Corneal Regeneration Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michael Y S Hsu
- Immunologic Monitoring and Cellular Products Laboratory, Hillman Cancer Centre, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Martha L Funderburgh
- Corneal Regeneration Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Christine Chandran
- Corneal Regeneration Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yiqin Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Deepinder K Dhaliwal
- Corneal Regeneration Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Vishal Jhanji
- Corneal Regeneration Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Gary Hin-Fai Yam
- Corneal Regeneration Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mercy Vision Institute, University of Pittsburgh, 1622 Locust Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA.
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7
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Bondarenko NA, Surovtseva MA, Kim II, Krasner KY, Orishchenko KE, Trunov AN, Chernykh VV, Poveshchenko OV. Studying the Proliferative Activity of Human Corneal Stromal Cell Populations. Bull Exp Biol Med 2023; 176:105-110. [PMID: 38085398 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-023-05976-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The proliferative activity of populations of stromal cells (fibroblasts) obtained from human corneal lenticles under conditions of their differentiation into keratocytes was studied. It was shown that during differentiation, the number of dividing fibroblasts and the frequency of divisions, and motor activity of these cells (speed of movement along the cell trajectory and the length of the trajectory) sharply decreased. These findings indicate a decrease in the proliferative activity of fibroblasts under conditions of their differentiation and transformation into keratocytes. A period of 17 days is sufficient for differentiation of corneal fibroblasts into keratocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Bondarenko
- Research Institute of Clinical and Experimental Lymphology - Branch of the Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - M A Surovtseva
- Research Institute of Clinical and Experimental Lymphology - Branch of the Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - I I Kim
- Research Institute of Clinical and Experimental Lymphology - Branch of the Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - K Yu Krasner
- Research Institute of Clinical and Experimental Lymphology - Branch of the Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
- S. N. Fedorov National Medical Research Center Multisectoral Scientific and Technical Complex "Eye Microsurgery", Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - K E Orishchenko
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - A N Trunov
- S. N. Fedorov National Medical Research Center Multisectoral Scientific and Technical Complex "Eye Microsurgery", Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - V V Chernykh
- S. N. Fedorov National Medical Research Center Multisectoral Scientific and Technical Complex "Eye Microsurgery", Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - O V Poveshchenko
- Research Institute of Clinical and Experimental Lymphology - Branch of the Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
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Sanie-Jahromi F, Nowroozzadeh MH, Emadi Z, Eghtedari M, Khajehahmadi Z. Intra-stromal injection of honey-treated keratocytes as a cell-based therapy for experimental corneal laceration. JOURNAL OF COMPLEMENTARY & INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2023; 20:604-611. [PMID: 37277938 DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2023-0076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the potential of honey-supplemented medium (HSM) for expanding corneal keratocytes and its transplantation in a model of corneal laceration. METHODS Keratocytes were cultured in 1 % HSM- or 10 % fetal bovine serum (FBS)-supplemented medium for 24 h. The effect of HSM on keratocyte proliferation was evaluated using the MTT assay. The relative expression of Lum, Kera, and ALDH3A1, known markers of native keratocytes, was quantified by real-time PCR. The safety and efficacy of HSM-treated keratocyte intrastromal injection in a rabbit model of corneal laceration were also evaluated. RESULTS The MTT assay showed that HSM treatment did not significantly affect cell viability compared to FBS-supplemented medium (84.71 ± 2.38 vs. 100.08 ± 10.92, respectively; p=0.076). Moreover, HSM-treated keratocytes had significantly increased expression of Lum, Kera, and ALDH3A1 compared to cells treated with FBS, while the expression of the proliferation biomarker Thy-1 did not significantly differ between the two treatments. Intrastromal injection of HSM-treated keratocytes in the laceration animal model was safe and uneventful, resulting in less stromal inflammation and neovascularization, and consequently, better final architecture with less residual haze compared to the group injected with FBS-treated keratocytes. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that honey is a suitable supplement for keratocyte treatment and corneal cell therapy. The use of HSM may have potential applications in the treatment of corneal injuries and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Sanie-Jahromi
- Poostchi Ophthalmology Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - M Hossein Nowroozzadeh
- Poostchi Ophthalmology Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Emadi
- Poostchi Ophthalmology Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Masoomeh Eghtedari
- Poostchi Ophthalmology Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zohreh Khajehahmadi
