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Yam GHF, Pi S, Du Y, Mehta JS. Posterior corneoscleral limbus: Architecture, stem cells, and clinical implications. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 96:101192. [PMID: 37392960 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2023.101192] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
The limbus is a transition from the cornea to conjunctiva and sclera. In human eyes, this thin strip has a rich variation of tissue structures and composition, typifying a change from scleral irregularity and opacity to corneal regularity and transparency; a variation from richly vascularized conjunctiva and sclera to avascular cornea; the neural passage and drainage of aqueous humor. The limbal stroma is enriched with circular fibres running parallel to the corneal circumference, giving its unique role in absorbing small pressure changes to maintain corneal curvature and refractivity. It contains specific niches housing different types of stem cells for the corneal epithelium, stromal keratocytes, corneal endothelium, and trabecular meshwork. This truly reflects the important roles of the limbus in ocular physiology, and the limbal functionality is crucial for corneal health and the entire visual system. Since the anterior limbus containing epithelial structures and limbal epithelial stem cells has been extensively reviewed, this article is focused on the posterior limbus. We have discussed the structural organization and cellular components of the region beneath the limbal epithelium, the characteristics of stem cell types: namely corneal stromal stem cells, endothelial progenitors and trabecular meshwork stem cells, and recent advances leading to the emergence of potential cell therapy options to replenish their respective mature cell types and to correct defects causing corneal abnormalities. We have reviewed different clinical disorders associated with defects of the posterior limbus and summarized the available preclinical and clinical evidence about the developing topic of cell-based therapy for corneal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Hin-Fai Yam
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Shaohua Pi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yiqin Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jodhbir S Mehta
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore; Department of Cornea and External Eye Disease, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore; Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-National University of Singapore (NUS) Medical School, Singapore.
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2
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Silva AS, Costa EC, Reis S, Spencer C, Calhelha RC, Miguel SP, Ribeiro MP, Barros L, Vaz JA, Coutinho P. Silk Sericin: A Promising Sustainable Biomaterial for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Applications. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14224931. [PMID: 36433058 PMCID: PMC9699483 DOI: 10.3390/polym14224931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Silk is a natural composite fiber composed mainly of hydrophobic fibroin and hydrophilic sericin, produced by the silkworm Bombyx mori. In the textile industry, the cocoons of B. mori are processed into silk fabric, where the sericin is substantially removed and usually discarded in wastewater. This wastewater pollutes the environment and water sources. However, sericin has been recognized as a potential biomaterial due to its biocompatibility, immunocompatibility, biodegradability, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant and photoprotective properties. Moreover, sericin can produce hydrogels, films, sponges, foams, dressings, particles, fibers, etc., for various biomedical and pharmaceutical applications (e.g., tissue engineering, wound healing, drug delivery, cosmetics). Given the severe environmental pollution caused by the disposal of sericin and its beneficial properties, there has been growing interest in upcycling this biomaterial, which could have a strong and positive economic, social and environmental impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia S. Silva
- Centro de Investigação da Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
- Laboratório Associado para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha (SusTEC), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Elisabete C. Costa
- CPIRN-IPG—Center of Potential and Innovation of Natural Resources, Polytechnic Institute of Guarda, 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal
| | - Sara Reis
- Centro de Investigação da Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
- Laboratório Associado para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha (SusTEC), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Carina Spencer
- CPIRN-IPG—Center of Potential and Innovation of Natural Resources, Polytechnic Institute of Guarda, 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal
| | - Ricardo C. Calhelha
- Centro de Investigação da Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
- Laboratório Associado para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha (SusTEC), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
- Correspondence: (R.C.C.); (P.C.)
| | - Sónia P. Miguel
- CPIRN-IPG—Center of Potential and Innovation of Natural Resources, Polytechnic Institute of Guarda, 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Maximiano P. Ribeiro
- CPIRN-IPG—Center of Potential and Innovation of Natural Resources, Polytechnic Institute of Guarda, 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Lillian Barros
- Centro de Investigação da Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
- Laboratório Associado para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha (SusTEC), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Josiana A. Vaz
- Centro de Investigação da Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
- Laboratório Associado para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha (SusTEC), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Paula Coutinho
- CPIRN-IPG—Center of Potential and Innovation of Natural Resources, Polytechnic Institute of Guarda, 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Correspondence: (R.C.C.); (P.C.)
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3
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Hsa-miR-150-5p inhibits Wnt-β-catenin signaling in human corneal epithelial stem cells. Mol Vis 2022; 28:178-191. [PMID: 36274818 PMCID: PMC9491245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In our earlier study, we identified hsa-miR-150-5p as a highly expressed miRNA in enriched corneal epithelial stem cells (CESCs). In this study, we aimed to understand the molecular regulatory function of hsa-miR-150-5p in association with the maintenance of stemness in CESCs. METHODS The target mRNAs of hsa-miR-150-5p were predicted and subjected to pathway analysis to identify targets for functional studies. Primary cultured limbal epithelial cells were transfected with hsa-miR-150-5p mimic, inhibitor, or scrambled sequence using Lipofectamine 3000. The transfected cells were analyzed to determine (i) their colony-forming potential; (ii) the expression levels of stem cell (SC) markers/transcription factors (ABCG2, NANOG, OCT4, KLF4, and ΔNp63), the differentiation marker (Cx43), and the hsa-miR-150-5p predicted targets (JARID2, INHBA, AKT3, and CTNNB1) by qPCR; and (iii) the expression levels of ABCG2, p63α, Cx43, JARID2, AKT3, p-AKT3, β-catenin, and active β-catenin by immunofluorescence staining and/or western blotting. RESULTS The ectopic expression level of hsa-miR-150-5p increased the colony-forming potential (8.29% ± 0.47%, p < 0.001) with the ability to form holoclone-like colonies compared with the control (1.8% ± 0.47%). The mimic-treated cells had higher expression levels of the SC markers but reduced expression levels of Cx43 and the targets of hsa-miR-150-5p that are involved in the Wnt-β-catenin signaling pathway. The expression levels of β-catenin and active β-catenin in the inhibitor-transfected cells were higher than those in the control cells, and the localized nuclear expression indicated the activation of Wnt signaling. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate a regulatory role for hsa-miR-150-5p in the maintenance of CESCs by inhibiting the Wnt signaling pathway.
