1
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Wang T, Kaneko S, Kriukov E, Alvarez D, Lam E, Wang Y, La Manna S, Marasco D, Fernandez-Gonzalez A, Mitsialis SA, Kourembanas S, Stahl A, Chen M, Xu H, Baranov P, Cai G, von Andrian UH, Sun Y. SOCS3 regulates pathological retinal angiogenesis through modulating SPP1 expression in microglia and macrophages. Mol Ther 2024; 32:1425-1444. [PMID: 38504518 PMCID: PMC11081920 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Pathological ocular angiogenesis has long been associated with myeloid cell activation. However, the precise cellular and molecular mechanisms governing the intricate crosstalk between the immune system and vascular changes during ocular neovascularization formation remain elusive. In this study, we demonstrated that the absence of the suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) in myeloid cells led to a substantial accumulation of microglia and macrophage subsets during the neovascularization process. Our single-cell RNA sequencing data analysis revealed a remarkable increase in the expression of the secreted phosphoprotein 1 (Spp1) gene within these microglia and macrophages, identifying subsets of Spp1-expressing microglia and macrophages during neovascularization formation in angiogenesis mouse models. Notably, the number of Spp1-expressing microglia and macrophages exhibited further elevation during neovascularization in mice lacking myeloid SOCS3. Moreover, our investigation unveiled the Spp1 gene as a direct transcriptional target gene of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3. Importantly, pharmaceutical activation of SOCS3 or blocking of SPP1 resulted in a significant reduction in pathological neovascularization. In conclusion, our study highlights the pivotal role of the SOCS3/STAT3/SPP1 axis in the regulation of pathological retinal angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianxi Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Satoshi Kaneko
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Emil Kriukov
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - David Alvarez
- Department of Immunology and HMS Center for Immune Imaging, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Enton Lam
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yidi Wang
- Department of Immunology and HMS Center for Immune Imaging, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sara La Manna
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Marasco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Angeles Fernandez-Gonzalez
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - S Alex Mitsialis
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Stella Kourembanas
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Andreas Stahl
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Mei Chen
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Heping Xu
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Petr Baranov
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Guoshuai Cai
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Ulrich H von Andrian
- Department of Immunology and HMS Center for Immune Imaging, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Ye Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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2
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Wang X, Wang T, Kaneko S, Kriukov E, Lam E, Szczepan M, Chen J, Gregg A, Wang X, Fernandez-Gonzalez A, Mitsialis SA, Kourembanas S, Baranov P, Sun Y. Photoreceptors inhibit pathological retinal angiogenesis through transcriptional regulation of Adam17 via c-Fos. Angiogenesis 2024:10.1007/s10456-024-09912-0. [PMID: 38483712 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-024-09912-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Pathological retinal angiogenesis profoundly impacts visual function in vascular eye diseases, such as retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in preterm infants and age-related macular degeneration in the elderly. While the involvement of photoreceptors in these diseases is recognized, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study delved into the pivotal role of photoreceptors in regulating abnormal retinal blood vessel growth using an oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mouse model through the c-Fos/A disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 (Adam17) axis. Our findings revealed a significant induction of c-Fos expression in rod photoreceptors, and c-Fos depletion in these cells inhibited pathological neovascularization and reduced blood vessel leakage in the OIR mouse model. Mechanistically, c-Fos directly regulated the transcription of Adam17 a shedding protease responsible for the production of bioactive molecules involved in inflammation, angiogenesis, and cell adhesion and migration. Furthermore, we demonstrated the therapeutic potential by using an adeno-associated virus carrying a rod photoreceptor-specific short hairpin RNA against c-fos which effectively mitigated abnormal retinal blood vessel overgrowth, restored retinal thickness, and improved electroretinographic (ERG) responses. In conclusion, this study highlights the significance of photoreceptor c-Fos in ROP pathology, offering a novel perspective for the treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tianxi Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Satoshi Kaneko
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emil Kriukov
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Enton Lam
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Manon Szczepan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jasmine Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Austin Gregg
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xingyan Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Angeles Fernandez-Gonzalez
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - S Alex Mitsialis
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stella Kourembanas
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Petr Baranov
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ye Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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3
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Soucy JR, Kriukov E, Oswald J, Masland J, Pernstich C, Baranov P. Sustained neurotrophic factor cotreatment enhances donor and host retinal ganglion cell survival in mice. bioRxiv 2024:2024.03.07.583961. [PMID: 38558999 PMCID: PMC10979869 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.07.583961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) lack regenerative capacity in mammals, and their degeneration in glaucoma leads to irreversible blindness. Traditional RGC transplantation has been limited by poor survival rates of transplanted cells in the hostile microenvironment of a diseased retina. Our research identifies brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) as key elements in retinal development and RGC survival through in silico analysis of the single-cell transcriptome of developing human retinas. Although these factors are abundant during development, they diminish in adulthood. Here, we demonstrate that a slow-release formulation of BDNF and GDNF enhances RGC differentiation and survival in vitro and improves RGC transplantation outcomes in mouse models. This co-treatment increased survival and coverage of donor RGCs within the retina and enhanced neurite extension toward the optic nerve head. Lastly, this co-treatment showed neuroprotective effects on host RGCs, preserving retinal function in a model of optic neuropathy. Altogether, our findings suggest that manipulating the retinal microenvironment with slow-release neurotrophic factors holds promise in regenerative medicine for treating glaucoma and other optic neuropathies. This approach not only improves donor cell survival and integration but also provides a neuroprotective benefit to host cells, indicating a significant advancement for glaucoma therapies.
