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Harkin J, Peña KH, Gomes C, Hernandez M, Lavekar SS, So K, Lentsch K, Feder EM, Morrow S, Huang KC, Tutrow KD, Morris A, Zhang C, Meyer JS. A highly reproducible and efficient method for retinal organoid differentiation from human pluripotent stem cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2317285121. [PMID: 38870053 PMCID: PMC11194494 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2317285121] [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: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived retinal organoids are three-dimensional cellular aggregates that differentiate and self-organize to closely mimic the spatial and temporal patterning of the developing human retina. Retinal organoid models serve as reliable tools for studying human retinogenesis, yet limitations in the efficiency and reproducibility of current retinal organoid differentiation protocols have reduced the use of these models for more high-throughput applications such as disease modeling and drug screening. To address these shortcomings, the current study aimed to standardize prior differentiation protocols to yield a highly reproducible and efficient method for generating retinal organoids. Results demonstrated that through regulation of organoid size and shape using quick reaggregation methods, retinal organoids were highly reproducible compared to more traditional methods. Additionally, the timed activation of BMP signaling within developing cells generated pure populations of retinal organoids at 100% efficiency from multiple widely used cell lines, with the default forebrain fate resulting from the inhibition of BMP signaling. Furthermore, given the ability to direct retinal or forebrain fates at complete purity, mRNA-seq analyses were then utilized to identify some of the earliest transcriptional changes that occur during the specification of these two lineages from a common progenitor. These improved methods also yielded retinal organoids with expedited differentiation timelines when compared to traditional methods. Taken together, the results of this study demonstrate the development of a highly reproducible and minimally variable method for generating retinal organoids suitable for analyzing the earliest stages of human retinal cell fate specification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Harkin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
| | - Kiersten H. Peña
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN46202
| | - Cátia Gomes
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
| | - Melody Hernandez
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
| | - Sailee S. Lavekar
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN46202
| | - Kaman So
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
| | - Kelly Lentsch
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN46202
| | - Elyse M. Feder
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
| | - Sarah Morrow
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
| | - Kang-Chieh Huang
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN46202
| | - Kaylee D. Tutrow
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
| | - Ann Morris
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY40506
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
| | - Jason S. Meyer
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN46202
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Nguyen Thi YV, Ngo AD, Chu DT, Lin SC, Wu CC. RNA therapeutics for regenerative medicine. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2024; 204:163-176. [PMID: 38458737 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
It is estimated that millions of people around the world experience various types of tissue injuries every year. Regenerative medicine was born and developed for understanding and application with the aim of replacing affected organs or some cells. The research, manufacture, production, and distribution of RNA in cells have acted as a basic foundation for the development and testing of therapies and treatments that are widely applied in different fields of medicine. Vaccines against COVID-19 are considered one of the brilliant and outstanding successes of RNA therapeutics research. With the characteristics of bio-derived RNA therapeutics, the mechanism of rapid implementation, safe production, and flexibility to create proteins depending on actual requirements. Based on the advantages above in this review, we discuss RNA therapeutics for regenerative medicine, and the types of RNA therapies currently being used for regenerative medicine. The relationship between disease and regenerative medicine is currently being studied or tested in RNA therapeutics. We have also covered the mechanisms of action of RNA therapy for regenerative medicine and some of the limitations in our current understanding of the effects of RNA therapy in this area. Additionally, we have also covered developing RNA therapeutics for regenerative medicine, focusing on RNA therapeutics for regenerative medicine. As a final point, we discuss potential applications for therapeutics for regenerative medicine in the future, as well as their mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen Vy Nguyen Thi
- Center for Biomedicine and Community Health, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam; Faculty of Applied Sciences, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Anh Dao Ngo
- Center for Biomedicine and Community Health, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Dinh-Toi Chu
- Center for Biomedicine and Community Health, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam; Faculty of Applied Sciences, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam; Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Sheng-Che Lin
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tainan Municipal An-Nan Hospital-China Medical University, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Chia-Ching Wu
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; International Center for Wound Repair and Regeneration, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
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3
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Inagaki M. Cell Reprogramming and Differentiation Utilizing Messenger RNA for Regenerative Medicine. J Dev Biol 2023; 12:1. [PMID: 38535481 PMCID: PMC10971469 DOI: 10.3390/jdb12010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic generated interest in the medicinal applications of messenger RNA (mRNA). It is expected that mRNA will be applied, not only to vaccines, but also to regenerative medicine. The purity of mRNA is important for its medicinal applications. However, the current mRNA synthesis techniques exhibit problems, including the contamination of undesired 5'-uncapped mRNA and double-stranded RNA. Recently, our group developed a completely capped mRNA synthesis technology that contributes to the progress of mRNA research. The introduction of chemically modified nucleosides, such as N1-methylpseudouridine and 5-methylcytidine, has been reported by Karikó and Weissman, opening a path for the practical application of mRNA for vaccines and regenerative medicine. Yamanaka reported the production of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by introducing four types of genes using a retrovirus vector. iPSCs are widely used for research on regenerative medicine and the preparation of disease models to screen new drug candidates. Among the Yamanaka factors, Klf4 and c-Myc are oncogenes, and there is a risk of tumor development if these are integrated into genomic DNA. Therefore, regenerative medicine using mRNA, which poses no risk of genome insertion, has attracted attention. In this review, the author summarizes techniques for synthesizing mRNA and its application in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahito Inagaki
- Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8602, Japan
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Lavekar SS, Harkin J, Hernandez M, Gomes C, Patil S, Huang KC, Puntambekar SS, Lamb BT, Meyer JS. Development of a three-dimensional organoid model to explore early retinal phenotypes associated with Alzheimer's disease. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13827. [PMID: 37620502 PMCID: PMC10449801 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40382-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of Aβ plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, resulting in synaptic loss and neurodegeneration. The retina is an extension of the central nervous system within the eye, sharing many structural similarities with the brain, and previous studies have observed AD-related phenotypes within the retina. Three-dimensional retinal organoids differentiated from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) can effectively model some of the earliest manifestations of disease states, yet early AD-associated phenotypes have not yet been examined. Thus, the current study focused upon the differentiation of hPSCs into retinal organoids for the analysis of early AD-associated alterations. Results demonstrated the robust differentiation of retinal organoids from both familial AD and unaffected control cell lines, with familial AD retinal organoids exhibiting a significant increase in the Aβ42:Aβ40 ratio as well as phosphorylated Tau protein, characteristic of AD pathology. Further, transcriptional analyses demonstrated the differential expression of many genes and cellular pathways, including those associated with synaptic dysfunction. Taken together, the current study demonstrates the ability of retinal organoids to serve as a powerful model for the identification of some of the earliest retinal alterations associated with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sailee S Lavekar
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Jade Harkin
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Melody Hernandez
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Cátia Gomes
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Shruti Patil
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Kang-Chieh Huang
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Shweta S Puntambekar
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Bruce T Lamb
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Jason S Meyer
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Glick Eye Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
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5