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Kalaimani L, Devarajan B, Namperumalsamy VP, Veerappan M, Daniels JT, Chidambaranathan GP. Hsa-miR-143-3p inhibits Wnt-β-catenin and MAPK signaling in human corneal epithelial stem cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11432. [PMID: 35794158 PMCID: PMC9259643 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15263-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous study demonstrated hsa-miR-143-3p as one of the highly expressed miRNAs in enriched corneal epithelial stem cells (CESCs). Hence this study aims to elucidate the regulatory role of hsa-miR-143-3p in the maintenance of stemness in CESCs. The target genes of hsa-miR-143-3p were predicted and subjected to pathway analysis to select the targets for functional studies. Primary cultured limbal epithelial cells were transfected with hsa-miR-143-3p mimic, inhibitor or scrambled sequence using Lipofectamine 3000. The transfected cells were analysed for (i) colony forming potential, (ii) expression of stem cell (SC) markers/ transcription factors (ABCG2, NANOG, OCT4, KLF4, ΔNp63), (iii) differentiation marker (Cx43), (iv) predicted five targets of hsa-miR-143-3p (DVL3, MAPK1, MAPK14, KRAS and KAT6A), (v) MAPK signaling regulators and (vi) Wnt-β-catenin signaling regulators by qPCR, immunofluorescence staining and/or Western blotting. High expression of hsa-miR-143-3p increased the colony forming potential (10.04 ± 1.35%, p < 0.001) with the ability to form holoclone-like colonies in comparison to control (3.33 ± 0.71%). The mimic treated cells had increased expression of SC markers but reduced expression of Cx43 and hsa-miR-143-3p targets involved in Wnt-β-catenin and MAPK signaling pathways. The expression of β-catenin, active β-catenin and ERK2 in hsa-miR-143-3p inhibitor transfected cells were higher than the control cells and the localized nuclear expression indicated the activation of Wnt and MAPK signaling. Thus, the probable association of hsa-miR-143-3p in the maintenance of CESCs through inhibition of Wnt and MAPK signaling pathways was thus indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavanya Kalaimani
- Department of Immunology and Stem Cell Biology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, 625020, India.,Department of Biotechnology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation-Affiliated to Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India.,Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Bharanidharan Devarajan
- Department of Bioinformatics, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Muthukkaruppan Veerappan
- Department of Immunology and Stem Cell Biology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, 625020, India
| | - Julie T Daniels
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Gowri Priya Chidambaranathan
- Department of Immunology and Stem Cell Biology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, 625020, India. .,Department of Biotechnology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation-Affiliated to Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Ghofrani A, Taghavi L, Khalilivavdareh B, Rohani Shirvan A, Nouri A. Additive manufacturing and advanced functionalities of cardiac patches: A review. Eur Polym J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2022.111332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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6
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Poudel BK, Robert MC, Simpson FC, Malhotra K, Jacques L, LaBarre P, Griffith M. In situ Tissue Regeneration in the Cornea from Bench to Bedside. Cells Tissues Organs 2021; 211:506-526. [PMID: 34380144 DOI: 10.1159/000514690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal blindness accounts for 5.1% of visual deficiency and is the fourth leading cause of blindness globally. An additional 1.5-2 million people develop corneal blindness each year, including many children born with or who later develop corneal infections. Over 90% of corneal blind people globally live in low- and middle-income regions (LMIRs), where corneal ulcers are approximately 10-fold higher compared to high-income countries. While corneal transplantation is an effective option for patients in high-income countries, there is a considerable global shortage of corneal graft tissue and limited corneal transplant programs in many LMIRs. In situ tissue regeneration aims to restore diseases or damaged tissues by inducing organ regeneration. This can be achieved in the cornea using biomaterials based on extracellular matrix (ECM) components like collagen, hyaluronic acid, and silk. Solid corneal implants based on recombinant human collagen type III were successfully implanted into patients resulting in regeneration of the corneal epithelium, stroma, and sub-basal nerve plexus. As ECM crosslinking and manufacturing methods improve, the focus of biomaterial development has shifted to injectable, in situ gelling formulations. Collagen, collagen-mimetic, and gelatin-based in situ gelling formulas have shown the ability to repair corneal wounds, surgical incisions, and perforations in in-vivo models. Biomaterial approaches may not be sufficient to treat inflammatory conditions, so other cell-free therapies such as treatment with tolerogenic exosomes and extracellular vesicles may improve treatment outcomes. Overall, many of the technologies described here show promise as future medical devices or combination products with cell or drug-based therapies. In situ tissue regeneration, particularly with liquid formulas, offers the ability to triage and treat corneal injuries and disease with a single regenerative solution, providing alternatives to organ transplantation and improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijay K Poudel
- Département d'Ophtalmologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Centre de Recherche, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Marie-Claude Robert
- Département d'Ophtalmologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Centre de Recherche, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Département d'Opthalmologie, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Fiona C Simpson
- Département d'Ophtalmologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Centre de Recherche, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Département d'Opthalmologie, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Institut du Génie Biomédicale, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Kamal Malhotra
- Département d'Ophtalmologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Centre de Recherche, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Département d'Opthalmologie, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Ludovic Jacques
- Département d'Ophtalmologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Centre de Recherche, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | | | - May Griffith
- Département d'Ophtalmologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Centre de Recherche, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Département d'Opthalmologie, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Institut du Génie Biomédicale, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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7
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New Horizons in the Treatment of Corneal Endothelial Dysfunction. J Ophthalmol 2021; 2021:6644114. [PMID: 34306743 PMCID: PMC8285186 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6644114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The treatment of corneal endothelial dysfunction has experienced a revolutionary change in the past decades with the emergence of endothelial keratoplasty techniques: descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) and descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). Recently, new treatments such as cultivated endothelial cell therapy, Rho-kinase inhibitors (ROCK inhibitors), bioengineered grafts, and gene therapy have been described. These techniques represent new lines of treatment for endothelial dysfunction. Their advantages are to help address the shortage of quality endothelial tissue, decrease the complications associated with tissue rejection, and reduce the burden of postoperative care following transplantation. Although further randomized clinical trials are required to validate these findings and prove the long-term efficacy of the treatments, the positive outcomes in preliminary clinical studies are a stepping stone to a promising future. Our aim is to review the latest available alternatives and advancements to endothelial corneal transplant.
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8
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Salvatore L, Gallo N, Natali ML, Terzi A, Sannino A, Madaghiele M. Mimicking the Hierarchical Organization of Natural Collagen: Toward the Development of Ideal Scaffolding Material for Tissue Regeneration. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:644595. [PMID: 33987173 PMCID: PMC8112590 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.644595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological materials found in living organisms, many of which are proteins, feature a complex hierarchical organization. Type I collagen, a fibrous structural protein ubiquitous in the mammalian body, provides a striking example of such a hierarchical material, with peculiar architectural features ranging from the amino acid sequence at the nanoscale (primary structure) up to the assembly of fibrils (quaternary structure) and fibers, with lengths of the order of microns. Collagen plays a dominant role in maintaining the biological and structural integrity of various tissues and organs, such as bone, skin, tendons, blood vessels, and cartilage. Thus, "artificial" collagen-based fibrous assemblies, endowed with appropriate structural properties, represent ideal substrates for the development of devices for tissue engineering applications. In recent years, with the ultimate goal of developing three-dimensional scaffolds with optimal bioactivity able to promote both regeneration and functional recovery of a damaged tissue, numerous studies focused on the capability to finely modulate the scaffold architecture at the microscale and the nanoscale in order to closely mimic the hierarchical features of the extracellular matrix and, in particular, the natural patterning of collagen. All of these studies clearly show that the accurate characterization of the collagen structure at the submolecular and supramolecular levels is pivotal to the understanding of the relationships between the nanostructural/microstructural properties of the fabricated scaffold and its macroscopic performance. Several studies also demonstrate that the selected processing, including any crosslinking and/or sterilization treatments, can strongly affect the architecture of collagen at various length scales. The aim of this review is to highlight the most recent findings on the development of collagen-based scaffolds with optimized properties for tissue engineering. The optimization of the scaffolds is particularly related to the modulation of the collagen architecture, which, in turn, impacts on the achieved bioactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Salvatore
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Nunzia Gallo
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Maria Lucia Natali
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Alberta Terzi
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Sannino
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Marta Madaghiele
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
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9
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Jones L, Hui A, Phan CM, Read ML, Azar D, Buch J, Ciolino JB, Naroo SA, Pall B, Romond K, Sankaridurg P, Schnider CM, Terry L, Willcox M. CLEAR - Contact lens technologies of the future. Cont Lens Anterior Eye 2021; 44:398-430. [PMID: 33775384 DOI: 10.1016/j.clae.2021.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Contact lenses in the future will likely have functions other than correction of refractive error. Lenses designed to control the development of myopia are already commercially available. Contact lenses as drug delivery devices and powered through advancements in nanotechnology will open up further opportunities for unique uses of contact lenses. This review examines the use, or potential use, of contact lenses aside from their role to correct refractive error. Contact lenses can be used to detect systemic and ocular surface diseases, treat and manage various ocular conditions and as devices that can correct presbyopia, control the development of myopia or be used for augmented vision. There is also discussion of new developments in contact lens packaging and storage cases. The use of contact lenses as devices to detect systemic disease has mostly focussed on detecting changes to glucose levels in tears for monitoring diabetic control. Glucose can be detected using changes in colour, fluorescence or generation of electric signals by embedded sensors such as boronic acid, concanavalin A or glucose oxidase. Contact lenses that have gained regulatory approval can measure changes in intraocular pressure to monitor glaucoma by measuring small changes in corneal shape. Challenges include integrating sensors into contact lenses and detecting the signals generated. Various techniques are used to optimise uptake and release of the drugs to the ocular surface to treat diseases such as dry eye, glaucoma, infection and allergy. Contact lenses that either mechanically or electronically change their shape are being investigated for the management of presbyopia. Contact lenses that slow the development of myopia are based upon incorporating concentric rings of plus power, peripheral optical zone(s) with add power or non-monotonic variations in power. Various forms of these lenses have shown a reduction in myopia in clinical trials and are available in various markets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndon Jones
- Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE), School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada; Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), 17W Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong.