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Johnson TV, Baranov P, Di Polo A, Fortune B, Gokoffski KK, Goldberg JL, Guido W, Kolodkin AL, Mason CA, Ou Y, Reh TA, Ross AG, Samuels BC, Zack DJ. The Retinal Ganglion Cell Repopulation, Stem Cell Transplantation, and Optic Nerve Regeneration Consortium. Ophthalmol Sci 2023; 3:100390. [PMID: 38025164 PMCID: PMC10630665 DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2023.100390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The Retinal Ganglion Cell (RGC) Repopulation, Stem Cell Transplantation, and Optic Nerve Regeneration (RReSTORe) consortium was founded in 2021 to help address the numerous scientific and clinical obstacles that impede development of vision-restorative treatments for patients with optic neuropathies. The goals of the RReSTORe consortium are: (1) to define and prioritize the most critical challenges and questions related to RGC regeneration; (2) to brainstorm innovative tools and experimental approaches to meet these challenges; and (3) to foster opportunities for collaborative scientific research among diverse investigators. Design and Participants The RReSTORe consortium currently includes > 220 members spanning all career stages worldwide and is directed by an organizing committee comprised of 15 leading scientists and physician-scientists of diverse backgrounds. Methods Herein, we describe the structure and organization of the RReSTORe consortium, its activities to date, and the perceived impact that the consortium has had on the field based on a survey of participants. Results In addition to helping propel the field of regenerative medicine as applied to optic neuropathies, the RReSTORe consortium serves as a framework for developing large collaborative groups aimed at tackling audacious goals that may be expanded beyond ophthalmology and vision science. Conclusions The development of innovative interventions capable of restoring vision for patients suffering from optic neuropathy would be transformative for the ophthalmology field, and may set the stage for functional restoration in other central nervous system disorders. By coordinating large-scale, international collaborations among scientists with diverse and complementary expertise, we are confident that the RReSTORe consortium will help to accelerate the field toward clinical translation. Financial Disclosures Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas V. Johnson
- Wilmer Eye Institute and Cellular & Molecular Medicine Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Petr Baranov
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Maryland
| | - Adriana Di Polo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada, Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Brad Fortune
- Discoveries in Sight Research Laboratories, Devers Eye Institute and Legacy Research Institute, Legacy Health, Portland, Oregon
| | | | - Jeffrey L. Goldberg
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | - William Guido
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Alex L. Kolodkin
- Solomon H Snyder Department of Neuroscience and Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Carol A. Mason
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, and Department of Ophthalmology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Yvonne Ou
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Thomas A. Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Ahmara G. Ross
- Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Brian C. Samuels
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Donald J. Zack
- Departments of Ophthalmology (Wilmer Eye Institute), Neuroscience, Molecular Biology and Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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5
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Tai WL, Cho KS, Kriukov E, Ashok A, Wang X, Monavarfeshani A, Yan W, Li Y, Guan T, Sanes JR, Baranov P, Chen DF. Suppressing DNMT3a Alleviates the Intrinsic Epigenetic Barrier for Optic Nerve Regeneration and Restores Vision in Adult Mice. bioRxiv 2023:2023.11.17.567614. [PMID: 38014168 PMCID: PMC10680854 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.17.567614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The limited regenerative potential of the optic nerve in adult mammals presents a major challenge for restoring vision after optic nerve trauma or disease. The mechanisms of this regenerative failure are not fully understood1,2. Here, through small-molecule and genetic screening for epigenetic modulators3, we identify DNA methyltransferase 3a (DNMT3a) as a potent inhibitor of axon regeneration in mouse and human retinal explants. Selective suppression of DNMT3a in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) by gene targeting or delivery of shRNA leads to robust, full-length regeneration of RGC axons through the optic nerve and restoration of vision in adult mice after nerve crush injury. Genome-wide bisulfite and transcriptome profiling in combination with single nucleus RNA-sequencing of RGCs revealed selective DNA demethylation and reactivation of genetic programs supporting neuronal survival and axonal growth/regeneration by DNMT3a deficiency. This was accompanied by the suppression of gene networks associated with apoptosis and inflammation. Our results identify DNMT3a as the central orchestrator of an RGC-intrinsic mechanism that limits optic nerve regeneration. Suppressing DNMT3a expression in RGCs unlocks the epigenetic switch for optic nerve regeneration and presents a promising therapeutic avenue for effectively reversing vision loss resulted from optic nerve trauma or diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai Lydia Tai
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kin-Sang Cho
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emil Kriukov
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ajay Ashok
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xuejian Wang
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Aboozar Monavarfeshani
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, MA, USA
| | - Wenjun Yan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, MA, USA
| | - Yingqian Li
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Timothy Guan
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joshua R Sanes
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, MA, USA
| | - Petr Baranov
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dong Feng Chen
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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6
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Soucy JR, Todd L, Kriukov E, Phay M, Malechka VV, Rivera JD, Reh TA, Baranov P. Controlling donor and newborn neuron migration and maturation in the eye through microenvironment engineering. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2302089120. [PMID: 37931105 PMCID: PMC10655587 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2302089120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ongoing cell therapy trials have demonstrated the need for precision control of donor cell behavior within the recipient tissue. We present a methodology to guide stem cell-derived and endogenously regenerated neurons by engineering the microenvironment. Being an "approachable part of the brain," the eye provides a unique opportunity to study neuron fate and function within the central nervous system. Here, we focused on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs)-the neurons in the retina are irreversibly lost in glaucoma and other optic neuropathies but can potentially be replaced through transplantation or reprogramming. One of the significant barriers to successful RGC integration into the existing mature retinal circuitry is cell migration toward their natural position in the retina. Our in silico analysis of the single-cell transcriptome of the developing human retina identified six receptor-ligand candidates, which were tested in functional in vitro assays for their ability to guide human stem cell-derived RGCs. We used our lead molecule, SDF1, to engineer an artificial gradient in the retina, which led to a 2.7-fold increase in donor RGC migration into the ganglion cell layer (GCL) and a 3.3-fold increase in the displacement of newborn RGCs out of the inner nuclear layer. Only donor RGCs that migrated into the GCL were found to express mature RGC markers, indicating the importance of proper structure integration. Together, these results describe an "in silico-in vitro-in vivo" framework for identifying, selecting, and applying soluble ligands to control donor cell function after transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R. Soucy
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA02114
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02114
| | - Levi Todd
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
| | - Emil Kriukov
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA02114
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02114
| | - Monichan Phay
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA02114
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02114
| | - Volha V. Malechka
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA02114
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02114
| | - John Dayron Rivera
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA02114
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02114
| | - Thomas A. Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
| | - Petr Baranov
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA02114
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02114
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7
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Soucy JR, Aguzzi EA, Cho J, Gilhooley MJ, Keuthan C, Luo Z, Monavarfeshani A, Saleem MA, Wang XW, Wohlschlegel J, Baranov P, Di Polo A, Fortune B, Gokoffski KK, Goldberg JL, Guido W, Kolodkin AL, Mason CA, Ou Y, Reh TA, Ross AG, Samuels BC, Welsbie D, Zack DJ, Johnson TV. Retinal ganglion cell repopulation for vision restoration in optic neuropathy: a roadmap from the RReSTORe Consortium. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:64. [PMID: 37735444 PMCID: PMC10514988 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00655-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death in glaucoma and other optic neuropathies results in irreversible vision loss due to the mammalian central nervous system's limited regenerative capacity. RGC repopulation is a promising therapeutic approach to reverse vision loss from optic neuropathies if the newly introduced neurons can reestablish functional retinal and thalamic circuits. In theory, RGCs might be repopulated through the transplantation of stem cell-derived neurons or via the induction of endogenous transdifferentiation. The RGC Repopulation, Stem Cell Transplantation, and Optic Nerve Regeneration (RReSTORe) Consortium was established to address the challenges associated with the therapeutic repair of the visual pathway in optic neuropathy. In 2022, the RReSTORe Consortium initiated ongoing international collaborative discussions to advance the RGC repopulation field and has identified five critical areas of focus: (1) RGC development and differentiation, (2) Transplantation methods and models, (3) RGC survival, maturation, and host interactions, (4) Inner retinal wiring, and (5) Eye-to-brain connectivity. Here, we discuss the most pertinent questions and challenges that exist on the path to clinical translation and suggest experimental directions to propel this work going forward. Using these five subtopic discussion groups (SDGs) as a framework, we suggest multidisciplinary approaches to restore the diseased visual pathway by leveraging groundbreaking insights from developmental neuroscience, stem cell biology, molecular biology, optical imaging, animal models of optic neuropathy, immunology & immunotolerance, neuropathology & neuroprotection, materials science & biomedical engineering, and regenerative neuroscience. While significant hurdles remain, the RReSTORe Consortium's efforts provide a comprehensive roadmap for advancing the RGC repopulation field and hold potential for transformative progress in restoring vision in patients suffering from optic neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R Soucy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass. Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erika A Aguzzi
- The Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, England, UK
| | - Julie Cho
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Michael James Gilhooley
- The Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, England, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Casey Keuthan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ziming Luo
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Aboozar Monavarfeshani
- Center for Brain Science and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Meher A Saleem
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Health System, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Xue-Wei Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Petr Baranov
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass. Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adriana Di Polo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Brad Fortune
- Discoveries in Sight Research Laboratories, Devers Eye Institute and Legacy Research Institute, Legacy Health, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Kimberly K Gokoffski
- Department of Ophthalmology, Roski Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Goldberg
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - William Guido
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Alex L Kolodkin
- The Solomon H Snyder, Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carol A Mason
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Ophthalmology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yvonne Ou
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Thomas A Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ahmara G Ross
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brian C Samuels
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Callahan Eye Hospital, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Derek Welsbie
- Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Donald J Zack
- Glaucoma Center of Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21287 MD, USA
- Departments of Neuroscience, Molecular Biology & Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thomas V Johnson
- Departments of Neuroscience, Molecular Biology & Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Cellular & Molecular Medicine Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21287 MD, USA.