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Karami Z, Moradi S, Eidi A, Soleimani M, Jafarian A. Induced pluripotent stem cells: Generation methods and a new perspective in COVID-19 research. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 10:1050856. [PMID: 36733338 PMCID: PMC9887183 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1050856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) exhibit an unlimited ability to self-renew and produce various differentiated cell types, thereby creating high hopes for both scientists and patients as a great tool for basic research as well as for regenerative medicine purposes. The availability and safety of iPSCs for therapeutic purposes require safe and highly efficient methods for production of these cells. Different methods have been used to produce iPSCs, each of which has advantages and disadvantages. Studying these methods would be very helpful in developing an easy, safe, and efficient method for the generation of iPSCs. Since iPSCs can be generated from somatic cells, they can be considered as valuable cellular resources available for important research needs and various therapeutic purposes. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a disease that has endangered numerous human lives worldwide and currently has no definitive cure. Therefore, researchers have been rigorously studying and examining all aspects of COVID-19 and potential treatment modalities and various drugs in order to enable the treatment, control, and prevention of COVID-19. iPSCs have become one of the most attractive and promising tools in this field by providing the ability to study COVID-19 and the effectiveness of drugs on this disease outside the human body. In this study, we discuss the different methods of generation of iPSCs as well as their respective advantages and disadvantages. We also present recent applications of iPSCs in the study and treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Karami
- 1Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sharif Moradi
- 2Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Akram Eidi
- 1Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Soleimani
- 3Hematology and Cell Therapy Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran,4Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Science, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arefeh Jafarian
- 5Iranian Tissue Bank and Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,*Correspondence: Arefeh Jafarian,
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Li J, Chen Y, Ouyang S, Ma J, Sun H, Luo L, Chen S, Liu Y. Generation and Staging of Human Retinal Organoids Based on Self-Formed Ectodermal Autonomous Multi-Zone System. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:732382. [PMID: 34631711 PMCID: PMC8493070 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.732382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Methods for stem cell-derived, three-dimensional retinal organoids induction have been established and shown great potential for retinal development modeling and drug screening. Herein, we reported an exogenous-factors-free and robust method to generate retinal organoids based on “self-formed ectodermal autonomous multi-zone” (SEAM) system, a two-dimensional induction scheme that can synchronously generate multiple ocular cell lineages. Characterized by distinct morphological changes, the differentiation of the obtained retinal organoids could be staged into the early and late differentiation phases. During the early differentiation stage, retinal ganglion cells, cone photoreceptor cells (PRs), amacrine cells, and horizontal cells developed; whereas rod PRs, bipolar cells, and Müller glial cells were generated in the late differentiation phase, resembling early-phase and late-phase retinogenesis in vivo. Additionally, we modified the maintenance strategy for the retinal organoids and successfully promoted their long-term survival. Using 3D immunofluorescence image reconstruction and transmission electron microscopy, the substantial mature PRs with outer segment, inner segment and ribbon synapse were demonstrated. Besides, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) was induced with distinct boundary and the formation of ciliary margin was observed by co-suspending retina organoids with the zone containing RPE. The obtained RPE could be expanded and displayed similar marker expression, ultrastructural feature and functional phagocytosis to native RPE. Thus, this research described a simple and robust system which enabled generation of retina organoids with substantial mature PRs, RPE and the ciliary margin without the need of exogenous factors, providing a new platform for research of retinogenesis and retinal translational application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yijia Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuai Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingyu Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lixia Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yizhi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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7
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Wagstaff EL, Heredero Berzal A, Boon CJF, Quinn PMJ, ten Asbroek ALMA, Bergen AA. The Role of Small Molecules and Their Effect on the Molecular Mechanisms of Early Retinal Organoid Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7081. [PMID: 34209272 PMCID: PMC8268497 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Early in vivo embryonic retinal development is a well-documented and evolutionary conserved process. The specification towards eye development is temporally controlled by consecutive activation or inhibition of multiple key signaling pathways, such as the Wnt and hedgehog signaling pathways. Recently, with the use of retinal organoids, researchers aim to manipulate these pathways to achieve better human representative models for retinal development and disease. To achieve this, a plethora of different small molecules and signaling factors have been used at various time points and concentrations in retinal organoid differentiations, with varying success. Additions differ from protocol to protocol, but their usefulness or efficiency has not yet been systematically reviewed. Interestingly, many of these small molecules affect the same and/or multiple pathways, leading to reduced reproducibility and high variability between studies. In this review, we make an inventory of the key signaling pathways involved in early retinogenesis and their effect on the development of the early retina in vitro. Further, we provide a comprehensive overview of the small molecules and signaling factors that are added to retinal organoid differentiation protocols, documenting the molecular and functional effects of these additions. Lastly, we comparatively evaluate several of these factors using our established retinal organoid methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellie L. Wagstaff
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Andrea Heredero Berzal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.H.B.); (C.J.F.B.)
| | - Camiel J. F. Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.H.B.); (C.J.F.B.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter M. J. Quinn
- Jonas Children’s Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology & Cell Biology, Institute of Human Nutrition, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center—New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA;
| | | | - Arthur A. Bergen
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.H.B.); (C.J.F.B.)
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN-KNAW), 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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8
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Fligor CM, Lavekar SS, Harkin J, Shields PK, VanderWall KB, Huang KC, Gomes C, Meyer JS. Extension of retinofugal projections in an assembled model of human pluripotent stem cell-derived organoids. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:2228-2241. [PMID: 34115986 PMCID: PMC8452489 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of the visual system involves the coordination of spatial and temporal events to specify the organization of varied cell types, including the elongation of axons from retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) to post-synaptic targets in the brain. Retinal organoids recapitulate many features of retinal development, yet have lacked downstream targets into which RGC axons extend, limiting the ability to model projections of the human visual system. To address these issues, retinal organoids were generated and organized into an in vitro assembloid model of the visual system with cortical and thalamic organoids. RGCs responded to environmental cues and extended axons deep into assembloids, modeling the projections of the visual system. In addition, RGC survival was enhanced in long-term assembloids, overcoming prior limitations of retinal organoids in which RGCs are lost. Overall, these approaches will facilitate studies of human visual system development, as well as diseases or injuries to this critical pathway. Human stem cell-derived RGC axons respond to target-derived cues Assembloids were generated between retinal, thalamic, and cortical organoids Retinofugal projections robustly extend toward thalamic targets
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarisse M Fligor
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN, USA
| | - Sailee S Lavekar
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN, USA
| | - Jade Harkin
- Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Gateway Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN, USA
| | - Priya K Shields
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN, USA
| | - Kirstin B VanderWall
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN, USA
| | - Kang-Chieh Huang
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN, USA
| | - Cátia Gomes
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN, USA
| | - Jason S Meyer
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN, USA; Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN, USA.
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9
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Advances in Regeneration of Retinal Ganglion Cells and Optic Nerves. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094616. [PMID: 33924833 PMCID: PMC8125313 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, is an incurable neurodegenerative disorder due to the dysfunction of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). RGCs function as the only output neurons conveying the detected light information from the retina to the brain, which is a bottleneck of vision formation. RGCs in mammals cannot regenerate if injured, and RGC subtypes differ dramatically in their ability to survive and regenerate after injury. Recently, novel RGC subtypes and markers have been uncovered in succession. Meanwhile, apart from great advances in RGC axon regeneration, some degree of experimental RGC regeneration has been achieved by the in vitro differentiation of embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells or in vivo somatic cell reprogramming, which provides insights into the future therapy of myriad neurodegenerative disorders. Further approaches to the combination of different factors will be necessary to develop efficacious future therapeutic strategies to promote ultimate axon and RGC regeneration and functional vision recovery following injury.