| | - Alex Hui
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Chau-Minh Phan
- Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE), School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada; Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), 17W Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong
| | - Michael L Read
- Eurolens Research, Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Dimitri Azar
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Verily Life Sciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - John Buch
- Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Joseph B Ciolino
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shehzad A Naroo
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Brian Pall
- Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Kathleen Romond
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Padmaja Sankaridurg
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Brien Holden Vision Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Louise Terry
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, UK
| | - Mark Willcox
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Parekh M, Romano V, Hassanin K, Testa V, Wongvisavavit R, Ferrari S, Haneef A, Willoughby C, Ponzin D, Jhanji V, Sharma N, Daniels J, Kaye SB, Ahmad S, Levis HJ. Biomaterials for corneal endothelial cell culture and tissue engineering. J Tissue Eng 2021; 12:2041731421990536. [PMID: 33643603 PMCID: PMC7894589 DOI: 10.1177/2041731421990536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The corneal endothelium is the posterior monolayer of cells that are responsible for maintaining overall transparency of the avascular corneal tissue via pump function. These cells are non-regenerative in vivo and therefore, approximately 40% of corneal transplants undertaken worldwide are a result of damage or dysfunction of endothelial cells. The number of available corneal donor tissues is limited worldwide, hence, cultivation of human corneal endothelial cells (hCECs) in vitro has been attempted in order to produce tissue engineered corneal endothelial grafts. Researchers have attempted to recreate the current gold standard treatment of replacing the endothelial layer with accompanying Descemet's membrane or a small portion of stroma as support with tissue engineering strategies using various substrates of both biologically derived and synthetic origin. Here we review the potential biomaterials that are currently in development to support the transplantation of a cultured monolayer of hCECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Parekh
- Faculty of Brain Sciences, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,International Center for Ocular Physiopathology, Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto Onlus, Venice, Italy
| | - Vito Romano
- St. Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool Broadgreen University Hospital, Liverpool, UK.,Instituto Universitario Fernandez-Vega, Universidad de Oviedo and Fundacion de Investigacion on Oftalmologica, Oviedo, Spain.,Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Kareem Hassanin
- St. Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool Broadgreen University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Valeria Testa
- Eye Clinic, Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
| | - Rintra Wongvisavavit
- Faculty of Brain Sciences, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Sciences, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Stefano Ferrari
- International Center for Ocular Physiopathology, Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto Onlus, Venice, Italy
| | - Atikah Haneef
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Colin Willoughby
- School of biomedical sciences, University of Ulster, Belfast, UK
| | - Diego Ponzin
- International Center for Ocular Physiopathology, Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto Onlus, Venice, Italy
| | - Vishal Jhanji
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Namrata Sharma
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Julie Daniels
- Faculty of Brain Sciences, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Stephen B Kaye
- St. Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool Broadgreen University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sajjad Ahmad
- Faculty of Brain Sciences, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Trust Foundation, London, UK
| | - Hannah J Levis
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Ting DSJ, Peh GSL, Adnan K, Mehta JS. Translational and Regulatory Challenges of Corneal Endothelial Cell Therapy: A Global Perspective. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS 2021; 28:52-62. [PMID: 33267724 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2020.0319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cell therapies are emerging as a unique class of clinical therapeutics in medicine. In 2015, Holoclar (ex vivo expanded autologous human corneal epithelial cells containing stem cells) gained the regulatory approval for treating limbal stem cell deficiency after chemical eye burn. This has set a precedent in ophthalmology and in medicine, reinforcing the therapeutic promise of cell therapy. However, to generalize and commercialize cell therapies on a global scale, stringent translational and regulatory requirements need to be fulfilled at both local and international levels. Over the past decade, the Singapore group has taken significant steps in developing human corneal endothelial cell (HCEnC) therapy for treating corneal endothelial diseases, which are currently the leading indication for corneal transplantation in many countries. Successful development of HCEnC therapy may serve as a novel solution to the current global shortage of donor corneas. Based on the experience in Singapore, this review aims to provide a global perspective on the translational and regulatory challenges for bench-to-bedside translation of cell therapy. Specifically, we discussed about the characterization of the critical quality attributes (CQA), the challenges that can affect the CQA, and the variations in the regulatory framework embedded within different regions, including Singapore, Europe, and the United States. Impact statement Functional corneal endothelium is critical to normal vision. Corneal endothelial disease-secondary to trauma, surgery, or pathology-represents an important cause of visual impairment and blindness in both developed and developing countries. Currently, corneal transplantation serves as the current gold standard for treating visually significant corneal endothelial diseases, although limited by the shortage of donor corneas. Over the past decade, human corneal endothelial cell therapy has emerged as a promising treatment option for treating corneal endothelial diseases. To allow widespread application of this therapy, significant regulatory challenges will need to be systematically overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren Shu Jeng Ting
- Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,Department of Ophthalmology, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gary S L Peh
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Jodhbir S Mehta
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,Schools of Material Science and Engineering, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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12
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Marquez-Curtis LA, Eskandari N, McGann LE, Elliott JAW. Protocol for Cryopreservation of Endothelial Monolayers. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2180:581-591. [PMID: 32797436 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0783-1_30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
One of the major challenges in the preservation of complex tissues is the cryosensitivity of the endothelium, the single layer of cells lining blood vessels, corneas, and other tissues. The increasing importance of endothelial monolayers in tissue-engineered constructs for transplantation and research warrants the need to develop protocols for the successful cryopreservation of cells in monolayers. In this chapter, we describe a recently published cryopreservation protocol that we developed based on examination of various factors that influence the post-thaw recovery of endothelial monolayers. To efficiently investigate cryopreservation protocol parameters, we employed an interrupted slow-cooling procedure (graded freezing) that allows dissecting loss of cell viability into contributions from slow-cooling injury and rapid-cooling injury. Our optimized protocol involves culturing cells on Rinzl plastic coverslips, using a combination of a penetrating cryoprotectant (5% dimethyl sulfoxide) and a non-penetrating cryoprotectant (6% hydroxyethyl starch), addition of 2% chondroitin sulfate, controlled cooling at 0.2 °C/min or 1 °C/min, and removal of cryoprotectant immediately after thaw. The protocol has been validated for human umbilical vein and porcine corneal endothelial cell monolayers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah A Marquez-Curtis
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Nasim Eskandari
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Locksley E McGann
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Janet A W Elliott
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada. .,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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13
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A Tenon's capsule/bulbar conjunctiva interface biomimetic to model fibrosis and local drug delivery. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241569. [PMID: 33141875 PMCID: PMC7608904 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma filtration surgery is one of the most effective methods for lowering intraocular pressure in glaucoma. The surgery efficiently reduces intra-ocular pressure but the most common cause of failure is scarring at the incision site. This occurs in the conjunctiva/Tenon’s capsule layer overlying the scleral coat of the eye. Currently used antimetabolite treatments to prevent post-surgical scarring are non-selective and are associated with potentially blinding side effects. Developing new treatments to target scarring requires both a better understanding of wound healing and scarring in the conjunctiva, and new means of delivering anti-scarring drugs locally and sustainably. By combining plastic compression of collagen gels with a soft collagen-based layer, we have developed a physiologically relevant model of the sub-epithelial bulbar conjunctiva/Tenon’s capsule interface, which allows a more holistic approach to the understanding of subconjunctival tissue behaviour and local drug delivery. The biomimetic tissue hosts both primary human conjunctival fibroblasts and an immune component in the form of macrophages, morphologically and structurally mimicking the mechanical proprieties and contraction kinetics of ex vivo porcine conjunctiva. We show that our model is suitable for the screening of drugs targeting scarring and/or inflammation, and amenable to the study of local drug delivery devices that can be inserted in between the two layers of the biomimetic. We propose that this multicellular-bilayer engineered tissue will be useful to study complex biological aspects of scarring and fibrosis, including the role of inflammation, with potentially significant implications for the management of scarring following glaucoma filtration surgery and other anterior ocular segment scarring conditions. Crucially, it uniquely allows the evaluation of new means of local drug delivery within a physiologically relevant tissue mimetic, mimicking intraoperative drug delivery in vivo.
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14
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Mierke CT. Mechanical Cues Affect Migration and Invasion of Cells From Three Different Directions. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:583226. [PMID: 33043017 PMCID: PMC7527720 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.583226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell migration and invasion is a key driving factor for providing essential cellular functions under physiological conditions or the malignant progression of tumors following downward the metastatic cascade. Although there has been plentiful of molecules identified to support the migration and invasion of cells, the mechanical aspects have not yet been explored in a combined and systematic manner. In addition, the cellular environment has been classically and frequently assumed to be homogeneous for reasons of simplicity. However, motility assays have led to various models for migration covering only some aspects and supporting factors that in some cases also include mechanical factors. Instead of specific models, in this review, a more or less holistic model for cell motility in 3D is envisioned covering all these different aspects with a special emphasis on the mechanical cues from a biophysical perspective. After introducing the mechanical aspects of cell migration and invasion and presenting the heterogeneity of extracellular matrices, the three distinct directions of cell motility focusing on the mechanical aspects are presented. These three different directions are as follows: firstly, the commonly used invasion tests using structural and structure-based mechanical environmental signals; secondly, the mechano-invasion assay, in which cells are studied by mechanical forces to migrate and invade; and thirdly, cell mechanics, including cytoskeletal and nuclear mechanics, to influence cell migration and invasion. Since the interaction between the cell and the microenvironment is bi-directional in these assays, these should be accounted in migration and invasion approaches focusing on the mechanical aspects. Beyond this, there is also the interaction between the cytoskeleton of the cell and its other compartments, such as the cell nucleus. In specific, a three-element approach is presented for addressing the effect of mechanics on cell migration and invasion by including the effect of the mechano-phenotype of the cytoskeleton, nucleus and the cell's microenvironment into the analysis. In precise terms, the combination of these three research approaches including experimental techniques seems to be promising for revealing bi-directional impacts of mechanical alterations of the cellular microenvironment on cells and internal mechanical fluctuations or changes of cells on the surroundings. Finally, different approaches are discussed and thereby a model for the broad impact of mechanics on cell migration and invasion is evolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tanja Mierke
- Faculty of Physics and Earth Science, Peter Debye Institute of Soft Matter Physics, Biological Physics Division, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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15
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Lu Q, Peng RM, Feng N, Wen MD, He LH, Hong J. Evaluation of reconstructed human corneal endothelium sheets made with porcine Descemet's membrane in vitro and in vivo. Exp Eye Res 2020; 197:108125. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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16
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Fuest M, Yam GHF, Mehta JS, Duarte Campos DF. Prospects and Challenges of Translational Corneal Bioprinting. Bioengineering (Basel) 2020; 7:bioengineering7030071. [PMID: 32640721 PMCID: PMC7552635 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering7030071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal transplantation remains the ultimate treatment option for advanced stromal and endothelial disorders. Corneal tissue engineering has gained increasing interest in recent years, as it can bypass many complications of conventional corneal transplantation. The human cornea is an ideal organ for tissue engineering, as it is avascular and immune-privileged. Mimicking the complex mechanical properties, the surface curvature, and stromal cytoarchitecure of the in vivo corneal tissue remains a great challenge for tissue engineering approaches. For this reason, automated biofabrication strategies, such as bioprinting, may offer additional spatial control during the manufacturing process to generate full-thickness cell-laden 3D corneal constructs. In this review, we discuss recent advances in bioprinting and biomaterials used for in vitro and ex vivo corneal tissue engineering, corneal cell-biomaterial interactions after bioprinting, and future directions of corneal bioprinting aiming at engineering a full-thickness human cornea in the lab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Fuest
- Department of Ophthalmology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Correspondence: (M.F.); (D.F.D.C.)