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8
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Pan L, Cho KS, Wei X, Xu F, Lennikov A, Hu G, Tang J, Guo S, Chen J, Kriukov E, Kyle R, Elzaridi F, Jiang S, Dromel PA, Young M, Baranov P, Do CW, Williams RW, Chen J, Lu L, Chen DF. IGFBPL1 is a master driver of microglia homeostasis and resolution of neuroinflammation in glaucoma and brain tauopathy. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112889. [PMID: 37527036 PMCID: PMC10528709 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia shift toward an inflammatory phenotype during aging that is thought to exacerbate age-related neurodegeneration. The molecular and cellular signals that resolve neuroinflammation post-injury are largely undefined. Here, we exploit systems genetics methods based on the extended BXD murine reference family and identify IGFBPL1 as an upstream cis-regulator of microglia-specific genes to switch off inflammation. IGFBPL1 is expressed by mouse and human microglia, and higher levels of its expression resolve lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation by resetting the transcriptome signature back to a homeostatic state via IGF1R signaling. Conversely, IGFBPL1 deficiency or selective deletion of IGF1R in microglia shifts these cells to an inflammatory landscape and induces early manifestation of brain tauopathy and retinal neurodegeneration. Therapeutic administration of IGFBPL1 drives pro-homeostatic microglia and prevents glaucomatous neurodegeneration and vision loss in mice. These results identify IGFBPL1 as a master driver of the counter-inflammatory microglial modulator that presents an endogenous resolution of neuroinflammation to prevent neurodegeneration in eye and brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Pan
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Kin-Sang Cho
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Xin Wei
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Fuyi Xu
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA; Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, China
| | - Anton Lennikov
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Guangan Hu
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jing Tang
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Shuai Guo
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Julie Chen
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Emil Kriukov
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Robert Kyle
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Farris Elzaridi
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Shuhong Jiang
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Pierre A Dromel
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Michael Young
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Petr Baranov
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Chi-Wai Do
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Robert W Williams
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Jianzhu Chen
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Lu Lu
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.
| | - Dong Feng Chen
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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9
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Johnson TV, Calkins DJ, Fortune B, Goldberg JL, La Torre A, Lamba DA, Meyer JS, Reh TA, Wallace VA, Zack DJ, Baranov P. The importance of unambiguous cell origin determination in neuronal repopulation studies. iScience 2023; 26:106361. [PMID: 37009209 PMCID: PMC10060674 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal repopulation achieved through transplantation or transdifferentiation from endogenous sources holds tremendous potential for restoring function in chronic neurodegenerative disease or acute injury. Key to the evaluation of neuronal engraftment is the definitive discrimination of new or donor neurons from preexisting cells within the host tissue. Recent work has identified mechanisms by which genetically encoded donor cell reporters can be transferred to host neurons through intercellular material transfer. In addition, labeling transplanted and endogenously transdifferentiated neurons through viral vector transduction can yield misexpression in host cells in some circumstances. These issues can confound the tracking and evaluation of repopulated neurons in regenerative experimental paradigms. Using the retina as an example, we discuss common reasons for artifactual labeling of endogenous host neurons with donor cell reporters and suggest strategies to prevent erroneous conclusions based on misidentification of cell origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas V. Johnson
- Glaucoma Center of Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Cellular & Molecular Medicine Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Corresponding author
| | - David J. Calkins
- The Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Brad Fortune
- Discoveries in Sight Research Laboratories, Devers Eye Institute and Legacy Research Institute, Legacy Healthy, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jeffrey L. Goldberg
- Spencer Center for Vision Research, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Anna La Torre
- Department of Cell Biology & Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Deepak A. Lamba
- Department of Ophthalmology and The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jason S. Meyer
- Departments of Medical & Molecular Genetics, Ophthalmology (Glick Eye Institute), Pharmacology & Toxicology, and Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Thomas A. Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Valerie A. Wallace
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Departments of Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology, and Ophthalmology & Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Donald J. Zack
- Glaucoma Center of Excellence, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Departments of Neuroscience, Molecular Biology & Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Petr Baranov
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Corresponding author
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10
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Abud MB, Baranov P, Patel S, Hicks CA, Isaac DLC, Louzada RN, Dromel P, Singh D, Sinden J, Ávila MP, Young M. In vivo study to assess dosage of allogeneic pig retinal progenitor cells: Long-term survival, engraftment, differentiation and safety. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:3254-3268. [PMID: 35481949 PMCID: PMC9170813 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite notable efforts and significant therapeutical advances, age‐related macular degeneration remains the single most common reason for vision loss. Retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) are considered promising candidates for cellular treatments that repair and restore vision. In this allogenic study, the phenotypic profile of pig and human RPCs derived using similar manufacturing processes is compared. The long‐term (12‐week) survival of green fluorescent protein‐pig retinal progenitor cells GFP‐pRPC after subretinal transplantation into normal miniature pig (mini‐pig) retina is investigated. Human eyes are both anatomically and physiologically mimicked by pig eyes, so the pig is an ideal model to show an equivalent way of delivering cells, immunological response and dosage. The phenotypic equivalency of porcine and clinically intended human RPCs was established. Thirty‐nine mini‐pigs are used in this study, and vehicle‐injected eyes and non‐injected eyes serve as controls. Six groups are given different dosages of pRPCs, and the cells are found to survive well in all groups. At 12 weeks, strong evidence of integration is indicated by the location of the grafted cells within the neuro‐retina, extension of processes to the plexiform layers and expression of key retinal markers such as recoverin, rhodopsin and synaptophysin. No immunosuppression is used, and no immune response is found in any of the groups. No pRPC‐related histopathology findings are reported in the major organs investigated. An initial dose of 250 k cells in 100 µl of buffer is established as an appropriate initial dose for future human clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murilo Batista Abud