- Poostchi Ophthalmology Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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9
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Yang C, Nguyen DD, Lai J. Poly(l-Histidine)-Mediated On-Demand Therapeutic Delivery of Roughened Ceria Nanocages for Treatment of Chemical Eye Injury. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2302174. [PMID: 37430140 PMCID: PMC10502830 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Development of topical bioactive formulations capable of overcoming the low bioavailability of conventional eye drops is critically important for efficient management of ocular chemical burns. Herein, a nanomedicine strategy is presented to harness the surface roughness-controlled ceria nanocages (SRCNs) and poly(l-histidine) surface coatings for triggering multiple bioactive roles of intrinsically therapeutic nanocarriers and promoting transport across corneal epithelial barriers as well as achieving on-demand release of dual drugs [acetylcholine chloride (ACh) and SB431542] at the lesion site. Specifically, the high surface roughness helps improve cellular uptake and therapeutic activity of SRCNs while exerting a negligible impact on good ocular biocompatibility of the nanomaterials. Moreover, the high poly(l-histidine) coating amount can endow the SRCNs with an ≈24-fold enhancement in corneal penetration and an effective smart release of ACh and SB431542 in response to endogenous pH changes caused by tissue injury/inflammation. In a rat model of alkali burn, topical single-dose nanoformulation can efficaciously reduce corneal wound areas (19-fold improvement as compared to a marketed eye drops), attenuate ≈93% abnormal blood vessels, and restore corneal transparency to almost normal at 4 days post-administration, suggesting great promise for designing multifunctional metallic nanotherapeutics for ocular pharmacology and tissue regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia‐Jung Yang
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringChang Gung UniversityTaoyuan33302Taiwan
| | - Duc Dung Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringChang Gung UniversityTaoyuan33302Taiwan
| | - Jui‐Yang Lai
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringChang Gung UniversityTaoyuan33302Taiwan
- Department of OphthalmologyChang Gung Memorial Hospital, LinkouTaoyuan33305Taiwan
- Department of Materials EngineeringMing Chi University of TechnologyNew Taipei City24301Taiwan
- Research Center for Chinese Herbal MedicineCollege of Human EcologyChang Gung University of Science and TechnologyTaoyuan33303Taiwan
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10
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Talpan D, Salla S, Meusel L, Walter P, Kuo CC, Franzen J, Fuest M. Cytoprotective Effects of Human Platelet Lysate during the Xeno-Free Culture of Human Donor Corneas. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032882. [PMID: 36769200 PMCID: PMC9917909 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the suitability of 2% human platelet lysate medium (2%HPL) as a replacement for 2% fetal bovine serum medium (2%FBS) for the xeno-free organ culture of human donor corneas. A total of 32 corneas from 16 human donors were cultured in 2%FBS for 3 days (TP1), then evaluated using phase contrast microscopy (endothelial cell density (ECD) and cell morphology). Following an additional 25-day culture period (TP2) in either 2%FBS or 2%HPL, the pairs were again compared using microscopy; then stroma and Descemet membrane/endothelium (DmE) were processed for next generation sequencing (NGS). At TP2 the ECD was higher in the 2%HPL group (2179 ± 288 cells/mm2) compared to 2%FBS (2113 ± 331 cells/mm2; p = 0.03), and endothelial cell loss was lower (ECL HPL = -0.7% vs. FBS = -3.8%; p = 0.01). There were no significant differences in cell morphology between TP1 and 2, or between 2%HPL and 2%FBS. NGS showed the differential expression of 1644 genes in endothelial cells and 217 genes in stromal cells. It was found that 2%HPL led to the upregulation of cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic genes (HMOX1, SERPINE1, ANGPTL4, LEFTY2, GADD45B, PLIN2, PTX3, GFRA1/2), and the downregulation of pro-inflammatory/apoptotic genes (e.g., CXCL14, SIK1B, PLK5, PPP2R3B, FABP5, MAL, GATA3). 2%HPL is a suitable xeno-free substitution for 2%FBS in human cornea organ culture, inducing less ECL and producing potentially beneficial alterations in gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia Talpan
- Department of Ophthalmology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Sabine Salla
- Department of Ophthalmology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Cornea Bank Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Linus Meusel
- Department of Ophthalmology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Cornea Bank Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Peter Walter
- Department of Ophthalmology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Cornea Bank Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Chao-Chung Kuo
- Genomics Facility, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Julia Franzen
- Genomics Facility, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Matthias Fuest
- Department of Ophthalmology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Cornea Bank Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Correspondence:
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11