| | - Gary Hin-Fai Yam
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA;
| | - Jodhbir S. Mehta
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore;
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore 169856, Singapore
| | - Daniela F. Duarte Campos
- Institute of Applied Medical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- DWI Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Correspondence: (M.F.); (D.F.D.C.)
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17
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O'Callaghan AR, Dziasko MA, Sheth-Shah R, Lewis MP, Daniels JT. Oral Mucosa Tissue Equivalents for the Treatment of Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 4:e1900265. [PMID: 32515079 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201900265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cultured limbal and oral epithelial cells have been successfully used to treat patients with limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). The most common culture method for these cell therapies utilizes amniotic membrane as a cell support and/or murine 3T3s as feeder fibroblasts. The aim of this study is to refine the production of autologous oral mucosal cell therapy for the treatment of LSCD. Real architecture for 3D tissue (RAFT) is used as an alternative cell culture support. In addition, oral mucosal cells (epithelial and fibroblast) are used as autologous alternatives to donor human limbal epithelial cells (HLE) and murine 3T3s. The following tissue equivalents are produced and characterized: first, for patients with bilateral LSCD, an oral mucosa tissue equivalent consisting of human oral mucosal epithelial cells on RAFT supported by human oral mucosal fibroblasts (HOMF). Second, for patients with unilateral LSCD, HLE on RAFT supported by HOMF. For both tissue equivalent types, features of the cornea are observed including a multi-layered epithelium with small cells with a stem cell like phenotype in the basal layer and squamous cells in the top layers, and p63α and PAX6 expression. These tissue equivalents may therefore be useful in the treatment of LSCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna R O'Callaghan
- Cells for Sight, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Marc A Dziasko
- Cells for Sight, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Radhika Sheth-Shah
- Cells for Sight, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Mark P Lewis
- National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (NCSEM), School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK
| | - Julie T Daniels
- Cells for Sight, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
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18
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Short- and Long-Term Results of Xenogeneic-Free Cultivated Autologous and Allogeneic Limbal Epithelial Stem Cell Transplantations. Cornea 2020; 38:1543-1549. [PMID: 31569145 PMCID: PMC6830964 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000002153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate the short- and long-term success rates of xenogeneic-free cultivated limbal epithelial stem cell transplantation (CLET) for the treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD).
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19
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Kayal C, Moeendarbary E, Shipley RJ, Phillips JB. Mechanical Response of Neural Cells to Physiologically Relevant Stiffness Gradients. Adv Healthc Mater 2020; 9:e1901036. [PMID: 31793251 PMCID: PMC8407326 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201901036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the influence of the mechanical environment on neurite behavior is crucial in the development of peripheral nerve repair solutions, and could help tissue engineers to direct and guide regeneration. In this study, a new protocol to fabricate physiologically relevant hydrogel substrates with controlled mechanical cues is proposed. These hydrogels allow the analysis of the relative effects of both the absolute stiffness value and the local stiffness gradient on neural cell behavior, particularly for low stiffness values (1-2 kPa). NG108-15 neural cell behavior is studied using well-characterized collagen gradient substrates with stiffness values ranging from 1 to 10 kPa and gradient slopes of either 0.84 or 7.9 kPa mm-1 . It is found that cell orientation is influenced by specific combinations of stiffness value and stiffness gradient. The results highlight the importance of considering the type of hydrogel as well as both the absolute value of the stiffness and the steepness of its gradient, thus introducing a new framework for the development of tissue engineered scaffolds and the study of substrate stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Kayal
- UCL Mechanical EngineeringUniversity College LondonTorrington PlaceLondonWC1E 7JEUK
- UCL School of PharmacyUniversity College LondonBrunswick Square, BloomsburyLondonWC1N 1AXUK
- UCL Centre for Nerve EngineeringUniversity College LondonLondonWC1E 6BTUK
| | - Emad Moeendarbary
- UCL Mechanical EngineeringUniversity College LondonTorrington PlaceLondonWC1E 7JEUK
- Department of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA 02142USA
| | - Rebecca J. Shipley
- UCL Mechanical EngineeringUniversity College LondonTorrington PlaceLondonWC1E 7JEUK
- UCL Centre for Nerve EngineeringUniversity College LondonLondonWC1E 6BTUK
| | - James B. Phillips
- UCL School of PharmacyUniversity College LondonBrunswick Square, BloomsburyLondonWC1N 1AXUK
- UCL Centre for Nerve EngineeringUniversity College LondonLondonWC1E 6BTUK
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20
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Wang F, Song Q, Du L, Wu X. Development and Characterization of an Acellular Porcine Small Intestine Submucosa Scaffold for Use in Corneal Epithelium Tissue Engineering. Curr Eye Res 2020; 45:134-143. [PMID: 31514545 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2019.1663386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: To produce an acellular small intestine submucosa (SIS) that would be a suitable scaffold for corneal epithelium tissue engineering.Methods: The SIS was decellularized by immersion in 0.1% (wt/vol) sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The efficacy of acellularization was confirmed by histological observation and DNA quantification. The mechanical properties were evaluated by uniaxial tensile testing. ELISA was performed to assess the growth factor contents. The cytotoxicity of SIS scaffolds and extracts to rabbit corneal epithelial cells was determined by CCK-8 assay. We also investigated the inflammatory reaction of SIS implanted subcutaneously in a rat. The biocompatibility was studied by rabbit interlamellar corneal transplantation and reseeding assay with cornea-derived cells. Immunofluorescent staining was used to detect the expression of CK3, ZO-1 and K13.Results: Histological analyses showed that complete cell removal was achieved, and the DNA quantity, which reflects the presence of cellular materials, was significantly diminished in acellular SIS. Collagen fibers were properly preserved and appeared in an orderly fashion. The tissue structure, the mechanical properties and the growth factor contents within the acellular SIS were well retained. The CCK8 assay demonstrated that the acellular SIS scaffolds and extracts had no cytotoxicity to rabbit corneal epithelial cells. There was no sign that an immune reaction occurred with acellular SIS implanted subcutaneously in a rat. In fact, in vivo implantation to rabbit interlamellar stromal pockets showed good biocompatibility. We also observed that clusters of rabbit corneal epithelial cells were growing well on the surface of the SIS in vitro and the distinctive CK3, ZO-1 for corneal epithelial cells was detected.Conclusions: The decellularized SIS retained the major structural components. The matrix is biocompatible with cornea-derived cells and might be a suitable scaffold for corneal epithelium tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuyan Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Liqun Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyi Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
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21
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Physical and mechanical properties of RAFT-stabilised collagen gels for tissue engineering applications. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2019; 99:216-224. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2019.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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22
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Hong H, Park SM, Kim D, Park SJ, Kim DS. Grayscale mask‐assisted photochemical crosslinking for a dense collagen construct with stiffness gradient. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2019; 108:1000-1009. [DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.34452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hyeonjun Hong
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringPohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) 77 Cheongam‐ro, Pohang Gyeongbuk 37673 South Korea
| | - Sang Min Park
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringPohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) 77 Cheongam‐ro, Pohang Gyeongbuk 37673 South Korea
| | - Dohui Kim
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringPohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) 77 Cheongam‐ro, Pohang Gyeongbuk 37673 South Korea
| | - Sung Jea Park
- Advanced Technology Research Center & School of Mechanical EngineeringKorea University of Technology and Education (KOREATECH) Cheonan Chungnam 31253 South Korea
| | - Dong Sung Kim
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringPohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) 77 Cheongam‐ro, Pohang Gyeongbuk 37673 South Korea
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23
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Witt J, Borrelli M, Mertsch S, Geerling G, Spaniol K, Schrader S. Evaluation of Plastic-Compressed Collagen for Conjunctival Repair in a Rabbit Model. Tissue Eng Part A 2019; 25:1084-1095. [DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2018.0190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Joana Witt
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Maria Borrelli
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sonja Mertsch
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Gerd Geerling
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Kristina Spaniol
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Stefan Schrader
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
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24