- Federal University of Goias, Goiania, GO, Brazil.,Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Petr Baranov
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | | | - Ricardo Noguera Louzada
- Federal University of Goias, Goiania, GO, Brazil.,Postgraduate Program in Surgical Science, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Pierre Dromel
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Deepti Singh
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Michael Young
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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11
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Singh D, Dromel PC, Perepelkina T, Baranov P, Young M. C6 Cell Injection into the Optic Nerve of Long-Evans Rats: A Short-Term Model of Optic Pathway Gliomas. Cell Transplant 2021; 29:963689720964383. [PMID: 33356508 PMCID: PMC7873768 DOI: 10.1177/0963689720964383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The optic pathway glioma (OPG) is a slow-growing brain tumor that arises along the optic nerve or its downstream connections and causing vision to gradually worsen with time. This tumor forms in children with a genetic condition called neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), causing tumors to grow on nerves. In normal conditions, glial cells are there to support and protect nerve cells but, in NF1-OPG, glial cells have a genetic defect and grow out of control forming a tumor called a glioma. There are no rat models of NF1-OPG that can be used to explore various treatment options, and mouse models make interventional studies difficult due to their small eye size. We have created a model in which to study the progression of tumor growth in the optic nerve and establish the anatomical and functional consequences of the model and determine its suitability to serve as a surrogate for human disease. C6 rat glioma cells were injected into the optic nerve of Long-Evans rats and allowed to proliferate for 2 weeks. The eye clearly showed proptosis and lens opacity was observed, likely due to increased intraocular pressure caused by growing tumors. Hematoxylin–eosin staining showed marked cellularity, with hyperchromatism and pleomorphism. There was prominent area of necrosis with neoplastic cells palisading around the penumbra. Immunostaining with markers such as S100, β-tubulin III, Foxp3, CD45, Vimentin, and Ki67 confirmed low-grade tumor formation, with a mild immune response. Our results show the utility of a surgically induced rat model of OPG that may be used for exploring various treatment options for NF1 ocular tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepti Singh
- 20327Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Ear and Eye, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pierre C Dromel
- 20327Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Ear and Eye, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Material Science and Engineering, 2167 Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Tatiana Perepelkina
- 20327Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Ear and Eye, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Petr Baranov
- 20327Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Ear and Eye, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael Young
- 20327Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Ear and Eye, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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12
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Oswald J, Kegeles E, Minelli T, Volchkov P, Baranov P. Transplantation of miPSC/mESC-derived retinal ganglion cells into healthy and glaucomatous retinas. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2021; 21:180-198. [PMID: 33816648 PMCID: PMC7994731 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Optic neuropathies, including glaucoma, are a group of neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by the progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), leading to irreversible vision loss. While previous studies demonstrated the potential to replace RGCs with primary neurons from developing mouse retinas, their use is limited clinically. We demonstrate successful transplantation of mouse induced pluripotent stem cell (miPSC)/mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC)-derived RGCs into healthy and glaucomatous mouse retinas, at a success rate exceeding 65% and a donor cell survival window of up to 12 months. Transplanted Thy1-GFP+ RGCs were able to polarize within the host retina and formed axonal processes that followed host axons along the retinal surface and entered the optic nerve head. RNA sequencing of donor RGCs re-isolated from host retinas at 24 h and 1 week post-transplantation showed upregulation of cellular pathways mediating axonal outgrowth, extension, and guidance. Additionally, we provide evidence of subtype-specific diversity within miPSC-derived RGCs prior to transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Oswald
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Evgenii Kegeles
- Life Sciences Research Center, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudniy 141700, Russia
| | - Tomas Minelli
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Pavel Volchkov
- Life Sciences Research Center, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudniy 141700, Russia
- Research Institute of Personalized Medicine, National Center for Personalized Medicine of Endocrine Diseases, The National Medical Research Center for Endocrinology, Moscow 117036, Russia
| | - Petr Baranov
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Corresponding author: Petr Baranov, The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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Abstract
Purpose Three-dimensional strategy for the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells to the retina has been widely used to study retinal development, although the cell production and drug discovery applications are limited by the throughput. Here we attempted to scale up the protocol using a semiautomated approach. Methods For the experiments we used the Rx-GFP mouse embryonic stem cell (mES) reporter cell line, specific for early retinal development and human embryonic stem cell line Brn3b-tdTomato, specific for retinal ganglion cells. To increase the throughput, we implemented automated media exchange using Thermo WellWash Versa with Thermo RapidStack robot. To analyze the rate of retinal differentiation in mouse stem-cell derived organoids we imaged the plates at day 10 of differentiation using Life Technologies EVOS Fl Auto. The automated image analysis of fluorescent images was performed with custom Python OpenCV script. Results The implementation of a semiautomated approach significantly reduced the operator time needed: 34 minutes versus two hours for 960 organoids over the course of 25 days without any change in differentiation pattern and quantity of retinal differentiation. Automated image analysis showed that Forskolin treatment starting from day 1 leads to a significant increase in retinal field induction efficiency. Conclusions Semiautomated approach can be applied to retinal tissue differentiation to increase the throughput of the protocol. We demonstrated that automated image analysis can be used to evaluate differentiation efficiency, as well as for troubleshooting and to study factors affecting retinal differentiation. Translational Relevance Using robotic approach reduces the risk of human error and allows to perform all cycle of cell production in enclosed conditions, which is critical for GMP cell manufacture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenii Kegeles
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudniy, Russia
| | - Tatiana Perepelkina
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Petr Baranov
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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14