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Talpan D, Salla S, Seidelmann N, Walter P, Fuest M. Antifibrotic Effects of Caffeine, Curcumin and Pirfenidone in Primary Human Keratocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021461. [PMID: 36674976 PMCID: PMC9862324 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the small molecules (AFM) caffeine, curcumin and pirfenidone to find non-toxic concentrations reducing the transformation of activated human corneal stromal keratocytes (aCSK) to scar-inducing myofibroblasts (MYO-SF). CSK were isolated from 16 human corneas unsuitable for transplantation and expanded for three passages in control medium (0.5% FBS). Then, aCSK were exposed to concentrations of caffeine of 0−500 μM, curcumin of 0−200 μM, pirfenidone of 0−2.2 nM and the profibrotic cytokine TGF-β1 (10 ng/mL) for 48 h. Alterations in viability and gene expression were evaluated by cell viability staining (FDA/PI), real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunocytochemistry. We found that all AFMs reduced cell counts at high concentrations. The highest concentrations with no toxic effect were 100 µM of caffeine, 20 µM of curcumin and 1.1 nM of pirfenidone. The addition of TGF-β1 to the control medium effectively transformed aCSK into myofibroblasts (MYO-SF), indicated by a 10-fold increase in α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) expression, a 39% decrease in lumican (LUM) expression and a 98% decrease in ALDH3A1 expression (p < 0.001). The concentrations of 100 µM of caffeine, 20/50 µM of curcumin and 1.1 nM of pirfenidone each significantly reduced SMA expression under TGF-β1 stimulation (p ≤ 0.024). LUM and ALDH3A1 expression remained low under TGF-β1 stimulation, independently of AFM supplementation. Immunocytochemistry showed that 100 µM of caffeine, 20 µM of curcumin and 1.1 nM of pirfenidone reduce the conversion rate of aCSK to SMA+ MYO-SF. In conclusion, in aCSK, 100 µM of caffeine, 20 µM of curcumin and 1.1 nM of pirfenidone significantly reduced SMA expression and MYO-SF conversion under TGF-β1 stimulation, with no influence on cell counts. However, the AFMs were unable to protect aCSK from characteristic marker loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia Talpan
- Department of Ophthalmology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Sabine Salla
- Department of Ophthalmology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Cornea Bank Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Nina Seidelmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Peter Walter
- Department of Ophthalmology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Cornea Bank Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Matthias Fuest
- Department of Ophthalmology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Cornea Bank Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Correspondence:
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12
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Mörö A, Samanta S, Honkamäki L, Rangasami VK, Puistola P, Kauppila M, Narkilahti S, Miettinen S, Oommen O, Skottman H. Hyaluronic acid based next generation bioink for 3D bioprinting of human stem cell derived corneal stromal model with innervation. Biofabrication 2022; 15. [PMID: 36579828 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/acab34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Corneal transplantation remains gold standard for the treatment of severe cornea diseases, however, scarcity of donor cornea is a serious bottleneck. 3D bioprinting holds tremendous potential for cornea tissue engineering (TE). One of the key technological challenges is to design bioink compositions with ideal printability and cytocompatibility. Photo-crosslinking and ionic crosslinking are often used for the stabilization of 3D bioprinted structures, which can possess limitations on biological functionality of the printed cells. Here, we developed a hyaluronic acid-based dopamine containing bioink using hydrazone crosslinking chemistry for the 3D bioprinting of corneal equivalents. First, the shear thinning property, viscosity, and mechanical stability of the bioink were optimized before extrusion-based 3D bioprinting for the shape fidelity and self-healing property characterizations. Subsequently, human adipose stem cells (hASCs) and hASC-derived corneal stromal keratocytes were used for bioprinting corneal stroma structures and their cell viability, proliferation, microstructure and expression of key proteins (lumican, vimentin, connexin 43,α-smooth muscle actin) were evaluated. Moreover, 3D bioprinted stromal structures were implanted intoex vivoporcine cornea to explore tissue integration. Finally, human pluripotent stem cell derived neurons (hPSC-neurons), were 3D bioprinted to the periphery of the corneal structures to analyze innervation. The bioink showed excellent shear thinning property, viscosity, printability, shape fidelity and self-healing properties with high cytocompatibility. Cells in the printed structures displayed good tissue formation and 3D bioprinted cornea structures demonstrated excellentex vivointegration to host tissue as well asin vitroinnervation. The developed bioink and the printed cornea stromal equivalents hold great potential for cornea TE applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anni Mörö
- Eye Regeneration Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere 33520, Finland
| | - Sumanta Samanta
- Bioengineering and Nanomedicine Lab, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, University, Tampere 33720, Finland
| | - Laura Honkamäki
- Neuro Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere 33520, Finland
| | - Vignesh K Rangasami
- Bioengineering and Nanomedicine Lab, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, University, Tampere 33720, Finland
| | - Paula Puistola
- Eye Regeneration Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere 33520, Finland
| | - Maija Kauppila