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Yamamoto N, Hiramatsu N, Ohkuma M, Hatsusaka N, Takeda S, Nagai N, Miyachi EI, Kondo M, Imaizumi K, Horiguchi M, Kubo E, Sasaki H. Novel Technique for Retinal Nerve Cell Regeneration with Electrophysiological Functions Using Human Iris-Derived iPS Cells. Cells 2021; 10:cells10040743. [PMID: 33800535 PMCID: PMC8067101 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Regenerative medicine in ophthalmology that uses induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) cells has been described, but those studies used iPS cells derived from fibroblasts. Here, we generated iPS cells derived from iris cells that develop from the same inner layer of the optic cup as the retina, to regenerate retinal nerves. We first identified cells positive for p75NTR, a marker of retinal tissue stem and progenitor cells, in human iris tissue. We then reprogrammed the cultured p75NTR-positive iris tissue stem/progenitor (H-iris stem/progenitor) cells to create iris-derived iPS (H-iris iPS) cells for the first time. These cells were positive for iPS cell markers and showed pluripotency to differentiate into three germ layers. When H-iris iPS cells were pre-differentiated into neural stem/progenitor cells, not all cells became positive for neural stem/progenitor and nerve cell markers. When these cells were pre-differentiated into neural stem/progenitor cells, sorted with p75NTR, and used as a medium for differentiating into retinal nerve cells, the cells differentiated into Recoverin-positive cells with electrophysiological functions. In a different medium, H-iris iPS cells differentiated into retinal ganglion cell marker-positive cells with electrophysiological functions. This is the first demonstration of H-iris iPS cells differentiating into retinal neurons that function physiologically as neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Yamamoto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan; (N.H.); (S.T.); (E.K.); (H.S.)
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Fujita Health University, Aichi 470-1192, Japan
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +81-762-286-2211
| | - Noriko Hiramatsu
- Research Promotion and Support Headquarters, Fujita Health University, Aichi 470-1192, Japan;
| | - Mahito Ohkuma
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Aichi 470-1192, Japan; (M.O.); (E.-i.M.)
| | - Natsuko Hatsusaka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan; (N.H.); (S.T.); (E.K.); (H.S.)
| | - Shun Takeda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan; (N.H.); (S.T.); (E.K.); (H.S.)
| | - Noriaki Nagai
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Kindai University, Osaka 577-8502, Japan;
| | - Ei-ichi Miyachi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Aichi 470-1192, Japan; (M.O.); (E.-i.M.)
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Nagoya Women’s University, Aichi 467-8610, Japan
| | - Masashi Kondo
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Aichi 470-1192, Japan; (M.K.); (K.I.)
| | - Kazuyoshi Imaizumi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Aichi 470-1192, Japan; (M.K.); (K.I.)
| | - Masayuki Horiguchi
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Aichi 470-1192, Japan;
| | - Eri Kubo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan; (N.H.); (S.T.); (E.K.); (H.S.)
| | - Hiroshi Sasaki
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan; (N.H.); (S.T.); (E.K.); (H.S.)
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11
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Surendran H, Nandakumar S, Reddy K VB, Stoddard J, Mohan K V, Upadhyay PK, McGill TJ, Pal R. Transplantation of retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptors generated concomitantly via small molecule-mediated differentiation rescues visual function in rodent models of retinal degeneration. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:70. [PMID: 33468244 PMCID: PMC7814459 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02134-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a result of degeneration/damage of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) while retinitis pigmentosa (RP), an inherited early-onset disease, results from premature loss of photoreceptors. A promising therapeutic approach for both is the replacement of lost/damaged cells with human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived retinal cells. Methods The aim of this study was to investigate the in vivo functionality of RPE and photoreceptor progenitor (PRP) cells derived from a clinical-grade hiPSC line through a unified protocol. De novo-generated RPE and PRP were characterized extensively to validate their identity, purity, and potency. Results RPE expressed tight junction proteins, showed pigmentation and ciliation, and secreted polarization-related factors vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF). PRP expressed neural retina proteins and cone and rod markers, and responded to KCl-induced polarization. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated an increase in the expression of mature retinal tissue-specific genes coupled with concomitant downregulation of genes from undesired lineages. RPE transplantation rescued visual function in RCS rats shown via optokinetic tracking and photoreceptor rescue. PRP transplantation improved light perception in NOD.SCID-rd1 mice, and positive electroretinography signals indicated functional photoreceptor activity in the host’s outer nuclear layer. Graft survival and integration were confirmed using immunohistochemistry, and no animals showed teratoma formation or any kind of ectopic growth in the eye. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a unified, scalable, and GMP-adaptable protocol indicating strong animal efficacy and safety data with hiPSC-derived RPE and PRP cells. These findings provide robust proof-of-principle results for IND-enabling studies to test these potential regenerative cell therapies in patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-021-02134-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshini Surendran
- Eyestem Research, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), National Centre for Biological Sciences-Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (NCBS-TIFR) Campus, GKVK Post, Bellary Road, Bangalore, 560065, Karnataka, India
| | - Swapna Nandakumar
- Eyestem Research, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), National Centre for Biological Sciences-Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (NCBS-TIFR) Campus, GKVK Post, Bellary Road, Bangalore, 560065, Karnataka, India
| | - Vijay Bhaskar Reddy K
- Eyestem Research, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), National Centre for Biological Sciences-Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (NCBS-TIFR) Campus, GKVK Post, Bellary Road, Bangalore, 560065, Karnataka, India
| | - Jonathan Stoddard
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | | | - Trevor J McGill
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Rajarshi Pal
- Eyestem Research, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), National Centre for Biological Sciences-Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (NCBS-TIFR) Campus, GKVK Post, Bellary Road, Bangalore, 560065, Karnataka, India.