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Perepelkina T, Kegeles E, Baranov P. Optimizing the Conditions and Use of Synthetic Matrix for Three-Dimensional In Vitro Retinal Differentiation from Mouse Pluripotent Cells. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2020; 25:433-445. [PMID: 31195897 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2019.0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPACT STATEMENT The development of retinal regenerative therapies relies on the reproducible and renewable source of retinal neurons for drug discovery and cell transplantation. Three-dimensional approach for retinal differentiation from pluripotent cells recently emerged as the robust strategy for retinal tissue differentiation. In this work, we present the combination of optimized conditions and techniques for three-dimensional retinal differentiation from mouse embryonic cells that improves reproducibility and efficiency of retinal differentiation in organoid cultures. We also show that the retinal induction can be achieved with the synthetic oligopeptide instead of Matrigel that allows to approach xeno-free conditions for cell production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Perepelkina
- 1The Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, an Affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Evgenii Kegeles
- 1The Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, an Affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,2Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russian Federation
| | - Petr Baranov
- 1The Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, an Affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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15
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Kegeles E, Naumov A, Karpulevich EA, Volchkov P, Baranov P. Convolutional Neural Networks Can Predict Retinal Differentiation in Retinal Organoids. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:171. [PMID: 32719585 PMCID: PMC7350982 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We have developed a deep learning-based computer algorithm to recognize and predict retinal differentiation in stem cell-derived organoids based on bright-field imaging. The three-dimensional "organoid" approach for the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells (PSC) into retinal and other neural tissues has become a major in vitro strategy to recapitulate development. We decided to develop a universal, robust, and non-invasive method to assess retinal differentiation that would not require chemical probes or reporter gene expression. We hypothesized that basic-contrast bright-field (BF) images contain sufficient information on tissue specification, and it is possible to extract this data using convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Retina-specific Rx-green fluorescent protein mouse embryonic reporter stem cells have been used for all of the differentiation experiments in this work. The BF images of organoids have been taken on day 5 and fluorescent on day 9. To train the CNN, we utilized a transfer learning approach: ImageNet pre-trained ResNet50v2, VGG19, Xception, and DenseNet121 CNNs had been trained on labeled BF images of the organoids, divided into two categories (retina and non-retina), based on the fluorescent reporter gene expression. The best-performing classifier with ResNet50v2 architecture showed a receiver operating characteristic-area under the curve score of 0.91 on a test dataset. A comparison of the best-performing CNN with the human-based classifier showed that the CNN algorithm performs better than the expert in predicting organoid fate (84% vs. 67 ± 6% of correct predictions, respectively), confirming our original hypothesis. Overall, we have demonstrated that the computer algorithm can successfully recognize and predict retinal differentiation in organoids before the onset of reporter gene expression. This is the first demonstration of CNN's ability to classify stem cell-derived tissue in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenii Kegeles
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Genome Technologies and Bioinformatics Research Centre, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudniy, Russia
| | - Anton Naumov
- Department of Information Systems, Ivannikov Institute for System Programming of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Evgeny A. Karpulevich
- Genome Technologies and Bioinformatics Research Centre, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudniy, Russia
- Department of Information Systems, Ivannikov Institute for System Programming of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow, Russia
| | - Pavel Volchkov
- Genome Technologies and Bioinformatics Research Centre, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudniy, Russia
- Endocrinology Research Centre, Institute for Personalized Medicine, Moscow, Russia
| | - Petr Baranov
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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16
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Yunilaynen O, Starostina E, Dzeranova L, Baranov P, Dedov I. Efficacy and safety of long-term cabergoline treatment of antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia (naturalistic study). Eur Psychiatry 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2016.01.571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionAntipsychotic-induced hyperpolactinemia (AIH) is associated with disturbing clinical symptoms, such as sexual dysfunctions, menstrual disorders and galactorrhea. Long-term studies of dopamine agonists in AIH are scarce.ObjectivesTo assess efficacy and safety of cabergoline use in psychiatric patients with AIH, including impact on sexual function and quality of life(QoL).MethodsIt was an open-labeled non-randomized naturalistic prospective comparison of cabergoline vs nо treatment in 84 chronic psychiatric patients (F/M = 77/7) with AIH. Cabergoline treatment was started in 44 patients, the сontrol group included 40 patients who rejected the treatment with cabergoline. For assessment of QoL, sexual dysfunction and other hyperprolactinemia symptoms, UKU side effects rating scale (UKU) and SF-36 were used.ResultsThe main and control groups were comparable on all main clinical and psychiatric characteristics. The effective cabergoline dose was 0,25-3 (median-0,5) mg weekly; total cabergoline exposure–534 patient-weeks. Normal prolactin levels were achieved after 4-44 (median-14) weeks in 95% of patients. At 3 months after cabergoline discontinuation, prolactin remained normal in 71%, and AIH recurred in 29% of patients. Prolactin normalization was associated with significant reduction of menstrual disorders, galactorrhea, improvement of UKU scores on sexual desire, orgastic dysfunction, total UKU score and SF-36 scores on subscales of social functioning (P = 0,006), role-emotional (P = 0,042), and mental health (P = 0,049). The rate of psychosis exacerbation in control group was higher than in the treatment group (37,5% vs 0%; P < 0,001).ConclusionsCabergoline is effective and safe in majority of AIH patients. Long-term cabergoline treatment is not associated with psychosis exacerbation. Beyond reversal of typical AIH symptoms, treatment with cabergolin improves sexual function and QoL.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
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17
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Park J, Baranov P, Aydin A, Abdelgawad H, Singh D, Niu W, Kurisawa M, Spector M, Young MJ. In Situ Cross-linking Hydrogel as a Vehicle for Retinal Progenitor Cell Transplantation. Cell Transplant 2019; 28:596-606. [PMID: 30917696 PMCID: PMC7103606 DOI: 10.1177/0963689719825614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the current limitations of retinal transplantation of stem cells as well as other cell types is the dispersion of cells from the injection site (including loss of cells into the vitreous chamber) and low survival after transplantation. Gelatin-hydroxyphenyl propionic acid (Gtn-HPA) conjugate is a biodegradable polymer that can undergo covalent cross-linking in situ, allowing for injection of incorporated cells through a small caliber needle followed by gel formation in vivo. We tested the hypothesis that Gtn-HPA hydrogel supports survival and integration of retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) post-transplantation. In vitro compatibility and in vivo graft survival were assessed by mixing an equal volume of Gtn-HPA conjugate and RPC suspension and triggering enzyme-mediated gelation, using minute amounts of horseradish peroxidase and peroxide. Immunocytochemistry showed >80% survival of cells and minimal apoptosis for cells incorporated into Gtn-HPA, equivalent to controls grown on fibronectin-coated flasks. RPCs undergoing mitosis were seen within the three-dimensional Gtn-HPA hydrogel, but the percentage of Ki-67-positive cells was lower compared with the monolayer controls. For in vivo studies, gel-cell mixture or cell suspension in saline was trans-sclerally injected into the left eye of female Long Evans rats immunosuppressed with cyclosporine A. Grafts survived at the 1 week time point of the study, with Gtn-HPA-delivered grafts showing less inflammatory response demonstrated by anti-leukocyte staining. More eyes in the gel-cell mixture group showed surviving cells in the subretinal space compared with saline-delivered controls, while the number of cells surviving per graft was not significantly different between the two groups. This work demonstrates an injectable in situ cross-linking hydrogel as a potential vehicle for stem cell delivery in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeayoung Park