- Eye Regeneration Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere 33520, Finland
| | - Susanna Narkilahti
- Neuro Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere 33520, Finland
| | - Susanna Miettinen
- Adult Stem Cell Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere 33520, Finland.,Research, Development and Innovation Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere 33520, Finland
| | - Oommen Oommen
- Bioengineering and Nanomedicine Lab, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, University, Tampere 33720, Finland
| | - Heli Skottman
- Eye Regeneration Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere 33520, Finland
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13
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Orash Mahmoud Salehi A, Heidari-Keshel S, Poursamar SA, Zarrabi A, Sefat F, Mamidi N, Behrouz MJ, Rafienia M. Bioprinted Membranes for Corneal Tissue Engineering: A Review. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:2797. [PMID: 36559289 PMCID: PMC9784133 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal transplantation is considered a convenient strategy for various types of corneal disease needs. Even though it has been applied as a suitable solution for most corneal disorders, patients still face several issues due to a lack of healthy donor corneas, and rejection is another unknown risk of corneal transplant tissue. Corneal tissue engineering (CTE) has gained significant consideration as an efficient approach to developing tissue-engineered scaffolds for corneal healing and regeneration. Several approaches are tested to develop a substrate with equal transmittance and mechanical properties to improve the regeneration of cornea tissue. In this regard, bioprinted scaffolds have recently received sufficient attention in simulating corneal structure, owing to their spectacular spatial control which produces a three-cell-loaded-dimensional corneal structure. In this review, the anatomy and function of different layers of corneal tissue are highlighted, and then the potential of the 3D bioprinting technique for promoting corneal regeneration is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Orash Mahmoud Salehi
- Department of Chemistry and Nanotechnology, School of Engineering and Science, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, NL, Mexico
| | - Saeed Heidari-Keshel
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1434875451, Iran
| | - Seyed Ali Poursamar
- Biosensor Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673441, Iran
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul 34396, Turkey
| | - Farshid Sefat
- Department of Biomedical and Electronics Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre in Polymer Science & Technology (Polymer IRC), University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK
| | - Narsimha Mamidi
- Department of Chemistry and Nanotechnology, School of Engineering and Science, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, NL, Mexico
| | - Mahmoud Jabbarvand Behrouz
- Translational Ophthalmology Research Center, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717443, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rafienia
- Biosensor Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673441, Iran
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14
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Tudureanu R, Handrea-Dragan IM, Boca S, Botiz I. Insight and Recent Advances into the Role of Topography on the Cell Differentiation and Proliferation on Biopolymeric Surfaces. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:7731. [PMID: 35887079 PMCID: PMC9315624 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well known that surface topography plays an important role in cell behavior, including adhesion, migration, orientation, elongation, proliferation and differentiation. Studying these cell functions is essential in order to better understand and control specific characteristics of the cells and thus to enhance their potential in various biomedical applications. This review proposes to investigate the extent to which various surface relief patterns, imprinted in biopolymer films or in polymeric films coated with biopolymers, by utilizing specific lithographic techniques, influence cell behavior and development. We aim to understand how characteristics such as shape, dimension or chemical functionality of surface relief patterns alter the orientation and elongation of cells, and thus, finally make their mark on the cell proliferation and differentiation. We infer that such an insight is a prerequisite for pushing forward the comprehension of the methodologies and technologies used in tissue engineering applications and products, including skin or bone implants and wound or fracture healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raluca Tudureanu
- Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babeș-Bolyai University, 400271 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (R.T.); (I.M.H.-D.); (S.B.)
- Faculty of Physics, Babeș-Bolyai University, 400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Iuliana M. Handrea-Dragan
- Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babeș-Bolyai University, 400271 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (R.T.); (I.M.H.-D.); (S.B.)
- Faculty of Physics, Babeș-Bolyai University, 400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Sanda Boca
- Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babeș-Bolyai University, 400271 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (R.T.); (I.M.H.-D.); (S.B.)
| | - Ioan Botiz
- Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babeș-Bolyai University, 400271 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (R.T.); (I.M.H.-D.); (S.B.)