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12
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Wang LJ, Li XX, Hou J, Song XH, Xie WH, Shen L. Integrated Analyses of Mouse Stem Cell Transcriptomes Provide Clues for Stem Cell Maintenance and Transdifferentiation. Front Genet 2020; 11:563798. [PMID: 33101382 PMCID: PMC7500244 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.563798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In vivo cell fate reprogramming has emerged as a new method for understanding cell plasticity and as potential treatment for tissue regeneration. Highly efficient and precise reprogramming requires fully understanding of the transcriptomes which function within different cell types. Here, we adopt weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to explore the molecular mechanisms of self-renewal in several well-known stem cell types, including embryonic stem cells (ESC), primordial germ cells (PGC), spermatogonia stem cells (SSC), neural stem cells (NSC), mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), and hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). We identified 37 core genes that were up-regulated in all of the stem cell types examined, as well as stem cell correlated gene co-expression networks. The validation of the co-expression genes revealed a continued protein-protein interaction network that included 823 nodes and 3113 edges. Based on the topology, we identified six densely connected regions within the continued protein-protein interaction network. The SSC specific genes Itgam, Cxcr6, and Agtr2 bridged four densely connected regions that consisted primarily of HSC-, NSC-, and MSC-correlated genes. The expression levels of identified stem cell related transcription factors were confirmed consistent with bioinformatics prediction in ESCs and NSCs by qPCR. Exploring the mechanisms underlying adult stem cell self-renewal will aid in the understanding of stem cell pool maintenance and will promote more accurate and efficient strategies for tissue regeneration and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Juan Wang
- Zibo Key Laboratory of New Drug Development of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Shandong Provincial Research Center for Bioinformatics Engineering and Technique, Institute of Biomedical Research, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China.,School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China
| | - Xiao-Xiao Li
- Zibo Key Laboratory of New Drug Development of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Shandong Provincial Research Center for Bioinformatics Engineering and Technique, Institute of Biomedical Research, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China.,School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China
| | - Jie Hou
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China
| | - Xin-Hua Song
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China
| | - Wen-Hai Xie
- Zibo Key Laboratory of New Drug Development of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Shandong Provincial Research Center for Bioinformatics Engineering and Technique, Institute of Biomedical Research, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China.,School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China
| | - Liang Shen
- Zibo Key Laboratory of New Drug Development of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Shandong Provincial Research Center for Bioinformatics Engineering and Technique, Institute of Biomedical Research, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China.,School of Life Sciences, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China
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13
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Behtaj S, Öchsner A, Anissimov YG, Rybachuk M. Retinal Tissue Bioengineering, Materials and Methods for the Treatment of Glaucoma. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2020; 17:253-269. [PMID: 32390117 PMCID: PMC7260329 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-020-00254-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glaucoma, a characteristic type of optic nerve degeneration in the posterior pole of the eye, is a common cause of irreversible vision loss and the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. As an optic neuropathy, glaucoma is identified by increasing degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), with consequential vision loss. Current treatments only postpone the development of retinal degeneration, and there are as yet no treatments available for this disability. Recent studies have shown that replacing lost or damaged RGCs with healthy RGCs or RGC precursors, supported by appropriately designed bio-material scaffolds, could facilitate the development and enhancement of connections to ganglion cells and optic nerve axons. The consequence may be an improved retinal regeneration. This technique could also offer the possibility for retinal regeneration in treating other forms of optic nerve ailments through RGC replacement. METHODS In this brief review, we describe the innovations and recent developments in retinal regenerative medicine such as retinal organoids and gene therapy which are specific to glaucoma treatment and focus on the selection of appropriate bio-engineering principles, biomaterials and cell therapies that are presently employed in this growing research area. RESULTS Identification of optimal sources of cells, improving cell survival, functional integration upon transplantation, and developing techniques to deliver cells into the retinal space without provoking immune responses are the main challenges in retinal cell replacement therapies. CONCLUSION The restoration of visual function in glaucoma patients by the RGC replacement therapies requires appropriate protocols and biotechnology methods. Tissue-engineered scaffolds, the generation of retinal organoids, and gene therapy may help to overcome some of the challenges in the generation of clinically safe RGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaz Behtaj
- School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Engineering Drive, Southport, QLD, 4222, Australia
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, West Creek Road, Nathan, QLD, 4111, Australia
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Cell Science Research Centre, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Andreas Öchsner
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Esslingen University of Applied Sciences, Kanalstrasse 33, 73728, Esslingen, Germany
| | - Yuri G Anissimov
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, West Creek Road, Nathan, QLD, 4111, Australia
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, QLD, 4222, Australia
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, 119146, Russia
| | - Maksym Rybachuk
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, West Creek Road, Nathan, QLD, 4111, Australia.
- School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, QLD, 4111, Australia.
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14
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Ohlemacher SK, Langer KB, Fligor CM, Feder EM, Edler MC, Meyer JS. Advances in the Differentiation of Retinal Ganglion Cells from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1186:121-140. [PMID: 31654388 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-28471-8_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) technology has revolutionized the field of biology through the unprecedented ability to study the differentiation of human cells in vitro. In the past decade, hPSCs have been applied to study development, model disease, develop drugs, and devise cell replacement therapies for numerous biological systems. Of particular interest is the application of this technology to study and treat optic neuropathies such as glaucoma. Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the primary cell type affected in these diseases, and once lost, they are unable to regenerate in adulthood. This necessitates the development of strategies to study the mechanisms of degeneration as well as develop translational therapeutic approaches to treat early- and late-stage disease progression. Numerous protocols have been established to derive RGCs from hPSCs, with the ability to generate large populations of human RGCs for translational applications. In this review, the key applications of hPSCs within the retinal field are described, including the use of these cells as developmental models, disease models, drug development, and finally, cell replacement therapies. In greater detail, the current report focuses on the differentiation of hPSC-derived RGCs and the many unique characteristics associated with these cells in vitro including their genetic identifiers, their electrophysiological activity, and their morphological maturation. Also described is the current progress in the use of patient-specific hPSCs to study optic neuropathies affecting RGCs, with emphasis on the use of these RGCs for studying disease mechanisms and pathogenesis, drug screening, and cell replacement therapies in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Ohlemacher
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Kirstin B Langer
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Clarisse M Fligor
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Elyse M Feder
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Michael C Edler
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jason S Meyer
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA. .,Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA. .,Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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15