- 1 Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA.,2 Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Petr Baranov
- 1 Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aybike Aydin
- 1 Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hany Abdelgawad
- 1 Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Deepti Singh
- 1 Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wanting Niu
- 3 Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Myron Spector
- 3 Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael J Young
- 1 Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
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18
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García-Caballero C, Lieppman B, Arranz-Romera A, Molina-Martínez IT, Bravo-Osuna I, Young M, Baranov P, Herrero-Vanrell R. Photoreceptor preservation induced by intravitreal controlled delivery of GDNF and GDNF/melatonin in rhodopsin knockout mice. Mol Vis 2018; 24:733-745. [PMID: 30581280 PMCID: PMC6279195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the potential of a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based slow release formulation of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) alone or in combination with melatonin to rescue photoreceptors in a mouse model of retinal degeneration. Methods GDNF and GDNF/melatonin-loaded PLGA microspheres (MSs) were prepared using a solid-in-oil-in-water emulsion solvent extraction-evaporation technique. A combination of PLGA and vitamin E (VitE) was used to create the microcarriers. The structure, particle size, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro release profile of the microparticulate formulations were characterized. Microparticulate systems (non-loaded, GDNF, and GDNF/melatonin-loaded MSs) were administered intravitreally to 3-week-old rhodopsin knockout mice (rho (-/-); n=7). The functional neuroprotective effect was assessed with electroretinography at 6, 9, and 12 weeks old. The rescue of the structure was determined with photoreceptor quantification at 12 weeks (9 weeks after administration of MSs). Immunohistochemistry for photoreceptor, glial, and proliferative markers was also performed. Results The microspheres were able to deliver GDNF or to codeliver GDNF and melatonin in a sustained manner. Intravitreal injection of GDNF or GDNF/melatonin-loaded MSs led to partial functional and structural rescue of photoreceptors compared to blank microspheres or vehicle. No significant intraocular inflammatory reaction was observed after intravitreal injection of the microspheres. Conclusions A single intravitreal injection of GDNF or GDNF/melatonin-loaded microspheres in the PLGA/VitE combination promoted the rescue of the photoreceptors in rho (-/-) mice. These intraocular drug delivery systems enable the efficient codelivery of therapeutically active substances for the treatment of retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina García-Caballero
- Pharmaceutical Innovation in Ophthalmology Research Group, UCM 920415, Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Burke Lieppman
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Alicia Arranz-Romera
- Pharmaceutical Innovation in Ophthalmology Research Group, UCM 920415, Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene. T. Molina-Martínez
- Pharmaceutical Innovation in Ophthalmology Research Group, UCM 920415, Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa Sanitaria en Enfermedades Oculares Oftared e Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC)
| | - Irene Bravo-Osuna
- Pharmaceutical Innovation in Ophthalmology Research Group, UCM 920415, Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa Sanitaria en Enfermedades Oculares Oftared e Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC)
| | - Michael Young
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Petr Baranov
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Rocío Herrero-Vanrell
- Pharmaceutical Innovation in Ophthalmology Research Group, UCM 920415, Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa Sanitaria en Enfermedades Oculares Oftared e Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC)
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19
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Shen J, Xiao R, Bair J, Wang F, Vandenberghe LH, Dartt D, Baranov P, Ng YSE. Novel engineered, membrane-localized variants of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protect retinal ganglion cells: a proof-of-concept study. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:1018. [PMID: 30282966 PMCID: PMC6170416 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-1049-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 08/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Endogenous vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) can protect retinal ganglion cells (RGC) from stress-induced cell death in ocular hypertensive glaucoma. To exploit the neuroprotective function of VEGF-A for therapeutic application in ocular disorders such as glaucoma while minimizing unwanted vascular side effects, we engineered two novel VEGF variants, eVEGF-38 and eVEGF-53. These variants of the diffusible VEGF-A isoform VEGF121 are expressed as dimeric concatamers and remain tethered to the cell membrane, thus restricting the effects of the engineered VEGF to the cells expressing the protein. For comparison, we tested a Myc-tagged version of VEGF189, an isoform that binds tightly to the extracellular matrix and heparan sulfate proteoglycans at the cell surface, supporting only autocrine and localized juxtacrine signaling. In human retinal endothelial cells (hREC), expression of eVEGF-38, eVEGF-53, or VEGF189 increased VEGFR2 phosphorylation without increasing expression of pro-inflammatory markers, relative to VEGF165 protein and vector controls. AAV2-mediated transduction of eVEGF-38, eVEGF-53, or VEGF189 into primary mouse RGC promoted synaptogenesis and increased the average total length of neurites and axons per RGC by ~ 12-fold, an increase that was mediated by VEGFR2 and PI3K/AKT signaling. Expression of eVEGF-38 in primary RGC enhanced expression of genes associated with neuritogenesis, axon outgrowth, axon guidance, and cell survival. Transduction of primary RGC with any of the membrane-associated VEGF constructs increased survival both under normal culture conditions and in the presence of the cytotoxic chemicals H2O2 (via VEGFR2/PI3K/AKT signaling) and N-methyl-d-aspartate (via reduced Ca2+ influx). Moreover, RGC number was increased in mouse embryonic stem cell-derived retinal organoid cultures transduced with the eVEGF-53 construct. The novel, engineered VEGF variants eVEGF-38 and eVEGF-53 show promise as potential therapeutics for retinal RGC neuroprotection when delivered using a gene therapy approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhui Shen
- Harvard Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Eye Center of the 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ru Xiao
- Harvard Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Bair
- Harvard Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Luk H Vandenberghe
- Harvard Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA.,Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Ocular Genomics Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA.,The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Darlene Dartt
- Harvard Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Petr Baranov
- Harvard Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yin Shan Eric Ng
- Harvard Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA.