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Eskandari N, Marquez-Curtis LA, McGann LE, Elliott JAW. Cryopreservation of human umbilical vein and porcine corneal endothelial cell monolayers. Cryobiology 2018; 85:63-72. [PMID: 30292811 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Cryopreservation of endothelium is one of the major challenges in the cryopreservation of complex tissues. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in suspension are available commercially and recently their post-thaw cell membrane integrity was significantly improved by cryopreservation in 5% dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO) and 6% hydroxyethyl starch (HES). However, cryopreservation of cells in monolayers has been elusive. The exact mechanisms of damage during cell monolayer cryopreservation are still under investigation. Here, we show that a combination of different factors contribute to significant progress in cryopreservation of endothelial monolayers. The addition of 2% chondroitin sulfate to 5% Me2SO and 6% HES and cooling at 0.2 or 1 °C/min led to high membrane integrity (97.3 ± 3.2%) immediately after thaw when HUVECs were cultured on a substrate with a coefficient of thermal expansion similar to that of ice. The optimized cryopreservation protocol was applied to monolayers of primary porcine corneal endothelial cells, and resulted in high post-thaw viability (95.9 ± 3.7% membrane integrity) with metabolic activity 12 h post-thaw comparable to unfrozen control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasim Eskandari
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Leah A Marquez-Curtis
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Locksley E McGann
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Janet A W Elliott
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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25
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Hong H, Huh MI, Park SM, Lee KP, Kim HK, Kim DS. Decellularized corneal lenticule embedded compressed collagen: toward a suturable collagenous construct for limbal reconstruction. Biofabrication 2018; 10:045001. [PMID: 29978836 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/aad1a4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recently, compressed collagen has attracted much attention as a potential alternative for a limbal epithelial stem cell (LESC) carrier to treat limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), in that it can provide mechanically improved collagen fibrillar structures compared to conventional collagen hydrogel. However, its clinical efficacy as an LESC carrier has not yet been studied through in vivo transplantation due to limited mechanical strength that cannot withstand a force induced by surgical suturing and low resistance to enzymatic degradation. This study firstly presents a suturable LESC carrier based on compressed collagen in the form of a biocomposite. The biocomposite was achieved by integrating a decellularized corneal lenticule, which is a decellularized stromal tissue obtained from corneal refractive surgery, inside a compressed collagen to form a sandwich structure. A suture retention test verified that the biocomposite has a much higher suture retention strength (0.56 ± 0.12 N) compared to the compressed collagen (0.02 ± 0.01 N). The biocomposite also exhibited more than 3 times higher resistance to enzymatic degradation, indicating long-term stability after transplantation. In vitro cell culture results revealed that the biocomposite effectively supported the expansion and stratification of the LESCs with expressions of putative stem cell and differentiated corneal epithelial cell markers. Finally, the biocomposite verified its clinical efficacy by stably delivering the LESCs onto an eye of a rabbit model of LSCD and effectively reconstructing the ocular surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeonjun Hong
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea
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26
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Cui Z, Zeng Q, Liu S, Zhang Y, Zhu D, Guo Y, Xie M, Mathew S, Cai D, Zhang J, Chen J. Cell-laden and orthogonal-multilayer tissue-engineered corneal stroma induced by a mechanical collagen microenvironment and transplantation in a rabbit model. Acta Biomater 2018; 75:183-199. [PMID: 29883810 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2018] [Revised: 05/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The development of functional therapies for corneal repair and regeneration is a pressing issue. Corneal stroma provides the principal functions of the cornea. However, because of the highly organized nature of the stromal matrix, the attempts to reproduce corneal stroma might follow a scar model. Here, we have developed a protocol for the efficient generation of a cell-laden and orthogonal-multilayer tissue-engineered (TE) corneal stroma, which is induced by the mechanical effects of compressed collagen (CC) or stretched compressed collagen (SCC). Within SCC, with applied compression and force extension, collagen microfibres and corneal stromal cells (CSCs) are arranged orderly, while collagen fibres and CSCs in CC are randomly arranged. Dehydrated SCC has higher tensile strength than dehydrated CC. Hydrated SCC has similar transparency with hydrated native corneal stroma. Compared with those cultured on tissue culture plates (TCP), down-regulation of the genes and proteins of cytoskeleton, activation, proliferation, collagen and TRPV4, up-regulation of proteoglycans, gap junction proteins and TRPA1 are in CSCs of CC and SCC. Moreover, SCC and CC grafts displayed biocompatibility and integration with host corneal tissue after rabbit intra-corneal stromal transplantation by wk 6 under slit lamp microscopy, in vivo confocal microscopy and histological examination. The SCC model facilitates the construction of physiological feature TE corneal stroma, which serves as a foundation for physiological TE construction of other tissues. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE The development of functional therapies for corneal repair and regeneration is a pressing issue. Corneal stroma provides the principal functions of the cornea. Here, we have developed a protocol for the efficient generation of a cell-laden and orthogonal-multilayer tissue-engineered (TE) corneal stroma, which is induced by the mechanical effects of compressed collagen (CC) or stretched compressed collagen (SCC). These models facilitate the construction of physiological feature TE corneal stroma, which serves as a foundation for physiological TE construction of other tissues and helps to reverse fibrosis pathologies in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zekai Cui
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Qiaolang Zeng
- The Department of Ophthalmology, the First Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Shiwei Liu
- The Department of Ophthalmology, the First Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Information and Sensing Technologies of Guangdong Higher Educational Institutes, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Deliang Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Yonglong Guo
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Mengyuan Xie
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Information and Sensing Technologies of Guangdong Higher Educational Institutes, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Sanjana Mathew
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Dongqing Cai
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Information and Sensing Technologies of Guangdong Higher Educational Institutes, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China.
| | - Jiansu Chen
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China; The Department of Ophthalmology, the First Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China; Institute of Ophthalmology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China; Aier Eye Institute, #198 Furong Middle Road, Changsha 410015, PR China.
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27
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Mukhey D, Phillips JB, Daniels JT, Kureshi AK. Controlling human corneal stromal stem cell contraction to mediate rapid cell and matrix organization of real architecture for 3-dimensional tissue equivalents. Acta Biomater 2018; 67:229-237. [PMID: 29208552 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.11.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The architecture of the human corneal stroma consists of a highly organized extracellular matrix (ECM) interspersed with keratocytes. Their progenitor cells; corneal stromal stem cells (CSSC) are located at the periphery, in the limbal stroma. A highly organized corneal ECM is critical for effective transmission of light but this structure may be compromised during injury or disease, resulting in loss of vision. Re-creating normal organization in engineered tissue equivalents for transplantation often involves lengthy culture times that are inappropriate for clinical use or utilisation of synthetic substrates that bring complications such as corneal melting. CSSC have great therapeutic potential owing to their ability to reorganize a disorganized matrix, restoring transparency in scarred corneas. We examined CSSC contractile behavior to assess whether this property could be exploited to rapidly generate cell and ECM organization in Real Architecture For 3D Tissues (RAFT) tissue equivalents (TE) for transplantation. Free-floating collagen gels were characterized to assess contractile behavior of CSSC and establish optimum cell density and culture times. To mediate cell and collagen organization, tethered collagen gels seeded with CSSC were cultured and subsequently stabilized with the RAFT process. We demonstrated rapid creation of biomimetic RAFT TE with tunable structural properties. These displayed three distinct regions of varying degrees of cellular and collagen organization. Interestingly, increased organization coincided with a dramatic loss of PAX6 expression in CSSC, indicating rapid differentiation into keratocytes. The organized RAFT TE system could be a useful bioengineering tool to rapidly create an organized ECM while simultaneously controlling cell phenotype. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE For the first time, we have demonstrated that human CSSC exhibit the phenomenon of cellular self-alignment in tethered collagen gels. We found this mediated rapid co-alignment of collagen fibrils and thus subsequently exploited this property in vitro to improve the architecture of engineered RAFT tissue equivalents of the corneal stroma. Existing techniques are extremely lengthy and carry significant risk and cost for GMP manufacture. This rapid and tunable technique takes just 8 h of culture and is therefore ideal for clinical manufacture, creating biomimetic tissue equivalents with both cellular and ECM organization. Thus, cellular self-alignment can be a useful bioengineering tool for the development of organized tissue equivalents in a variety of applications.
