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Shrestha P, Whelchel AE, Nicholas SE, Liang W, Ma JX, Karamichos D. Monocarboxylate Transporters: Role and Regulation in Corneal Diabetes. Anal Cell Pathol (Amst) 2022; 2022:6718566. [PMID: 36340268 PMCID: PMC9629935 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6718566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic diseases that is known to cause structural and functional ocular complications. In the human cornea, DM-related complications affect the epithelium, stroma, and nerves. Monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) are a family of proton-linked plasma membrane transporters that carry monocarboxylates across plasma membranes. In the context of corneal health and disease, their role, presence, and function are largely undetermined and solely focused on the most common MCT isoforms, 1 through 4. In this study, we investigated the regulation of MCT1, 2, 4, 5, 8, and 10, in corneal DM, using established 3D self-assembled extracellular matrix (ECM) in vitro models. Primary stromal corneal fibroblasts were isolated from healthy (HCFs), type I (T1DMs), and type II (T2DMs) DM donors. Monoculture 3D constructs were created by stimulating stromal cells on transwells with stable vitamin C for two or four weeks. Coculture 3D constructs were created by adding SH-SY5Y neurons at two different densities, 12 k and 500 k, on top of the monocultures. Our data showed significant upregulation of MCT1 at 4 weeks for HCF, T1DM, and T2DM monocultures, as well as the 500 k nerve cocultures. MCT8 was significantly upregulated in HCF and T1DM monocultures and all of the 500 k nerve cocultures. Further, MCT10 was only expressed at 4 weeks for all cocultures and was limited to HCFs and T1DMs in monocultures. Immunofluorescence analysis showed cytoplasmic MCT expression for all cell types and significant downregulation of both MCT2 and MCT4 in HCFs, when compared to T1DMs and T2DMs. Herein, we reveal the existence and modulation of MCTs in the human diabetic cornea in vitro. Changes appeared dependent on neuronal density, suggesting that MCTs are very likely critical to the neuronal defects observed in diabetic keratopathy/neuropathy. Further studies are warranted in order to fully delineate the role of MCTs in corneal diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawan Shrestha
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3430 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Amy E. Whelchel
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 940 Stanton L Young Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Sarah E. Nicholas
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3430 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Wentao Liang
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 940 Stanton L Young Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 575 N Patterson Ave, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Jian-Xing Ma
- Department of Biochemistry, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 575 N Patterson Ave, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Dimitrios Karamichos
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3430 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
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Heydarian M, Rühl E, Rawal R, Kozjak-Pavlovic V. Tissue Models for Neisseria gonorrhoeae Research—From 2D to 3D. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:840122. [PMID: 35223556 PMCID: PMC8873371 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.840122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a human-specific pathogen that causes gonorrhea, the second most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Disease progression, drug discovery, and basic host-pathogen interactions are studied using different approaches, which rely on models ranging from 2D cell culture to complex 3D tissues and animals. In this review, we discuss the models used in N. gonorrhoeae research. We address both in vivo (animal) and in vitro cell culture models, discussing the pros and cons of each and outlining the recent advancements in the field of three-dimensional tissue models. From simple 2D monoculture to complex advanced 3D tissue models, we provide an overview of the relevant methodology and its application. Finally, we discuss future directions in the exciting field of 3D tissue models and how they can be applied for studying the interaction of N. gonorrhoeae with host cells under conditions closely resembling those found at the native sites of infection.
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Hidalgo-Alvarez V, Dhowre HS, Kingston OA, Sheridan CM, Levis HJ. Biofabrication of Artificial Stem Cell Niches in the Anterior Ocular Segment. Bioengineering (Basel) 2021; 8:135. [PMID: 34677208 PMCID: PMC8533470 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering8100135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The anterior segment of the eye is a complex set of structures that collectively act to maintain the integrity of the globe and direct light towards the posteriorly located retina. The eye is exposed to numerous physical and environmental insults such as infection, UV radiation, physical or chemical injuries. Loss of transparency to the cornea or lens (cataract) and dysfunctional regulation of intra ocular pressure (glaucoma) are leading causes of worldwide blindness. Whilst traditional therapeutic approaches can improve vision, their effect often fails to control the multiple pathological events that lead to long-term vision loss. Regenerative medicine approaches in the eye have already had success with ocular stem cell therapy and ex vivo production of cornea and conjunctival tissue for transplant recovering patients' vision. However, advancements are required to increase the efficacy of these as well as develop other ocular cell therapies. One of the most important challenges that determines the success of regenerative approaches is the preservation of the stem cell properties during expansion culture in vitro. To achieve this, the environment must provide the physical, chemical and biological factors that ensure the maintenance of their undifferentiated state, as well as their proliferative capacity. This is likely to be accomplished by replicating the natural stem cell niche in vitro. Due to the complex nature of the cell microenvironment, the creation of such artificial niches requires the use of bioengineering techniques which can replicate the physico-chemical properties and the dynamic cell-extracellular matrix interactions that maintain the stem cell phenotype. This review discusses the progress made in the replication of stem cell niches from the anterior ocular segment by using bioengineering approaches and their therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Hidalgo-Alvarez
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK
| | - Hala S. Dhowre
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK; (H.S.D.); (O.A.K.)