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Gamm DM, Clark E, Capowski EE, Singh R. The Role of FGF9 in the Production of Neural Retina and RPE in a Pluripotent Stem Cell Model of Early Human Retinal Development. Am J Ophthalmol 2019; 206:113-131. [PMID: 31078532 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2019.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the role of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) in the production of neural retina (NR) and retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) in a human pluripotent stem cell model of early retinal development. METHODS Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) lines from an individual with microphthalmia caused by a functional null mutation (R200Q) in visual system homeobox 2 (VSX2), a transcription factor involved in early NR progenitor cell (NRPC) production, and a normal sibling were differentiated along the retinal and forebrain lineages using an established protocol. Quantitative and global gene expression analyses (microarray and RNAseq) were used to investigate endogenous FGF expression profiles in these cultures over time. Based on these results, mutant and control hiPSC cultures were treated exogenously with selected FGFs and subjected to gene and protein expression analyses to determine their effects on RPE and NR production. RESULTS We found that FGF9 and FGF19 were selectively increased in early hiPSC-derived optic vesicles (OVs) when compared to isogenic cultures of hiPSC-derived forebrain neurospheres. Furthermore, these same FGFs were downregulated over time in (R200Q)VSX2 hiPSC-OVs relative to sibling control hiPSC-OVs. Interestingly, long-term supplementation with FGF9, but not FGF19, partially rescued the mutant retinal phenotype of the (R200Q)VSX2 hiPSC-OV model. However, antagonizing FGF9 in wild-type control hiPSCs did not alter OV development. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that FGF9 acts in concert with VSX2 to promote NR differentiation in hiPSC-OVs and has potential to be used to manipulate early retinogenesis and mitigate ocular defects caused by functional loss of VSX2 activity. NOTE: Publication of this article is sponsored by the American Ophthalmological Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Gamm
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
| | - Eric Clark
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | - Ruchira Singh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
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16
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Wright CB, Becker SM, Low LA, Tagle DA, Sieving PA. Improved Ocular Tissue Models and Eye-On-A-Chip Technologies Will Facilitate Ophthalmic Drug Development. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2019; 36:25-29. [PMID: 31166829 PMCID: PMC6985761 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2018.0139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we describe efforts by the National Eye Institute (NEI) and National Center for Advancing Translational Science (NCATS) to catalyze advances in 3-dimensional (3-D) ocular organoid and microphysiological systems (MPS). We reviewed the recent literature regarding ocular organoids and tissue chips. Animal models, 2-dimensional cell culture models, and postmortem human tissue samples provide the vision research community with insights critical to understanding pathophysiology and therapeutic development. The advent of induced pluripotent stem cell technologies provide researchers with enticing new approaches and tools that augment study in more traditional models to provide the scientific community with insights that have previously been impossible to obtain. Efforts by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have already accelerated the pace of scientific discovery, and recent advances in ocular organoid and MPS modeling approaches have opened new avenues of investigation. In addition to more closely recapitulating the morphologies and physiological responses of in vivo human tissue, key breakthroughs have been made in the past year to resolve long-standing scientific questions regarding tissue development, molecular signaling, and pathophysiological mechanisms that promise to provide advances critical to therapeutic development and patient care. 3-D tissue culture modeling and MPS offer platforms for future high-throughput testing of therapeutic candidates and studies of gene interactions to improve models of complex genetic diseases with no well-defined etiology, such as age-related macular degeneration and Fuchs' dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles B. Wright
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Steven M. Becker
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Lucie A. Low
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Danilo A. Tagle
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Paul A. Sieving
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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17
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Liu S, Chen Z. Employing Endogenous NSCs to Promote Recovery of Spinal Cord Injury. Stem Cells Int 2019; 2019:1958631. [PMID: 31191666 PMCID: PMC6525819 DOI: 10.1155/2019/1958631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Endogenous neural stem cells (NSCs) exist in the central canal of mammalian spinal cords. Under normal conditions, these NSCs remain quiescent and express FoxJ1. After spinal cord injury (SCI), the endogenous NSCs of a heterogeneous nature are activated and proliferate and migrate towards the lesion site and mainly differentiate into astrocytes to repair the injured tissue. In vitro, spinal cord NSCs are multipotent and can differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. The altered microenvironments after SCI play key roles on the fate determination of activated NSCs, especially on the neuronal specification potential. Studies show that the activated spinal cord NSCs can generate interneurons when transplanted into the adult hippocampus. In addition, the spinal cord NSCs exhibit low immunogenicity in a transplantation context, thus implicating a promising therapeutic potential on SCI recovery. Here, we summarize the characteristics of spinal cord NSCs, especially their properties after injury. With a better understanding of endogenous NSCs under normal and SCI conditions, we may be able to employ endogenous NSCs for SCI repair in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumei Liu
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Zhiguo Chen
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100053, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing 100069, China
- Center of Parkinson's Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing 100069, China
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18
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Synchrony and asynchrony between an epigenetic clock and developmental timing. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3770. [PMID: 30842553 PMCID: PMC6403397 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39919-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic changes have been used to estimate chronological age across the lifespan, and some studies suggest that epigenetic "aging" clocks may already operate in developing tissue. To better understand the relationship between developmental stage and epigenetic age, we utilized the highly regular sequence of development found in the mammalian neural retina and a well-established epigenetic aging clock based on DNA methylation. Our results demonstrate that the epigenetic age of fetal retina is highly correlated with chronological age. We further establish that epigenetic aging progresses normally in vitro, suggesting that epigenetic aging is a property of individual tissues. This correlation is also retained in stem cell-derived retinal organoids, but is accelerated in individuals with Down syndrome, a progeroid-like condition. Overall, our results suggest that epigenetic aging begins as early as a few weeks post-conception, in fetal tissues, and the mechanisms underlying the phenomenon of epigenetic aging might be studied in developing organs.
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19
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VanderWall KB, Vij R, Ohlemacher SK, Sridhar A, Fligor CM, Feder EM, Edler MC, Baucum AJ, Cummins TR, Meyer JS. Astrocytes Regulate the Development and Maturation of Retinal Ganglion Cells Derived from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Stem Cell Reports 2019; 12:201-212. [PMID: 30639213 PMCID: PMC6373493 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2018.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) form the connection between the eye and the brain, with this connectivity disrupted in numerous blinding disorders. Previous studies have demonstrated the ability to derive RGCs from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs); however, these cells exhibited some characteristics that indicated a limited state of maturation. Among the many factors known to influence RGC development in the retina, astrocytes are known to play a significant role in their functional maturation. Thus, efforts of the current study examined the functional maturation of hPSC-derived RGCs, including the ability of astrocytes to modulate this developmental timeline. Morphological and functional properties of RGCs were found to increase over time, with astrocytes significantly accelerating the functional maturation of hPSC-derived RGCs. The results of this study clearly demonstrate the functional and morphological maturation of RGCs in vitro, including the effects of astrocytes on the maturation of hPSC-derived RGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstin B VanderWall
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA
| | - Ridhima Vij
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA
| | - Sarah K Ohlemacher
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA
| | - Akshayalakshmi Sridhar
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA
| | - Clarisse M Fligor
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA
| | - Elyse M Feder
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA
| | - Michael C Edler
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA
| | - Anthony J Baucum
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA
| | - Theodore R Cummins
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA
| | - Jason S Meyer
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA; Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA; Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA.