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28
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Kilic Bektas C, Hasirci V. Mimicking corneal stroma using keratocyte-loaded photopolymerizable methacrylated gelatin hydrogels. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2018; 12:e1899-e1910. [PMID: 29193831 DOI: 10.1002/term.2621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Cell-laden methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) hydrogels with high (approximately 90%) transparency were prepared to mimic the natural form and function of corneal stroma. They were synthesized from GelMA with a methacrylation degree of 70% as determined by nuclear magnetic resonance. Hydrogels were strong enough to withstand handling. Stability studies showed that 87% of the GelMA hydrogels remained after 21 days in phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Cell viability in the first 2 days was over 90% for the human keratocytes loaded in the gels as determined with the live-dead analysis. Cells in the hydrogel elongated and connected to each other as observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) images and scanning electron microscope analysis after 3 weeks in the culture medium and cells were seen to be distributed throughout the hydrogel bulk. Cells were found to synthesize collagen Types I and V, decorin, and biglycan (representative collagens and proteoglycans of human corneal stroma, respectively) showing that keratocytes maintained their functions and preserved their phenotypes in the hydrogels. Transparency of cell-loaded and cell-free hydrogels after 21 days was found to be over 90% at all time points in the visible light range and was comparable to the transparency of the native cornea. The corneal stroma equivalent produced in this study that has cells entrapped in it leads to a product with homogenous distribution of cells. It was transparent at the very beginning and is expected to allow better vision than nontransparent substrates. It, therefore, has a significant potential to be used as an alternative to the current products used to treat corneal blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cemile Kilic Bektas
- Department of Biological Sciences, METU, Ankara, Turkey.,Department of Biotechnology, METU, Ankara, Turkey.,BIOMATEN, METU Center of Excellence in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Vasif Hasirci
- Department of Biological Sciences, METU, Ankara, Turkey.,Department of Biotechnology, METU, Ankara, Turkey.,BIOMATEN, METU Center of Excellence in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Ankara, Turkey
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29
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Nguyen KN, Bobba S, Richardson A, Park M, Watson SL, Wakefield D, Di Girolamo N. Native and synthetic scaffolds for limbal epithelial stem cell transplantation. Acta Biomater 2018; 65:21-35. [PMID: 29107055 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2017] [Revised: 10/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) is a complex blinding disease of the cornea, which cannot be treated with conventional corneal transplants. Instead, a stem cell (SC) graft is required to replenish the limbal epithelial stem cell (LESC) reservoir, which is ultimately responsible for regenerating the corneal epithelium. Current therapies utilize limbal tissue biopsies that harbor LESCs as well as tissue culture expanded cells. Typically, this tissue is placed on a scaffold that supports the formation of corneal epithelial cell sheets, which are then transferred to diseased eyes. A wide range of biological and synthetic materials have been identified as carrier substrates for LESC, some of which have been used in the clinic, including amniotic membrane, fibrin, and silicon hydrogel contact lenses, each with their own advantages and limitations. This review will provide a brief background of LSCD, focusing on bio-scaffolds that have been utilized in limbal stem cell transplantation (LSCT) and materials that are being developed as potentially novel therapeutics for patients with this disease. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE The outcome of patients with corneal blindness that receive stem cell grafts to restore eye health and correct vision varies considerably and may be due to the different biological and synthetic scaffolds used to deliver these cells to the ocular surface. This review will highlight the positive attributes and limitations of the myriad of carriers developed for clinical use as well as those that are being trialled in pre-clinical models. The overall focus is on developing a standardized therapy for patients, however due to the multiple causes of corneal blindness, a personal regenerative medicine approach may be the best option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim N Nguyen
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Samantha Bobba
- Prince of Wales Hospital Clinical School, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Mijeong Park
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Denis Wakefield
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nick Di Girolamo
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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30
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Ahadian S, Civitarese R, Bannerman D, Mohammadi MH, Lu R, Wang E, Davenport-Huyer L, Lai B, Zhang B, Zhao Y, Mandla S, Korolj A, Radisic M. Organ-On-A-Chip Platforms: A Convergence of Advanced Materials, Cells, and Microscale Technologies. Adv Healthc Mater 2018; 7. [PMID: 29034591 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201700506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Significant advances in biomaterials, stem cell biology, and microscale technologies have enabled the fabrication of biologically relevant tissues and organs. Such tissues and organs, referred to as organ-on-a-chip (OOC) platforms, have emerged as a powerful tool in tissue analysis and disease modeling for biological and pharmacological applications. A variety of biomaterials are used in tissue fabrication providing multiple biological, structural, and mechanical cues in the regulation of cell behavior and tissue morphogenesis. Cells derived from humans enable the fabrication of personalized OOC platforms. Microscale technologies are specifically helpful in providing physiological microenvironments for tissues and organs. In this review, biomaterials, cells, and microscale technologies are described as essential components to construct OOC platforms. The latest developments in OOC platforms (e.g., liver, skeletal muscle, cardiac, cancer, lung, skin, bone, and brain) are then discussed as functional tools in simulating human physiology and metabolism. Future perspectives and major challenges in the development of OOC platforms toward accelerating clinical studies of drug discovery are finally highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samad Ahadian
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
| | - Robert Civitarese
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
| | - Dawn Bannerman
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
| | - Mohammad Hossein Mohammadi
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
| | - Rick Lu
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
| | - Erika Wang
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
| | - Locke Davenport-Huyer
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
| | - Ben Lai
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
| | - Boyang Zhang
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
| | - Yimu Zhao
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
| | - Serena Mandla
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
| | - Anastasia Korolj
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; University of Toronto; Toronto M5S 3G9 Ontario Canada
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Comparison of three human platelet lysates used as supplements for in vitro expansion of corneal endothelium cells. Transfus Apher Sci 2017; 56:769-773. [PMID: 28939367 DOI: 10.1016/j.transci.2017.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human platelet lysates (HPLs) are emerging as the new gold standard supplement of growth media for ex vivo expansion of cells for transplant. However, variations do exist in the way how HPLs are prepared. In particular, uncertainties still exist regarding the type of HPL most suitable for corneal endothelium cells (CEC) expansion, especially as these cells have limited proliferative capacity. MATERIAL AND METHODS Three distinct HPL preparations were produced, with or without calcium chloride/glass beads activation, and with or without heat treatment at 56°C for 30min. These HPLs were used to supplement basal D-MEM growth medium, each at a protein concentration equivalent to that of 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS; control). Impact on CEC (BCE C/D-1b cells) in vitro morphology, viability and capacity to express Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) tight junction marker was assessed by Western blotting. RESULTS BCE C/D-1b cells grown in all HPL supplements exhibited four of essential characteristic properties: adhesion capacity, microscopic morphology and viability similar to that observed when using 10% FBS. In addition, Western blots analysis revealed an expression of the ZO-1 marker by BCE C/D-1b cells in all conditions of culture. CONCLUSION CECs can expand ex vivo in a basal medium supplemented with the three HPLs without noticeable difference compared to FBS supplement. These data support further studies to evaluate the potential to use HPLs as a clinical-grade xeno-free supplement of CEC for corneal transplant.
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32
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Strategies for investigating the maternal-fetal interface in the first trimester of pregnancy: What can we learn about pathology? Placenta 2017; 60:145-149. [PMID: 28506493 PMCID: PMC5730536 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2017.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The pathologies of the pregnancy complications pre-eclampsia (PE) and fetal growth restriction (FGR) are established in the first trimester of human pregnancy. In a normal pregnancy, decidual spiral arteries are transformed into wide diameter, non-vasoactive vessels capable of meeting the increased demands of the developing fetus for nutrients and oxygen. Disruption of this transformation is associated with PE and FGR. Very little is known of how these first trimester changes are regulated normally and even less is known about how they are compromised in complicated pregnancies. Interactions between maternal and placental cells are essential for pregnancy to progress and this review will summarise the challenges in investigating this area. We will discuss how first trimester studies of pregnancies with an increased risk of developing PE/FGR have started to provide valuable information about pregnancy at this most dynamic and crucial time. We will discuss where there is scope to progress these studies further by refining the ability to identify compromised pregnancies at an early stage, by integrating information from many cell types from the same pregnancy, and by improving our methods for modelling the maternal-fetal interface in vitro. Pathology of PE/FGR begins in the first trimester. Investigating pregnancies with increased risk of PE/FGR is giving valuable information. This will improve further with advances in identifying compromised pregnancies.