| | - Olivia A. Kingston
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK; (H.S.D.); (O.A.K.)
| | - Carl M. Sheridan
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK; (H.S.D.); (O.A.K.)
| | - Hannah J. Levis
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK; (H.S.D.); (O.A.K.)
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Sahi AK, Varshney N, Poddar S, Gundu S, Mahto SK. Fabrication and Characterization of Silk Fibroin-Based Nanofibrous Scaffolds Supplemented with Gelatin for Corneal Tissue Engineering. Cells Tissues Organs 2021; 210:173-194. [PMID: 34252899 DOI: 10.1159/000515946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue engineering is a promising approach to overcome the severe worldwide shortage of healthy donor corneas. In this work, we have developed a silk-gelatin composite scaffold using electrospinning and permeation techniques to achieve the properties comparable to cornea analog. In particular, we present the fabrication and comparative evaluation of the novel gelatin sheets consisting of silk fibroin nanofibers, which are prepared using silk fibroin (SF) (in formic acid) and SF (in aqueous) electrospun scaffolds, for its suitability as corneal stromal analogs. All the fabricated samples were treated with ethanol vapor (T) to physically crosslink the silk nanofibers. Micro/nano-scale features of the fabricated scaffolds were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy micrographs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed characteristic peaks of polymeric functional groups and modifications upon ethanol vapor treatment. Transparency of the scaffolds was determined using UV-visible spectra. Among all the fabricated samples, the gelatin-permeated SF (in formic acid; T) scaffold showed the highest level of transparency, i.e., 77.75 ± 2.3%, which is similar to that of the native cornea (∼70%-90% [variable with age group]) with healthy acute vision. Contact angle of the samples was studied to estimate the hydrophilicity of the scaffolds. All the scaffolds except non-treated SF (in aqueous; NT) were found to be significantly stable up to 14 days when incubated in phosphate buffered saline at 37°C. Treated samples showed significantly better stability, both physically and microscopically, in comparison to nontreated samples. Proliferation and viability assays of rabbit corneal fibroblast cells (SIRC) and mouse fibroblast cells (L929 RFP) when cultured on fabricated scaffolds revealed remarkable cellular compatibility with gelatin-permeated SF (in formic acid; T) scaffolds compared to SF (in aqueous; T). Unlike other reports in the existing literature, this work presents the design and development of a nanofibrous silk-gelatin composite that exhibits acceptable transparency, cellular biocompatibility, as well as improved mechanical stability comparable to that of native cornea. Therefore, we anticipate that the fabricated novel scaffold is likely to be a good candidate for corneal tissue construct. Moreover, among the fabricated scaffolds, the outcomes depict gelatin-permeated SF (in formic acid; T) composite scaffold to be a better candidate as a corneal stromal analog that carries properties of both the silk and gelatin, i.e., optimal transparency, better stability, and enhanced cytocompatibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Kumar Sahi
- Tissue Engineering and Biomicrofluidics Laboratory, School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, India
| | - Neelima Varshney
- Tissue Engineering and Biomicrofluidics Laboratory, School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, India
| | - Suruchi Poddar
- Tissue Engineering and Biomicrofluidics Laboratory, School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, India
| | - Shravanya Gundu
- Tissue Engineering and Biomicrofluidics Laboratory, School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, India
| | - Sanjeev Kumar Mahto
- Tissue Engineering and Biomicrofluidics Laboratory, School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, India.,Centre for Advanced Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, India
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Nerve influence on the metabolism of type I and type II diabetic corneal stroma: an in vitro study. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13627. [PMID: 34211074 PMCID: PMC8249404 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93164-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal innervation plays a major role in the pathobiology of diabetic corneal disease. However, innervation impact has mainly been investigated in the context of diabetic epitheliopathy and wound healing. Further studies are warranted in the corneal stroma-nerve interactions. This study unravels the nerve influence on corneal stroma metabolism. Corneal stromal cells were isolated from healthy (HCFs) and diabetes mellitus (Type1DM and Type2 DM) donors. Cells were cultured on polycarbonate membranes, stimulated by stable Vitamin C, and stroma-only and stroma-nerve co-cultures were investigated for metabolic alterations. Innervated compared to stroma-only constructs exhibited significant alterations in pyrimidine, glycerol phosphate shuttle, electron transport chain and glycolysis. The most highly altered metabolites between healthy and T1DMs innervated were phosphatidylethanolamine biosynthesis, and pyrimidine, methionine, aspartate metabolism. Healthy and T2DMs main pathways included aspartate, glycerol phosphate shuttle, electron transport chain, and gluconeogenesis. The metabolic impact on T1DMs and T2DMs was pyrimidine, purine, aspartate, and methionine. Interestingly, the glucose-6-phosphate and oxaloacetate was higher in T2DMs compared to T1DMs. Our in vitro co-culture model allows the examination of key metabolic pathways corresponding to corneal innervation in the diabetic stroma. These novel findings can pave the way for future studies to fully understand the metabolic distinctions in the diabetic cornea.