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20
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Ji SL, Tang SB. Differentiation of retinal ganglion cells from induced pluripotent stem cells: a review. Int J Ophthalmol 2019; 12:152-160. [PMID: 30662854 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2019.01.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a common optic neuropathy that is characterized by the progressive degeneration of axons and the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. Current glaucoma treatments only slow the progression of RGCs loss. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are capable of differentiating into all three germ layer cell lineages. iPSCs can be patient-specific, making iPSC-derived RGCs a promising candidate for cell replacement. In this review, we focus on discussing the detailed approaches used to differentiate iPSCs into RGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shang-Li Ji
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha 410015, Hunan Province, China
| | - Shi-Bo Tang
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410015, Hunan Province, China
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21
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Capowski EE, Samimi K, Mayerl SJ, Phillips MJ, Pinilla I, Howden SE, Saha J, Jansen AD, Edwards KL, Jager LD, Barlow K, Valiauga R, Erlichman Z, Hagstrom A, Sinha D, Sluch VM, Chamling X, Zack DJ, Skala MC, Gamm DM. Reproducibility and staging of 3D human retinal organoids across multiple pluripotent stem cell lines. Development 2019; 146:dev171686. [PMID: 30567931 PMCID: PMC6340149 DOI: 10.1242/dev.171686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Numerous protocols have been described for producing neural retina from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), many of which are based on the culture of 3D organoids. Although nearly all such methods yield at least partial segments of retinal structure with a mature appearance, variabilities exist within and between organoids that can change over a protracted time course of differentiation. Adding to this complexity are potential differences in the composition and configuration of retinal organoids when viewed across multiple differentiations and hPSC lines. In an effort to understand better the current capabilities and limitations of these cultures, we generated retinal organoids from 16 hPSC lines and monitored their appearance and structural organization over time by light microscopy, immunocytochemistry, metabolic imaging and electron microscopy. We also employed optical coherence tomography and 3D imaging techniques to assess and compare whole or broad regions of organoids to avoid selection bias. Results from this study led to the development of a practical staging system to reduce inconsistencies in retinal organoid cultures and increase rigor when utilizing them in developmental studies, disease modeling and transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kayvan Samimi
- Morgridge Institute for Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Steven J Mayerl
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - M Joseph Phillips
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Isabel Pinilla
- Aragon Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragón), Lozano Blesa University Hospital, Zaragoza 50009, Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lozano Blesa University Hospital, Zaragoza 50009, Spain
| | - Sara E Howden
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Jishnu Saha
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Alex D Jansen
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | | | - Lindsey D Jager
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Katherine Barlow
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Rasa Valiauga
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Zachary Erlichman
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Anna Hagstrom
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Divya Sinha
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Valentin M Sluch
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Xitiz Chamling
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Donald J Zack
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Melissa C Skala
- Morgridge Institute for Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - David M Gamm
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Ophthamology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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22
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Patel S, Athirasala A, Menezes PP, Ashwanikumar N, Zou T, Sahay G, Bertassoni LE. Messenger RNA Delivery for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Applications. Tissue Eng Part A 2019; 25:91-112. [PMID: 29661055 PMCID: PMC6352544 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2017.0444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to control cellular processes and precisely direct cellular reprogramming has revolutionized regenerative medicine. Recent advances in in vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNA technology with chemical modifications have led to development of methods that control spatiotemporal gene expression. Additionally, there is a current thrust toward the development of safe, integration-free approaches to gene therapy for translational purposes. In this review, we describe strategies of synthetic IVT mRNA modifications and nonviral technologies for intracellular delivery. We provide insights into the current tissue engineering approaches that use a hydrogel scaffold with genetic material. Furthermore, we discuss the transformative potential of novel mRNA formulations that when embedded in hydrogels can trigger controlled genetic manipulation to regenerate tissues and organs in vitro and in vivo. The role of mRNA delivery in vascularization, cytoprotection, and Cas9-mediated xenotransplantation is additionally highlighted. Harmonizing mRNA delivery vehicle interactions with polymeric scaffolds can be used to present genetic cues that lead to precise command over cellular reprogramming, differentiation, and secretome activity of stem cells-an ultimate goal for tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Collaborative Life Science Building, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Avathamsa Athirasala
- Division of Biomaterials and Biomechanics, Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Paula P. Menezes
- Division of Biomaterials and Biomechanics, Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Sergipe, Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - N. Ashwanikumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Collaborative Life Science Building, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Ting Zou
- Division of Biomaterials and Biomechanics, Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
- Endodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Collaborative Life Science Building, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Collaborative Life Science Building, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Luiz E. Bertassoni
- Division of Biomaterials and Biomechanics, Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Collaborative Life Science Building, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
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23
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Fligor CM, Langer KB, Sridhar A, Ren Y, Shields PK, Edler MC, Ohlemacher SK, Sluch VM, Zack DJ, Zhang C, Suter DM, Meyer JS. Three-Dimensional Retinal Organoids Facilitate the Investigation of Retinal Ganglion Cell Development, Organization and Neurite Outgrowth from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14520. [PMID: 30266927 PMCID: PMC6162218 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32871-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal organoids are three-dimensional structures derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) which recapitulate the spatial and temporal differentiation of the retina, serving as effective in vitro models of retinal development. However, a lack of emphasis has been placed upon the development and organization of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) within retinal organoids. Thus, initial efforts were made to characterize RGC differentiation throughout early stages of organoid development, with a clearly defined RGC layer developing in a temporally-appropriate manner expressing a complement of RGC-associated markers. Beyond studies of RGC development, retinal organoids may also prove useful for cellular replacement in which extensive axonal outgrowth is necessary to reach post-synaptic targets. Organoid-derived RGCs could help to elucidate factors promoting axonal outgrowth, thereby identifying approaches to circumvent a formidable obstacle to RGC replacement. As such, additional efforts demonstrated significant enhancement of neurite outgrowth through modulation of both substrate composition and growth factor signaling. Additionally, organoid-derived RGCs exhibited diverse phenotypes, extending elaborate growth cones and expressing numerous guidance receptors. Collectively, these results establish retinal organoids as a valuable tool for studies of RGC development, and demonstrate the utility of organoid-derived RGCs as an effective platform to study factors influencing neurite outgrowth from organoid-derived RGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarisse M Fligor
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Kirstin B Langer
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Akshayalakshmi Sridhar
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Yuan Ren
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Priya K Shields
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Michael C Edler
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Sarah K Ohlemacher
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Valentin M Sluch
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Donald J Zack
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Daniel M Suter
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Jason S Meyer
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
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24
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Hallam D, Hilgen G, Dorgau B, Zhu L, Yu M, Bojic S, Hewitt P, Schmitt M, Uteng M, Kustermann S, Steel D, Nicholds M, Thomas R, Treumann A, Porter A, Sernagor E, Armstrong L, Lako M. Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Generate Light Responsive Retinal Organoids with Variable and Nutrient-Dependent Efficiency. Stem Cells 2018; 36:1535-1551. [PMID: 30004612 PMCID: PMC6392112 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 06/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The availability of in vitro models of the human retina in which to perform pharmacological and toxicological studies is an urgent and unmet need. An essential step for developing in vitro models of human retina is the ability to generate laminated, physiologically functional, and light-responsive retinal organoids from renewable and patient specific sources. We investigated five different human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines and showed a significant variability in their efficiency to generate retinal organoids. Despite this variability, by month 5 of differentiation, all iPSC-derived retinal organoids were able to generate light responses, albeit immature, comparable to the earliest light responses recorded from the neonatal mouse retina, close to the period of eye opening. All iPSC-derived retinal organoids exhibited at this time a well-formed outer nuclear like layer containing photoreceptors with inner segments, connecting cilium, and outer like segments. The differentiation process was highly dependent on seeding cell density and nutrient availability determined by factorial experimental design. We adopted the differentiation protocol to a multiwell plate format, which enhanced generation of retinal organoids with retinal-pigmented epithelium (RPE) and improved ganglion cell development and the response to physiological stimuli. We tested the response of iPSC-derived retinal organoids to Moxifloxacin and showed that similarly to in vivo adult mouse retina, the primary affected cell types were photoreceptors. Together our data indicate that light responsive retinal organoids derived from carefully selected and differentiation efficient iPSC lines can be generated at the scale needed for pharmacology and drug screening purposes. Stem Cells 2018;36:1535-1551.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean Hallam