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33
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Marquez-Curtis LA, McGann LE, Elliott JAW. Expansion and cryopreservation of porcine and human corneal endothelial cells. Cryobiology 2017; 77:1-13. [PMID: 28465186 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2017.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Impairment of the corneal endothelium causes blindness that afflicts millions worldwide and constitutes the most often cited indication for corneal transplants. The scarcity of donor corneas has prompted the alternative use of tissue-engineered grafts which requires the ex vivo expansion and cryopreservation of corneal endothelial cells. The aims of this study are to culture and identify the conditions that will yield viable and functional corneal endothelial cells after cryopreservation. Previously, using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), we employed a systematic approach to optimize the post-thaw recovery of cells with high membrane integrity and functionality. Here, we investigated whether improved protocols for HUVECs translate to the cryopreservation of corneal endothelial cells, despite the differences in function and embryonic origin of these cell types. First, we isolated endothelial cells from pig corneas and then applied an interrupted slow cooling protocol in the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO), with or without hydroxyethyl starch (HES). Next, we isolated and expanded endothelial cells from human corneas and applied the best protocol verified using porcine cells. We found that slow cooling at 1 °C/min in the presence of 5% Me2SO and 6% HES, followed by rapid thawing after liquid nitrogen storage, yields membrane-intact cells that could form monolayers expressing the tight junction marker ZO-1 and cytoskeleton F-actin, and could form tubes in reconstituted basement membrane matrix. Thus, we show that a cryopreservation protocol optimized for HUVECs can be applied successfully to corneal endothelial cells, and this could provide a means to address the need for off-the-shelf cryopreserved cells for corneal tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah A Marquez-Curtis
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Locksley E McGann
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Janet A W Elliott
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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34
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Safety of Cultivated Limbal Epithelial Stem Cell Transplantation for Human Corneal Regeneration. Stem Cells Int 2017; 2017:6978253. [PMID: 28465692 PMCID: PMC5390601 DOI: 10.1155/2017/6978253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ex vivo cultivated limbal stem cell transplantation is a promising technique for the treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency. While the results of the clinical trials have been extensively reported since the introduction of the technique in 1997, little has been reported regarding the potential health risks associated with production processes and transplantation techniques. Culture procedures require the use of animal and/or human-derived products, which carry the potential of introducing toxic or infectious agents through contamination with known or unknown additives. Protocols vary widely, and the risks depend on the local institutional methods. Good manufacturing practice and xeno-free culture protocols could reduce potential health risks but are not yet a common practice worldwide. In this review, we focus on the safety of both autologous- and allogeneic-cultivated limbal stem cell transplantation, with respect to culture processes, surgical approaches, and postoperative strategies.
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35
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Kumar P, Satyam A, Cigognini D, Pandit A, Zeugolis DI. Low oxygen tension and macromolecular crowding accelerate extracellular matrix deposition in human corneal fibroblast culture. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2017; 12:6-18. [PMID: 27592127 DOI: 10.1002/term.2283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2015] [Revised: 07/30/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Development of implantable devices based on the principles of in vitro organogenesis has been hindered due to the prolonged time required to develop an implantable device. Herein we assessed the influence of serum concentration (0.5% and 10%), oxygen tension (0.5%, 2% and 20%) and macromolecular crowding (75 μg/ml carrageenan) in extracellular matrix deposition in human corneal fibroblast culture (3, 7 and 14 days). The highest extracellular matrix deposition was observed after 14 days in culture at 0.5% serum, 2% oxygen tension and 75 μg/ml carrageenan. These data indicate that low oxygen tension coupled with macromolecular crowding significantly accelerate the development of scaffold-free tissue-like modules. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pramod Kumar
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland.,Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland
| | - Abhigyan Satyam
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland.,Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland
| | - Daniela Cigognini
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland.,Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland
| | - Abhay Pandit
- Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland
| | - Dimitrios I Zeugolis
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland.,Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biosciences Research Building, National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), Galway, Ireland
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36
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Gouveia RM, González-Andrades E, Cardona JC, González-Gallardo C, Ionescu AM, Garzon I, Alaminos M, González-Andrades M, Connon CJ. Controlling the 3D architecture of Self-Lifting Auto-generated Tissue Equivalents (SLATEs) for optimized corneal graft composition and stability. Biomaterials 2017; 121:205-219. [PMID: 28092777 PMCID: PMC5267636 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2016.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Revised: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Ideally, biomaterials designed to play specific physical and physiological roles in vivo should comprise components and microarchitectures analogous to those of the native tissues they intend to replace. For that, implantable biomaterials need to be carefully designed to have the correct structural and compositional properties, which consequently impart their bio-function. In this study, we showed that the control of such properties can be defined from the bottom-up, using smart surface templates to modulate the structure, composition, and bio-mechanics of human transplantable tissues. Using multi-functional peptide amphiphile-coated surfaces with different anisotropies, we were able to control the phenotype of corneal stromal cells and instruct them to fabricate self-lifting tissues that closely emulated the native stromal lamellae of the human cornea. The type and arrangement of the extracellular matrix comprising these corneal stromal Self-Lifting Analogous Tissue Equivalents (SLATEs) were then evaluated in detail, and was shown to correlate with tissue function. Specifically, SLATEs comprising aligned collagen fibrils were shown to be significantly thicker, denser, and more resistant to proteolytic degradation compared to SLATEs formed with randomly-oriented constituents. In addition, SLATEs were highly transparent while providing increased absorption to near-UV radiation. Importantly, corneal stromal SLATEs were capable of constituting tissues with a higher-order complexity, either by creating thicker tissues through stacking or by serving as substrate to support a fully-differentiated, stratified corneal epithelium. SLATEs were also deemed safe as implants in a rabbit corneal model, being capable of integrating with the surrounding host tissue without provoking inflammation, neo-vascularization, or any other signs of rejection after a 9-months follow-up. This work thus paves the way for the de novo bio-fabrication of easy-retrievable, scaffold-free human tissues with controlled structural, compositional, and functional properties to replace corneal, as well as other, tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo M Gouveia
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Elena González-Andrades
- Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Juan C Cardona
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Optics, Optics Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Ana M Ionescu
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Optics, Optics Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Ingrid Garzon
- Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Miguel Alaminos
- Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Miguel González-Andrades
- Schepens Eye Research Institute and Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Che J Connon
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK.
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Fiorica C, Palumbo FS, Pitarresi G, Bongiovì F, Giammona G. Hyaluronic acid and beta cyclodextrins films for the release of corneal epithelial cells and dexamethasone. Carbohydr Polym 2017; 166:281-290. [PMID: 28385234 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2017.02.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
In this work we prepared hydrogels based on hyaluronic acid and β-cyclodextrins to sustain the release of both corneal epithelial cells and dexamethasone. This steroid is administered as eye drops several times per day to reduce the risk of rejection in the post operative period after the cornea transplantation and cell release techniques. Hydrogels were produced by crosslinking an amino derivative of hyaluronic acid, with the divinyl sulfone derivative of β-cyclodextrins, this last employed as a crosslinker and solubilizing agent. Drug release studies revealed that dexamethasone containing samples are able to extend the release of this drug for at least five days. Biological studies, conducted with human corneal epithelial cells, showed that it is possible to employ the hydrogels for the temporary seeding of the cells and their potential release onto the cornea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calogero Fiorica
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Sezione di Chimica e Tecnologie Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Fabio Salvatore Palumbo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Sezione di Chimica e Tecnologie Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giovanna Pitarresi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Sezione di Chimica e Tecnologie Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Flavia Bongiovì
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Sezione di Chimica e Tecnologie Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Gaetano Giammona
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Sezione di Chimica e Tecnologie Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy; Mediterranean Center for Human Advanced Biotechnologies (Med-Chab), Viale delle Scienze Ed.18, 90128 Palermo, Italy
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38
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Abstract
In recent years, the cultivation and expansion of primary corneal cells has made significant progress. The transplantation of cultured limbal epithelial cells represents a successful and established treatment of the ocular surface. Cultivated corneal endothelial cells are undergoing a clinical trial in Japan. Stromal keratocytes can now be expanded in vitro. A wide range of stem cell sources is being tested in vitro and animal models for their possible application in corneal cell therapy. This article gives an overview of recent advancements and prevailing limitations for the use of different cell sources in the therapy of corneal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Fuest
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Deutschland.
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapur, Singapur.
| | - G Hin-Fai Yam
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapur, Singapur
- Eye-ACP, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapur, Singapur
| | - G Swee-Lim Peh
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapur, Singapur
- Eye-ACP, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapur, Singapur
| | - P Walter
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Deutschland
| | - N Plange
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Deutschland
| | - J S Mehta
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapur, Singapur
- Eye-ACP, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapur, Singapur
- Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapur, Singapur
- School of Material Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapur, Singapur
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40
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Greene CA, Green CR, Dickinson ME, Johnson V, Sherwin T. Keratocytes are induced to produce collagen type II: A new strategy for in vivo corneal matrix regeneration. Exp Cell Res 2016; 347:241-249. [PMID: 27539660 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2016.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The stroma, the middle layer of the cornea, is a connective tissue making up most of the corneal thickness. The stromal extracellular matrix (ECM) consists of highly organised lamellae which are made up of tightly packed fibrils primarily composed of collagens type I and V. This layer is interspersed with keratocytes, mesenchymal cells of neural crest origin. We have previously shown that adult corneal keratocytes exhibit phenotypic plasticity and can be induced into a neuronal phenotype. In the current study we evaluated the potential of keratocytes to produce collagen type II via phenotypic reprogramming with exogenous chondrogenic factors. The cornea presents a challenge to tissue engineers owing to its high level of organisation and the phenotypic instability of keratocytes. Traditional approaches based on a scar model do not support the engineering of functional stromal tissue. Type II collagen is not found in the adult cornea but is reported to be expressed during corneal development, raising the possibility of using such an approach to regenerate the corneal ECM. Keratocytes in culture and within intact normal and diseased tissue were induced to produce collagen type II upon treatment with transforming growth factor Beta3 (TGFβ3) and dexamethasone. In vivo treatment of rat corneas also resulted in collagen type II deposition and a threefold increase in corneal hardness and elasticity. Furthermore, the treatment of corneas and subsequent deposition of collagen type II did not cause opacity, fibrosis or scarring. The induction of keratocytes with specific exogenous factors and resulting deposition of type II collagen in the stroma can potentially be controlled by withdrawal of the factors. This might be a promising new approach for in vivo corneal regeneration strategies aimed at increasing corneal integrity in diseases associated with weakened ectatic corneal tissue such as keratoconus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Ann Greene
- University of Auckland, Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand.