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In vitro reconstructed 3D corneal tissue models for ocular toxicology and ophthalmic drug development. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2021; 57:207-237. [PMID: 33544359 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-020-00533-7] [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] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Testing of all manufactured products and their ingredients for eye irritation is a regulatory requirement. In the last two decades, the development of alternatives to the in vivo Draize eye irritation test method has substantially advanced due to the improvements in primary cell isolation, cell culture techniques, and media, which have led to improved in vitro corneal tissue models and test methods. Most in vitro models for ocular toxicology attempt to reproduce the corneal epithelial tissue which consists of 4-5 layers of non-keratinized corneal epithelial cells that form tight junctions, thereby limiting the penetration of chemicals, xenobiotics, and pharmaceuticals. Also, significant efforts have been directed toward the development of more complex three-dimensional (3D) equivalents to study wound healing, drug permeation, and bioavailability. This review focuses on in vitro reconstructed 3D corneal tissue models and their utilization in ocular toxicology as well as their application to pharmacology and ophthalmic research. Current human 3D corneal epithelial cell culture models have replaced in vivo animal eye irritation tests for many applications, and substantial validation efforts are in progress to verify and approve alternative eye irritation tests for widespread use. The validation of drug absorption models and further development of models and test methods for many ophthalmic and ocular disease applications is required.
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Guérin LP, Le-Bel G, Desjardins P, Couture C, Gillard E, Boisselier É, Bazin R, Germain L, Guérin SL. The Human Tissue-Engineered Cornea (hTEC): Recent Progress. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031291. [PMID: 33525484 PMCID: PMC7865732 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Each day, about 2000 U.S. workers have a job-related eye injury requiring medical treatment. Corneal diseases are the fifth cause of blindness worldwide. Most of these diseases can be cured using one form or another of corneal transplantation, which is the most successful transplantation in humans. In 2012, it was estimated that 12.7 million people were waiting for a corneal transplantation worldwide. Unfortunately, only 1 in 70 patients received a corneal graft that same year. In order to provide alternatives to the shortage of graftable corneas, considerable progress has been achieved in the development of living corneal substitutes produced by tissue engineering and designed to mimic their in vivo counterpart in terms of cell phenotype and tissue architecture. Most of these substitutes use synthetic biomaterials combined with immortalized cells, which makes them dissimilar from the native cornea. However, studies have emerged that describe the production of tridimensional (3D) tissue-engineered corneas using untransformed human corneal epithelial cells grown on a totally natural stroma synthesized by living corneal fibroblasts, that also show appropriate histology and expression of both extracellular matrix (ECM) components and integrins. This review highlights contributions from laboratories working on the production of human tissue-engineered corneas (hTECs) as future substitutes for grafting purposes. It overviews alternative models to the grafting of cadaveric corneas where cell organization is provided by the substrate, and then focuses on their 3D counterparts that are closer to the native human corneal architecture because of their tissue development and cell arrangement properties. These completely biological hTECs are therefore very promising as models that may help understand many aspects of the molecular and cellular mechanistic response of the cornea toward different types of diseases or wounds, as well as assist in the development of novel drugs that might be promising for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis-Philippe Guérin
- CUO-Recherche, Médecine Régénératrice—Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (L.-P.G.); (G.L.-B.); (P.D.); (C.C.); (E.G.); (É.B.); (R.B.); (L.G.)