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20
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Eriksen AZ, Eliasen R, Oswald J, Kempen PJ, Melander F, Andresen TL, Young M, Baranov P, Urquhart AJ. Multifarious Biologic Loaded Liposomes that Stimulate the Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Signaling Pathway Show Retina Neuroprotection after Retina Damage. ACS Nano 2018; 12:7497-7508. [PMID: 30004669 PMCID: PMC6117751 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.8b00596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
A common event in optic neuropathies is the loss of axons and death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) resulting in irreversible blindness. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway agonists have been shown to foster axon regeneration and RGC survival in animal models of optic nerve damage. However, many challenges remain in developing therapies that exploit cell growth and tissue remodeling including (i) activating/inhibiting cell pathways synergistically, (ii) avoiding tumorigenesis, and (iii) ensuring appropriate physiological tissue function. These challenges are further exacerbated by the need to overcome ocular physiological barriers and clearance mechanisms. Here we present liposomes loaded with multiple mTOR pathway stimulating biologics designed to enhance neuroprotection after retina damage. Liposomes were loaded with ciliary neurotrophic factor, insulin-like growth factor 1, a lipopeptide N-fragment osteopontin mimic, and lipopeptide phosphatase tension homologue inhibitors for either the ATP domain or the c-terminal tail. In a mouse model of N-methyl-d-aspartic acid induced RGC death, a single intravitreal administration of liposomes reduced both RGC death and loss of retina electrophysiological function. Furthermore, combining liposomes with transplantation of induced pluripotent stem cell derived RGCs led to an improved electrophysiological outcome in mice. The results presented here show that liposomes carrying multiple signaling pathway modulators can facilitate neuroprotection and transplant electrophysiological outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Z. Eriksen
- DTU
Nanotech, Department of Micro- and Nanotechnology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Rasmus Eliasen
- DTU
Nanotech, Department of Micro- and Nanotechnology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Julia Oswald
- Schepens
Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - Paul J. Kempen
- DTU
Nanotech, Department of Micro- and Nanotechnology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Fredrik Melander
- DTU
Nanotech, Department of Micro- and Nanotechnology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Thomas L. Andresen
- DTU
Nanotech, Department of Micro- and Nanotechnology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Michael Young
- Schepens
Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - Petr Baranov
- Schepens
Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - Andrew J. Urquhart
- DTU
Nanotech, Department of Micro- and Nanotechnology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- E-mail:
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21
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Zhou J, Benito-Martin A, Mighty J, Chang L, Ghoroghi S, Wu H, Wong M, Guariglia S, Baranov P, Young M, Gharbaran R, Emerson M, Mark MT, Molina H, Canto-Soler MV, Selgas HP, Redenti S. Retinal progenitor cells release extracellular vesicles containing developmental transcription factors, microRNA and membrane proteins. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2823. [PMID: 29434302 PMCID: PMC5809580 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20421-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A range of cell types, including embryonic stem cells, neurons and astrocytes have been shown to release extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing molecular cargo. Across cell types, EVs facilitate transfer of mRNA, microRNA and proteins between cells. Here we describe the release kinetics and content of EVs from mouse retinal progenitor cells (mRPCs). Interestingly, mRPC derived EVs contain mRNA, miRNA and proteins associated with multipotency and retinal development. Transcripts enclosed in mRPC EVs, include the transcription factors Pax6, Hes1, and Sox2, a mitotic chromosome stabilizer Ki67, and the neural intermediate filaments Nestin and GFAP. Proteomic analysis of EV content revealed retinogenic growth factors and morphogen proteins. mRPC EVs were shown to transfer GFP mRNA between cell populations. Finally, analysis of EV mediated functional cargo delivery, using the Cre-loxP recombination system, revealed transfer and uptake of Cre+ EVs, which were then internalized by target mRPCs activating responder loxP GFP expression. In summary, the data supports a paradigm of EV genetic material encapsulation and transfer within RPC populations. RPC EV transfer may influence recipient RPC transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation, representing a novel mechanism of differentiation and fate determination during retinal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA.,Biology Doctoral Program, The Graduate School and University Center, City University of New York, 365 5th Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Alberto Benito-Martin
- Children's Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics, and Cell and Developmental Biology, Drukier Institute for Children's Health, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, 10021, USA
| | - Jason Mighty
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA.,Biology Doctoral Program, The Graduate School and University Center, City University of New York, 365 5th Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Lynne Chang
- Nikon Instruments Inc, 1300 Walt Whitman Road, Melville, NY, 11747, USA
| | - Shima Ghoroghi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA.,Biology Doctoral Program, The Graduate School and University Center, City University of New York, 365 5th Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Madeline Wong
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA
| | - Sara Guariglia
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Petr Baranov
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Michael Young
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Rajendra Gharbaran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA
| | - Mark Emerson
- Biology Doctoral Program, The Graduate School and University Center, City University of New York, 365 5th Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA.,Department of Biology, The City College of New York, City University of New York, New York, NY, 10031, USA
| | - Milica Tesic Mark
- Proteomics Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Henrik Molina
- Proteomics Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - M Valeria Canto-Soler
- The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Hector Peinado Selgas
- Children's Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics, and Cell and Developmental Biology, Drukier Institute for Children's Health, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, 10021, USA.,Microenvironment and Metastasis Laboratory, Department of Molecular Oncology, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Melchor Fernández Almagro, 3, Madrid, E28029, Spain
| | - Stephen Redenti
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA. .,Biology Doctoral Program, The Graduate School and University Center, City University of New York, 365 5th Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA. .,Biochemistry Doctoral Program, The Graduate School and University Center, City University of New York, 365 5th Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
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22
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Oswald J, Baranov P. Regenerative medicine in the retina: from stem cells to cell replacement therapy. Ther Adv Ophthalmol 2018; 10:2515841418774433. [PMID: 29998222 PMCID: PMC6016968 DOI: 10.1177/2515841418774433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Following the fast pace of the growing field of stem cell research, retinal cell replacement is finally emerging as a feasible mean to be explored for clinical application. Although neuroprotective treatments are able to slow the progression of retinal degeneration caused by diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma, they are insufficient to fully halt disease progression and unable to recover previously lost vision. Comprehensive, technological and intellectual advances over the past years, including the in vitro differentiation of retinal cells at manufacturing scale from embryonic stem (ES) cell and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell cultures, progress within the area of retinal disease modeling, and the first clinical trials have started to shape the way towards addressing this treatment gap and translating retinal cell replacement to the clinic. Here, summarize the most recent advances within retinal cell replacement from both a scientific and clinical perspective, and discuss the remaining challenges towards the delivery of the first retinal cell products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Oswald
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Petr Baranov
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
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23
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Baranov P, Lin H, McCabe K, Gale D, Cai S, Lieppman B, Morrow D, Lei P, Liao J, Young M. A Novel Neuroprotective Small Molecule for Glial Cell Derived Neurotrophic Factor Induction and Photoreceptor Rescue. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2017; 33:412-422. [PMID: 28441076 PMCID: PMC5911694 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2016.0121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Degenerative diseases of the retina, such as retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration, are characterized by the irreversible loss of photoreceptors. Several growth factors, including glial cell derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), have been shown to rescue retinal neurons. An alternative strategy to direct GDNF administration is its induction in host retina by small molecules. Here we studied the ability of a novel small molecule GSK812 to induce GDNF in vitro/in vivo and rescue photoreceptors. METHODS GDNF induction in vitro was assessed in human ARPE-19, human retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) and mouse pluripotent cell-derived eyecups. For time course pharmacokinetic and GDNF induction studies in C57Bl/6 mice, GSK812 sustained release formulation was injected intravitreally. The same delivery approach was used in the rhodopsin knockout mice and Royal College of Surgeon (RCS) rats to assess long-term GDNF induction and photoreceptor rescue. RESULTS The suspension provided sustained GSK812 delivery with 28 μg of drug remaining in the eye 2 weeks after a single injection. GSK812 suspension injection in C57Bl/6 mice resulted in significant upregulation of GDNF mRNA (>1.8-fold) and protein levels (>2.8-fold). Importantly, GSK812 treatment resulted in outer nuclear layer preservation in rho-/- mice with a 2-fold difference in photoreceptor number. In the RCS rat, the GSK812 injection provided long-term rescue of photoreceptors and outer segments, accompanied by function preservation as well. CONCLUSIONS GSK812 is a potent neuroprotectant that can induce GDNF in normal and diseased retina. This induction results in photoreceptor rescue in 2 models of retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Baranov