- Newcastle University, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Gerrit Hilgen
- Newcastle University, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Birthe Dorgau
- Newcastle University, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Lili Zhu
- Newcastle University, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Min Yu
- Newcastle University, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sanja Bojic
- Newcastle University, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | | | | | - Stefan Kustermann
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, University of Tübingen, Basel, Switzerland
| | - David Steel
- Newcastle University, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Robert Thomas
- Centre for Biological Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Achim Treumann
- Newcastle University, Newcastle University Protein and Proteome Analysis, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Andrew Porter
- Newcastle University, Newcastle University Protein and Proteome Analysis, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Evelyne Sernagor
- Newcastle University, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Lyle Armstrong
- Newcastle University, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Newcells Biotech, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Majlinda Lako
- Newcastle University, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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25
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Kim BE, Choi SW, Shin JH, Kim JJ, Kang I, Lee BC, Lee JY, Kook MG, Kang KS. Single-Factor SOX2 Mediates Direct Neural Reprogramming of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells via Transfection of In Vitro Transcribed mRNA. Cell Transplant 2018; 27:1154-1167. [PMID: 29909688 PMCID: PMC6158546 DOI: 10.1177/0963689718771885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) are a prominent cell source for understanding neural pathogenesis and for developing therapeutic applications to treat neurodegenerative disease because of their regenerative capacity and multipotency. Recently, a variety of cellular reprogramming technologies have been developed to facilitate in vitro generation of NSCs, called induced NSCs (iNSCs). However, the genetic safety aspects of established virus-based reprogramming methods have been considered, and non-integrating reprogramming methods have been developed. Reprogramming with in vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNA is one of the genetically safe reprogramming methods because exogenous mRNA temporally exists in the cell and is not integrated into the chromosome. Here, we successfully generated expandable iNSCs from human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCB-MSCs) via transfection with IVT mRNA encoding SOX2 (SOX2 mRNA) with properly optimized conditions. We confirmed that generated human UCB-MSC-derived iNSCs (UM-iNSCs) possess characteristics of NSCs, including multipotency and self-renewal capacity. Additionally, we transfected human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) with SOX2 mRNA. Compared with human embryonic stem cell-derived NSCs, HDFs transfected with SOX2 mRNA exhibited neural reprogramming with similar morphologies and NSC-enriched mRNA levels, but they showed limited proliferation ability. Our results demonstrated that human UCB-MSCs can be used for direct reprogramming into NSCs through transfection with IVT mRNA encoding a single factor, which provides an integration-free reprogramming tool for future therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Eun Kim
- Adult Stem Cell Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon Won Choi
- Adult Stem Cell Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hee Shin
- Adult Stem Cell Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Jun Kim
- Adult Stem Cell Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Insung Kang
- Adult Stem Cell Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Chul Lee
- Adult Stem Cell Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Young Lee
- Adult Stem Cell Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Myoung Geun Kook
- Adult Stem Cell Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Sun Kang
- Adult Stem Cell Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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26
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Aijaz A, Li M, Smith D, Khong D, LeBlon C, Fenton OS, Olabisi RM, Libutti S, Tischfield J, Maus MV, Deans R, Barcia RN, Anderson DG, Ritz J, Preti R, Parekkadan B. Biomanufacturing for clinically advanced cell therapies. Nat Biomed Eng 2018; 2:362-376. [PMID: 31011198 PMCID: PMC6594100 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-018-0246-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The achievements of cell-based therapeutics have galvanized efforts to bring cell therapies to the market. To address the demands of the clinical and eventual commercial-scale production of cells, and with the increasing generation of large clinical datasets from chimeric antigen receptor T-cell immunotherapy, from transplants of engineered haematopoietic stem cells and from other promising cell therapies, an emphasis on biomanufacturing requirements becomes necessary. Robust infrastructure should address current limitations in cell harvesting, expansion, manipulation, purification, preservation and formulation, ultimately leading to successful therapy administration to patients at an acceptable cost. In this Review, we highlight case examples of cutting-edge bioprocessing technologies that improve biomanufacturing efficiency for cell therapies approaching clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Aijaz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Matthew Li
- Department of Surgery, Center for Surgery, Innovation, and Bioengineering, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Shriners Hospitals for Children, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David Smith
- Hitachi Chemical Advanced Therapeutics Solutions, Allendale, NJ, USA
| | - Danika Khong
- Department of Surgery, Center for Surgery, Innovation, and Bioengineering, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Shriners Hospitals for Children, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Courtney LeBlon
- Hitachi Chemical Advanced Therapeutics Solutions, Allendale, NJ, USA
| | - Owen S Fenton
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Division of Health Science and Technology, and the David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ronke M Olabisi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | | | - Jay Tischfield
- Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, RUCDR, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Marcela V Maus
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Daniel G Anderson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Division of Health Science and Technology, and the David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jerome Ritz
- Cell Manipulation Core Facility, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Robert Preti
- Hitachi Chemical Advanced Therapeutics Solutions, Allendale, NJ, USA
| | - Biju Parekkadan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
- Department of Surgery, Center for Surgery, Innovation, and Bioengineering, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Shriners Hospitals for Children, Boston, MA, USA.
- Sentien Biotechnologies, Inc, Lexington, MA, USA.
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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27
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Langer KB, Ohlemacher SK, Phillips MJ, Fligor CM, Jiang P, Gamm DM, Meyer JS. Retinal Ganglion Cell Diversity and Subtype Specification from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Stem Cell Reports 2018; 10:1282-1293. [PMID: 29576537 PMCID: PMC5998302 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2018.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the projection neurons of the retina and transmit visual information to postsynaptic targets in the brain. While this function is shared among nearly all RGCs, this class of cell is remarkably diverse, comprised of multiple subtypes. Previous efforts have identified numerous RGC subtypes in animal models, but less attention has been paid to human RGCs. Thus, efforts of this study examined the diversity of RGCs differentiated from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) and characterized defined subtypes through the expression of subtype-specific markers. Further investigation of these subtypes was achieved using single-cell transcriptomics, confirming the combinatorial expression of molecular markers associated with these subtypes, and also provided insight into more subtype-specific markers. Thus, the results of this study describe the derivation of RGC subtypes from hPSCs and will support the future exploration of phenotypic and functional diversity within human RGCs. Unique transcriptional profiles demonstrate diversity among hPSC-derived RGCs Numerous RGC subtypes characterized from hPSC-derived RGCs Molecular markers identified for RGC subtypes through single-cell RNA-seq analysis
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstin B Langer
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Sarah K Ohlemacher
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - M Joseph Phillips
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Clarisse M Fligor
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Peng Jiang
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - David M Gamm
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Jason S Meyer
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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28
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Kwon H, Kim M, Seo Y, Moon YS, Lee HJ, Lee K, Lee H. Emergence of synthetic mRNA: In vitro synthesis of mRNA and its applications in regenerative medicine. Biomaterials 2017; 156:172-193. [PMID: 29197748 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The field of gene therapy has evolved over the past two decades after the first introduction of nucleic acid drugs, such as plasmid DNA (pDNA). With the development of in vitro transcription (IVT) methods, synthetic mRNA has become an emerging class of gene therapy. IVT mRNA has several advantages over conventional pDNA for the expression of target proteins. mRNA does not require nuclear localization to mediate protein translation. The intracellular process for protein expression is much simpler and there is no potential risk of insertion mutagenesis. Having these advantages, the level of protein expression is far enhanced as comparable to that of viral expression systems. This makes IVT mRNA a powerful alternative gene expression system for various applications in regenerative medicine. In this review, we highlight the synthesis and preparation of IVT mRNA and its therapeutic applications. The article includes the design and preparation of IVT mRNA, chemical modification of IVT mRNA, and therapeutic applications of IVT mRNA in cellular reprogramming, stem cell engineering, and protein replacement therapy. Finally, future perspectives and challenges of IVT mRNA are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyokyoung Kwon
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Minjeong Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Yunmi Seo
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Yae Seul Moon
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwa Jeong Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyuri Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyukjin Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea.