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Gaëtan Le-Bel
- CUO-Recherche, Médecine Régénératrice—Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (L.-P.G.); (G.L.-B.); (P.D.); (C.C.); (E.G.); (É.B.); (R.B.); (L.G.)
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département de Chirurgie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Pascale Desjardins
- CUO-Recherche, Médecine Régénératrice—Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (L.-P.G.); (G.L.-B.); (P.D.); (C.C.); (E.G.); (É.B.); (R.B.); (L.G.)
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département de Chirurgie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Camille Couture
- CUO-Recherche, Médecine Régénératrice—Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (L.-P.G.); (G.L.-B.); (P.D.); (C.C.); (E.G.); (É.B.); (R.B.); (L.G.)
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département de Chirurgie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Elodie Gillard
- CUO-Recherche, Médecine Régénératrice—Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (L.-P.G.); (G.L.-B.); (P.D.); (C.C.); (E.G.); (É.B.); (R.B.); (L.G.)
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Élodie Boisselier
- CUO-Recherche, Médecine Régénératrice—Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (L.-P.G.); (G.L.-B.); (P.D.); (C.C.); (E.G.); (É.B.); (R.B.); (L.G.)
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Richard Bazin
- CUO-Recherche, Médecine Régénératrice—Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (L.-P.G.); (G.L.-B.); (P.D.); (C.C.); (E.G.); (É.B.); (R.B.); (L.G.)
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Lucie Germain
- CUO-Recherche, Médecine Régénératrice—Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (L.-P.G.); (G.L.-B.); (P.D.); (C.C.); (E.G.); (É.B.); (R.B.); (L.G.)
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Département de Chirurgie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Sylvain L. Guérin
- CUO-Recherche, Médecine Régénératrice—Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (L.-P.G.); (G.L.-B.); (P.D.); (C.C.); (E.G.); (É.B.); (R.B.); (L.G.)
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Québec, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Département d’Ophtalmologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-418-682-7565
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Volatier TLA, Figueiredo FC, Connon CJ. Effect of isolation method on human corneal stromal cell behaviour. Exp Eye Res 2020; 203:108400. [PMID: 33347868 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Current research on healthy corneal stromal cells will typically use primary cells as they are the most representative of in vivo behaviour. Primary cells are normally isolated from the limbus of discarded donor peripheral corneal tissue left over from transplantation (due to its relative abundance). Therefore, the central part of the cornea is less used in research as this tissue is usually used for transplantation. In some cases, although rare, the whole cornea, can become available for research. It is important to keep in mind that these corneas often have longer storage time, but the use of the central tissue for research is even more interesting, as knowing what cells are being transplanted into recipients would be highly relevant. To this end, stromal cells were extracted from both the limbus and central button of healthy corneas donated for research. This allowed for important comparison between central and limbal cells in culture. Of interest here was the extraction method of stromal cells from the donor tissue. The two most common methods of extraction are enzyme digestion and explant migration. However, no work has been done to understand how each method relatively affects the extracted cells. The extraction method and location from which stromal cells are harvested seems to have a significant effect on the cell adherence, survival, and gene expression of the stromal cells in culture. Enzyme digested cells showed that limbal and central cells had different gene expressions prior to culture, with gene such as ALDH3A1 being much more expressed in limbal cells. Enzyme digesting the limbal ring seems to yield the hardiest populations of stromal cells, a desirable trait in the culture of primary cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Che J Connon
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
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García-Posadas L, Diebold Y. Three-Dimensional Human Cell Culture Models to Study the Pathophysiology of the Anterior Eye. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:E1215. [PMID: 33333869 PMCID: PMC7765302 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12121215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, the establishment of complex three-dimensional (3D) models of tissues has allowed researchers to perform high-quality studies and to not only advance knowledge of the physiology of these tissues but also mimic pathological conditions to test novel therapeutic strategies. The main advantage of 3D models is that they recapitulate the spatial architecture of tissues and thereby provide more physiologically relevant information. The eye is an extremely complex organ that comprises a large variety of highly heterogeneous tissues that are divided into two asymmetrical portions: the anterior and posterior segments. The anterior segment consists of the cornea, conjunctiva, iris, ciliary body, sclera, aqueous humor, and the lens. Different diseases in these tissues can have devastating effects. To study these pathologies and develop new treatments, the use of cell culture models is instrumental, and the better the model, the more relevant the results. Thus, the development of sophisticated 3D models of ocular tissues is a significant challenge with enormous potential. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in the development of 3D in vitro models of the anterior segment of the eye, with a special focus on those that use human primary cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura García-Posadas