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15
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Combined Therapy Using Human Corneal Stromal Stem Cells and Quiescent Keratocytes to Prevent Corneal Scarring after Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23136980. [PMID: 35805991 PMCID: PMC9267074 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23136980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal blindness due to scarring is conventionally treated by corneal transplantation, but the shortage of donor materials has been a major issue affecting the global success of treatment. Pre-clinical and clinical studies have shown that cell-based therapies using either corneal stromal stem cells (CSSC) or corneal stromal keratocytes (CSK) suppress corneal scarring at lower levels. Further treatments or strategies are required to improve the treatment efficacy. This study examined a combined cell-based treatment using CSSC and CSK in a mouse model of anterior stromal injury. We hypothesize that the immuno-regulatory nature of CSSC is effective to control tissue inflammation and delay the onset of fibrosis, and a subsequent intrastromal CSK treatment deposited collagens and stromal specific proteoglycans to recover a native stromal matrix. Using optimized cell doses, our results showed that the effect of CSSC treatment for suppressing corneal opacities was augmented by an additional intrastromal CSK injection, resulting in better corneal clarity. These in vivo effects were substantiated by a further downregulated expression of stromal fibrosis genes and the restoration of stromal fibrillar organization and regularity. Hence, a combined treatment of CSSC and CSK could achieve a higher clinical efficacy and restore corneal transparency, when compared to a single CSSC treatment.
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16
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Kalyuzhny AE. A Never-Ending Journey in Search for Novel Cell Biology Techniques. Cells 2022; 11:1393. [PMID: 35563699 PMCID: PMC9101893 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell techniques undergo rapid advancement across different areas of biomedical research [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander E Kalyuzhny
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, 6-145 Jackson Hall, 321 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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17
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Yeung V, Zhang TC, Yuan L, Parekh M, Cortinas JA, Delavogia E, Hutcheon AEK, Guo X, Ciolino JB. Extracellular Vesicles Secreted by Corneal Myofibroblasts Promote Corneal Epithelial Cell Migration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063136. [PMID: 35328555 PMCID: PMC8951135 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal epithelial wound healing is a multifaceted process that encompasses cell proliferation, migration, and communication from the corneal stroma. Upon corneal injury, bidirectional crosstalk between the epithelium and stroma via extracellular vesicles (EVs) has been reported. However, the mechanisms by which the EVs from human corneal keratocytes (HCKs), fibroblasts (HCFs), and/or myofibroblasts (HCMs) exert their effects on the corneal epithelium remain unclear. In this study, HCK-, HCF-, and HCM-EVs were isolated and characterized, and human corneal epithelial (HCE) cell migration was assessed in a scratch assay following PKH26-labeled HCK-, HCF-, or HCM-EV treatment. HCE cells proliferative and apoptotic activity following EV treatment was assessed. HCF-/HCM-EVs were enriched for CD63, CD81, ITGAV, and THBS1 compared to HCK-EV. All EVs were negative for GM130 and showed minimal differences in biophysical properties. At the proteomic level, we showed HCM-EV with a log >two-fold change in CXCL6, CXCL12, MMP1, and MMP2 expression compared to HCK-/HCF-EVs; these proteins are associated with cellular movement pathways. Upon HCM-EV treatment, HCE cell migration, velocity, and proliferation were significantly increased compared to HCK-/HCF-EVs. This study concludes that the HCM-EV protein cargo influences HCE cell migration and proliferation, and understanding these elements may provide a novel therapeutic avenue for corneal wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Yeung
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (L.Y.); (M.P.); (A.E.K.H.); (X.G.); (J.B.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Ling Yuan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (L.Y.); (M.P.); (A.E.K.H.); (X.G.); (J.B.C.)
| | - Mohit Parekh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (L.Y.); (M.P.); (A.E.K.H.); (X.G.); (J.B.C.)
| | - John A. Cortinas
- Division of Newborn Medicine & Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (J.A.C.); (E.D.)
| | - Eleni Delavogia
- Division of Newborn Medicine & Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (J.A.C.); (E.D.)
| | - Audrey E. K. Hutcheon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (L.Y.); (M.P.); (A.E.K.H.); (X.G.); (J.B.C.)
| | - Xiaoqing Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (L.Y.); (M.P.); (A.E.K.H.); (X.G.); (J.B.C.)
| | - Joseph B. Ciolino
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (L.Y.); (M.P.); (A.E.K.H.); (X.G.); (J.B.C.)
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