| | - Colin R Green
- University of Auckland, Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand
| | - Michelle E Dickinson
- University of Auckland, Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, New Zealand
| | - Virginia Johnson
- University of Auckland, Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, New Zealand
| | - Trevor Sherwin
- University of Auckland, Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand
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41
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Abstract
Corneal integrity is essential for visual function. Transplantation remains the most common treatment option for advanced corneal diseases. A global donor material shortage requires a search for alternative treatments. Different stem cell populations have been induced to express corneal cell characteristics in vitro and in animal models. Yet before their application to humans, scientific and ethical issues need to be solved. The in vitro propagation and implantation of primary corneal cells has been rapidly evolving with clinical practices of limbal epithelium transplantation and a clinical trial for endothelial cells in progress, implying cultivated ocular cells as a promising option for the future. This review reports on the latest developments in primary ocular cell and stem cell research for corneal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Fuest
- Tissue Engineering & Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Department of Ophthalmology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Gary Hin-Fai Yam
- Tissue Engineering & Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Eye-ACP, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Gary Swee-Lim Peh
- Tissue Engineering & Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Eye-ACP, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Jodhbir S Mehta
- Tissue Engineering & Stem Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore.,Eye-ACP, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore.,Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore.,School of Materials Science & Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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Zhu MY, Yao QK, Chen JZ, Shao CY, Yan CX, Ni N, Fan XQ, Gu P, Fu Y. Effects of corneal stromal cell- and bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cell-conditioned media on the proliferation of corneal endothelial cells. Int J Ophthalmol 2016; 9:332-9. [PMID: 27158599 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2016.03.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To explore the effects of conditioned media on the proliferation of corneal endothelial cells (CECs) and to compare the efficiency of different conditioned media (CM). METHODS Rat CECs, corneal stromal cells (CSCs), bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (BEPCs), and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were isolated and cultured in vitro. CM was collected from CSCs, BEPCs, and BMSCs. CECs were cultivated in different culture media. Cell morphology was recorded, and gene and protein expression were analyzed. RESULTS After grown in CM for 5d, CECs in each experimental group remained polygonal, in a cobblestone-like monolayer arrangement. Immunocytofluorescence revealed positive expression of Na(+)/K(+)-ATP, aquaporin 1 (AQP1), and zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1). Based on quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis, Na(+)/K(+)-ATP expression in CSC-CM was notably upregulated by 1.3-fold (±0.036) (P<0.05, n=3). The expression levels of ZO-1, neuron specific enolase (NSE), Vimentin, paired homebox 6 (PAX6), and procollagen type VIII (COL8A1) were notably upregulated in each experimental group. Each CM had a positive effect on CEC proliferation, and CSC-CM had the strongest effect on proliferation. CONCLUSION CSC-CM, BEPC-CM, and BMSC-CM not only stimulated the proliferation of CECs, but also maintained the characteristic differentiated phenotypes necessary for endothelial functions. CSC-CM had the most notable effect on CEC proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yu Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Qin-Ke Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Jun-Zhao Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Chun-Yi Shao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Chen-Xi Yan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Ni Ni
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Xian-Qun Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Ping Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Yao Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
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Liu XN, Zhu XP, Wu J, Wu ZJ, Yin Y, Xiao XH, Su X, Kong B, Pan SY, Yang H, Cheng Y, An N, Mi SL. Acellular ostrich corneal stroma used as scaffold for construction of tissue-engineered cornea. Int J Ophthalmol 2016; 9:325-31. [PMID: 27158598 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2016.03.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To assess acellular ostrich corneal matrix used as a scaffold to reconstruct a damaged cornea. METHODS A hypertonic saline solution combined with a digestion method was used to decellularize the ostrich cornea. The microstructure of the acellular corneal matrix was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The mechanical properties were detected by a rheometer and a tension machine. The acellular corneal matrix was also transplanted into a rabbit cornea and cytokeratin 3 was used to check the immune phenotype. RESULTS The microstructure and mechanical properties of the ostrich cornea were well preserved after the decellularization process. In vitro, the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium results revealed that extracts of the acellular ostrich corneas (AOCs) had no inhibitory effects on the proliferation of the corneal epithelial or endothelial cells or on the keratocytes. The rabbit lamellar keratoplasty showed that the transplanted AOCs were transparent and completely incorporated into the host cornea while corneal turbidity and graft dissolution occurred in the acellular porcine cornea (APC) transplantation. The phenotype of the reconstructed cornea was similar to a normal rabbit cornea with a high expression of cytokeratin 3 in the superficial epithelial cell layer. CONCLUSION We first used AOCs as scaffolds to reconstruct damaged corneas. Compared with porcine corneas, the anatomical structures of ostrich corneas are closer to those of human corneas. In accordance with the principle that structure determines function, a xenograft lamellar keratoplasty also confirmed that the AOC transplantation generated a superior outcome compared to that of the APC graft.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Ning Liu
- Shaanxi Institute of Ophthalmology, Xi'an 710002, Shaanxi Province, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Eye, Xi'an 710002, Shaanxi Province, China; Xi'an First Hospital, Xi'an 710002, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xiu-Ping Zhu
- Shaanxi Institute of Ophthalmology, Xi'an 710002, Shaanxi Province, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Eye, Xi'an 710002, Shaanxi Province, China; Xi'an First Hospital, Xi'an 710002, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jie Wu
- Xi'an First Hospital, Xi'an 710002, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Zheng-Jie Wu
- Biomanufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yong Yin
- Shaanxi Institute of Ophthalmology, Xi'an 710002, Shaanxi Province, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Eye, Xi'an 710002, Shaanxi Province, China; Xi'an First Hospital, Xi'an 710002, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xiang-Hua Xiao
- Shaanxi Institute of Ophthalmology, Xi'an 710002, Shaanxi Province, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Eye, Xi'an 710002, Shaanxi Province, China; Xi'an First Hospital, Xi'an 710002, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xin Su
- Biomanufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Bin Kong
- Biomanufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Shi-Yin Pan
- Shaanxi Institute of Ophthalmology, Xi'an 710002, Shaanxi Province, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Eye, Xi'an 710002, Shaanxi Province, China; Xi'an First Hospital, Xi'an 710002, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Hua Yang
- Shaanxi Institute of Ophthalmology, Xi'an 710002, Shaanxi Province, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Eye, Xi'an 710002, Shaanxi Province, China; Xi'an First Hospital, Xi'an 710002, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yan Cheng
- Xi'an First Hospital, Xi'an 710002, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Na An
- Shaanxi Institute of Ophthalmology, Xi'an 710002, Shaanxi Province, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Eye, Xi'an 710002, Shaanxi Province, China; Xi'an First Hospital, Xi'an 710002, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Sheng-Li Mi
- Biomanufacturing Engineering Laboratory, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong Province, China
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Miotto M, Gouveia RM, Connon CJ. Peptide Amphiphiles in Corneal Tissue Engineering. J Funct Biomater 2015; 6:687-707. [PMID: 26258796 PMCID: PMC4598678 DOI: 10.3390/jfb6030687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing interest in effort towards creating alternative therapies have led to exciting breakthroughs in the attempt to bio-fabricate and engineer live tissues. This has been particularly evident in the development of new approaches applied to reconstruct corneal tissue. The need for tissue-engineered corneas is largely a response to the shortage of donor tissue and the lack of suitable alternative biological scaffolds preventing the treatment of millions of blind people worldwide. This review is focused on recent developments in corneal tissue engineering, specifically on the use of self-assembling peptide amphiphiles for this purpose. Recently, peptide amphiphiles have generated great interest as therapeutic molecules, both in vitro and in vivo. Here we introduce this rapidly developing field, and examine innovative applications of peptide amphiphiles to create natural bio-prosthetic corneal tissue in vitro. The advantages of peptide amphiphiles over other biomaterials, namely their wide range of functions and applications, versatility, and transferability are also discussed to better understand how these fascinating molecules can help solve current challenges in corneal regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Miotto
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK.
| | - Ricardo M Gouveia
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK.
| | - Che J Connon
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK.
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