- Instituto de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain;
| | - Yolanda Diebold
- Instituto de Oftalmobiología Aplicada (IOBA), Universidad de Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Corneal Epithelial-Stromal Fibroblast Constructs to Study Cell-Cell Communication in Vitro. Bioengineering (Basel) 2019; 6:bioengineering6040110. [PMID: 31817298 PMCID: PMC6956392 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering6040110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell–cell communication plays a fundamental role in mediating corneal wound healing following injury or infection. Depending on the severity of the wound, regeneration of the cornea and the propensity for scar development are influenced by the acute resolution of the pro-fibrotic response mediated by closure of the wound via cellular and tissue contraction. Damage of the corneal epithelium, basement membrane, and anterior stroma following a superficial keratectomy is known to lead to significant provisional matrix deposition, including secretion of fibronectin and thrombospondin-1, as well as development of a corneal scar. In addition, corneal wounding has previously been shown to promote release of extracellular vesicles from the corneal epithelium, which, in addition to soluble factors, may play a role in promoting tissue regeneration. In this study, we report the development and characterization of a co-culture system of human corneal epithelial cells and corneal stromal fibroblasts cultured for 4 weeks to allow extracellular matrix deposition and tissue maturation. The secretion of provisional matrix components, as well as small and large extracellular vesicles, was apparent within the constructs, suggesting cell–cell communication between epithelial and stromal cell populations. Laminin-1β was highly expressed by the corneal epithelial layer with the presence of notable patches of basement membrane identified by transmission electron microscopy. Interestingly, we identified expression of collagen type III, fibronectin, and thrombospondin-1 along the epithelial–stromal interface similar to observations seen in vivo following a keratectomy, as well as expression of the myofibroblast marker, α-smooth muscle actin, within the stroma. Our results suggest that this corneal epithelial–stromal model may be useful in the study of the biochemical phenomena that occur during corneal wound healing.
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McKay TB, Seyed-Razavi Y, Ghezzi CE, Dieckmann G, Nieland TJF, Cairns DM, Pollard RE, Hamrah P, Kaplan DL. Corneal pain and experimental model development. Prog Retin Eye Res 2019; 71:88-113. [PMID: 30453079 PMCID: PMC6690397 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2018.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2018] [Revised: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The cornea is a valuable tissue for studying peripheral sensory nerve structure and regeneration due to its avascularity, transparency, and dense innervation. Somatosensory innervation of the cornea serves to identify changes in environmental stimuli at the ocular surface, thereby promoting barrier function to protect the eye against injury or infection. Due to regulatory demands to screen ocular safety of potential chemical exposure, a need remains to develop functional human tissue models to predict ocular damage and pain using in vitro-based systems to increase throughput and minimize animal use. In this review, we summarize the anatomical and functional roles of corneal innervation in propagation of sensory input, corneal neuropathies associated with pain, and the status of current in vivo and in vitro models. Emphasis is placed on tissue engineering approaches to study the human corneal pain response in vitro with integration of proper cell types, controlled microenvironment, and high-throughput readouts to predict pain induction. Further developments in this field will aid in defining molecular signatures to distinguish acute and chronic pain triggers based on the immune response and epithelial, stromal, and neuronal interactions that occur at the ocular surface that lead to functional outcomes in the brain depending on severity and persistence of the stimulus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina B McKay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Yashar Seyed-Razavi
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology and Cornea Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chiara E Ghezzi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Gabriela Dieckmann
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology and Cornea Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thomas J F Nieland
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Dana M Cairns
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Rachel E Pollard
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Pedram Hamrah
- Center for Translational Ocular Immunology and Cornea Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David L Kaplan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA, 02155, USA.
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