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29
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Abstract
Although much is known about the regenerative capacity of retinal ganglion cells, very significant barriers remain in our ability to restore visual function following traumatic injury or disease-induced degeneration. Here we summarize our current understanding of the factors regulating axon guidance and target engagement in regenerating axons, and review the state of the field of neural regeneration, focusing on the visual system and highlighting studies using other model systems that can inform analysis of visual system regeneration. This overview is motivated by a Society for Neuroscience Satellite meeting, "Reconnecting Neurons in the Visual System," held in October 2015 sponsored by the National Eye Institute as part of their "Audacious Goals Initiative" and co-organized by Carol Mason (Columbia University) and Michael Crair (Yale University). The collective wisdom of the conference participants pointed to important gaps in our knowledge and barriers to progress in promoting the restoration of visual system function. This article is thus a summary of our existing understanding of visual system regeneration and provides a blueprint for future progress in the field.
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30
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Li K, Zhong X, Yang S, Luo Z, Li K, Liu Y, Cai S, Gu H, Lu S, Zhang H, Wei Y, Zhuang J, Zhuo Y, Fan Z, Ge J. HiPSC-derived retinal ganglion cells grow dendritic arbors and functional axons on a tissue-engineered scaffold. Acta Biomater 2017; 54:117-127. [PMID: 28216299 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Revised: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Numerous therapeutic procedures in modern medical research rely on the use of tissue engineering for the treatment of retinal diseases. However, the cell source and the transplantation method are still a limitation. Previously, it was reported that a self-organizing three-dimensional neural retina can be induced from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). In this study, we disclose the generation of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) from the neural retina and their seeding on a biodegradable poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffold to create an engineered RGC-scaffold biomaterial. Moreover, we explored the dendritic arbor, branching point, functional axon and action potential of the biomaterial. Finally, the cell-scaffold was transplanted into the intraocular environment of rabbits and rhesus monkeys. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE As a part of the mammalian central nervous system (CNS), the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) shows little regenerative capacity. With the use of medical biomaterial for cells seeding and deliver, a new domain is now emerging that uses tissue engineering therapy for retinal disease. However, previous studies utilized RGCs from rodent model, which has limitations for human disease treatment. In the present study, we generated RGCs from hiPSCs-3D neural retina and then seeded these RGCs on PLGA scaffold to create an engineered RGC-scaffold biomaterial. Moreover, we assessed the transplantation method for biomaterial in vivo. Our study provides a technique to produce the engineered human RGC-scaffold biomaterial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangjun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiufeng Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Sijing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ziming Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Kang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Song Cai
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Huaiyu Gu
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shoutao Lu
- Bai Duoan Medical Equipment Company, Qihe, Shandong, China
| | - Haijun Zhang
- Bai Duoan Medical Equipment Company, Qihe, Shandong, China
| | - Yantao Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yehong Zhuo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhigang Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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31
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Levin LA, Miller JW, Zack DJ, Friedlander M, Smith LEH. Special Commentary: Early Clinical Development of Cell Replacement Therapy: Considerations for the National Eye Institute Audacious Goals Initiative. Ophthalmology 2017; 124:926-934. [PMID: 28365209 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2017.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The National Eye Institute launched the Audacious Goals Initiative (AGI) in 2013 with the aim "to restore vision through the regeneration of neurons and neural connections in the eye and visual system." An AGI Town Hall held at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Annual Meeting in 2016 brought together basic, translational, and clinical scientists to address the clinical implications of the AGI, with a particular emphasis on diseases amenable to regenerative medicine and strategies to deal with barriers to progess. An example of such a barrier is that replacement of lost neurons may be insufficient because damage to other neurons and non-neuronal cells is common in retinal and optic nerve disease. Reparative processes such as gliosis and fibrosis also can make it difficult to replenish and regenerate neurons. Other issues include choice of animal models, selecting appropriate endpoints, ethics of informed consent, and regulatory issues. Another area critical to next steps in the AGI is the choice of target diseases and the stage at which early development studies should be focused. For example, an advantage of doing clinical trials in patients with early disease is that supporting cellular and structural constituents are still likely to be present. However, regenerative studies in patients with late disease make it easier to detect the effects of replacement therapy against the background of severe visual loss, whereas it may be harder to detect incremental improvement in visual function in those with early disease and considerable remaining visual function. Achieving the goals of the AGI also requires preclinical advances, new imaging techniques, and optimizing translational issues. The work of the AGI is expected to take at least 10 years but should eventually result in therapies to restore some degree of vision to the blind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard A Levin
- Department of Ophthalmology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin.
| | - Joan W Miller
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Donald J Zack
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Neuroscience, Molecular Biology and Genetics, and Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Martin Friedlander
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California; The Lowy Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, California
| | - Lois E H Smith
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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32
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Ohlemacher SK, Sridhar A, Xiao Y, Hochstetler AE, Sarfarazi M, Cummins TR, Meyer JS. Stepwise Differentiation of Retinal Ganglion Cells from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Enables Analysis of Glaucomatous Neurodegeneration. Stem Cells 2016; 34:1553-62. [PMID: 26996528 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Revised: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), including both embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells, possess the unique ability to readily differentiate into any cell type of the body, including cells of the retina. Although previous studies have demonstrated the ability to differentiate hPSCs to a retinal lineage, the ability to derive retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) from hPSCs has been complicated by the lack of specific markers with which to identify these cells from a pluripotent source. In the current study, the definitive identification of hPSC-derived RGCs was accomplished by their directed, stepwise differentiation through an enriched retinal progenitor intermediary, with resultant RGCs expressing a full complement of associated features and proper functional characteristics. These results served as the basis for the establishment of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from a patient with a genetically inherited form of glaucoma, which results in damage and loss of RGCs. Patient-derived RGCs specifically exhibited a dramatic increase in apoptosis, similar to the targeted loss of RGCs in glaucoma, which was significantly rescued by the addition of candidate neuroprotective factors. Thus, the current study serves to establish a method by which to definitively acquire and identify RGCs from hPSCs and demonstrates the ability of hPSCs to serve as an effective in vitro model of disease progression. Moreover, iPSC-derived RGCs can be utilized for future drug screening approaches to identify targets for the treatment of glaucoma and other optic neuropathies. Stem Cells 2016;34:1553-1562.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Ohlemacher
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Akshayalakshmi Sridhar
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Yucheng Xiao
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Alexandra E Hochstetler
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Mansoor Sarfarazi
- Molecular Ophthalmic Genetics Laboratory, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Theodore R Cummins
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jason S Meyer
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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