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hong Lin
- GlaxoSmithKline LLC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - David Gale
- GlaxoSmithKline LLC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Burke Lieppman
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Phoebe Lei
- GlaxoSmithKline LLC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Justin Liao
- GlaxoSmithKline LLC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael Young
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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24
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Kundu J, Michaelson A, Baranov P, Chiumiento M, Nigl T, Young MJ, Carrier RL. Interphotoreceptor matrix based biomaterial: Impact on human retinal progenitor cell attachment and differentiation. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2017; 106:891-899. [PMID: 28419733 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.33901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Revised: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
While cell transplantation therapies show great promise as treatments for retinal degeneration, the challenge of low cell survival upon transplantation motivates exploration of materials that may serve as cell delivery vehicles and promote survival and differentiation. In this study, we explored the native matrix that surrounds the outer segments of photoreceptors and promotes their homeostasis, interphotoreceptor matrix (IPM), as a substrate for human retinal progenitor cells (hRPCs). Bovine IPM was characterized to determine its structure and biochemical composition, and processed to develop substrates for cells. Cell viability, morphology, proliferation and expression of photoreceptors marker genes were studied on IPM-based substrates in vitro. We explored different preparations of IPM as a scaffold. Lectin staining revealed that a distinct honeycomb structure of native IPM is lost during centrifugation to prepare a more concentrated suspension of matrix. Biochemical analysis of bovine IPM indicated presence of glycosaminoglycans and proteins. IPM mediated hRPC attachment and spreading with no signs of cytotoxicity. Cells proliferated more on native IPM substrates compared to IPM that was centrifuged to create a concentrated suspension. Cells cultured on IPM substrates expressed markers of photoreceptors: rhodopsin, NRL and ROM1. Together this data supports further exploration of IPM as a tool for retinal tissue engineering. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 891-899, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joydip Kundu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115.,Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, An affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114
| | - Andrew Michaelson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115
| | - Petr Baranov
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, An affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114
| | - Marco Chiumiento
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115
| | - Tom Nigl
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115
| | - Michael J Young
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, An affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114
| | - Rebecca L Carrier
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115
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25
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D'Alessio AC, Fan ZP, Wert KJ, Baranov P, Cohen MA, Saini JS, Cohick E, Charniga C, Dadon D, Hannett NM, Young MJ, Temple S, Jaenisch R, Lee TI, Young RA. A Systematic Approach to Identify Candidate Transcription Factors that Control Cell Identity. Stem Cell Reports 2016; 5:763-775. [PMID: 26603904 PMCID: PMC4649293 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2015.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Revised: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hundreds of transcription factors (TFs) are expressed in each cell type, but cell identity can be induced through the activity of just a small number of core TFs. Systematic identification of these core TFs for a wide variety of cell types is currently lacking and would establish a foundation for understanding the transcriptional control of cell identity in development, disease, and cell-based therapy. Here, we describe a computational approach that generates an atlas of candidate core TFs for a broad spectrum of human cells. The potential impact of the atlas was demonstrated via cellular reprogramming efforts where candidate core TFs proved capable of converting human fibroblasts to retinal pigment epithelial-like cells. These results suggest that candidate core TFs from the atlas will prove a useful starting point for studying transcriptional control of cell identity and reprogramming in many human cell types. Core transcription factors (TFs) are predicted for >200 cell types/tissues Predicted TFs for retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells can reprogram fibroblasts These reprogrammed RPE-like cells are functionally similar to primary RPE The sets of predicted factors may facilitate studies of control of cell identity
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C D'Alessio
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Zi Peng Fan
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Computational and Systems Biology Program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Katherine J Wert
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Petr Baranov
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Malkiel A Cohen
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Janmeet S Saini
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, NY 12201, USA
| | - Evan Cohick
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | | | - Daniel Dadon
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Nancy M Hannett
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Michael J Young
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Sally Temple
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA
| | - Rudolf Jaenisch
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Tong Ihn Lee
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Richard A Young
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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26
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Kundu J, Michaelson A, Talbot K, Baranov P, Young MJ, Carrier RL. Decellularized retinal matrix: Natural platforms for human retinal progenitor cell culture. Acta Biomater 2016; 31:61-70. [PMID: 26621699 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2015.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Tissue decellularization strategies have enabled engineering of scaffolds that preserve native extracellular matrix (ECM) structure and composition. In this study, we developed decellularized retina (decell-retina) thin films. We hypothesized that these films, mimicking the retina niche, would promote human retinal progenitor cell (hRPC) attachment, proliferation and differentiation. Retinas isolated from bovine eyes were decellularized using 1% w/v sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and pepsin digested. The resulting decell-retina was biochemically assayed for composition and cast dried to develop thin films. Attachment, viability, morphology, proliferation and gene expression of hRPC cultured on the films were studied in vitro. Biochemical analyses of decell-retina compared to native retina indicated the bulk of DNA (94%) was removed, while the majority of sulfated GAGs (55%), collagen (83%), hyaluronic acid (87%), and key growth factors were retained. The decell-retina films supported hRPC attachment and growth, with cell number increasing 1.5-fold over a week. RT-PCR analysis revealed hRPC expression of rhodopsin, rod outer membrane, neural retina-specific leucine zipper neural and cone-rod homeobox gene on decell-retina films, indicating photoreceptor development. In conclusion, novel decell-retina films show promise as potential substrates for culture and/or transplantation of retinal progenitor cells to treat retinal degenerative disorders. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE In this study, we report the development of a novel biomaterial, based on decellularized retina (decell-retina) that mimics the retina niche and promotes human retinal progenitor cell (hRPC) attachment, proliferation and differentiation. We estimated, for the first time, the amounts of collagen I, GAGs and HA present in native retina, as well as the decell-retina. We demonstrated that retinas can be decellularized using ionic detergents and can be processed into mechanically stable thin films, which can act as substrates for culturing hRPCs. Rhodopsin, ROM1, NRL and CRX gene expression on the decell-retina films indicated photoreceptor development from RPCs. These results support the potential of decell-retina as a cell delivery platform to treat and manage retinal degenerative disease like AMD.
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27
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Abud M, Baranov P, Hicks C, Patel S, Lieppman B, Regatieri C, Sinden J, Isaac D, Avila M, Young M. The Effect of Transient Local Anti-inflammatory Treatment on the Survival of Pig Retinal Progenitor Cell Allotransplants. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2015; 4:6. [PMID: 26425402 PMCID: PMC4585327 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.4.5.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2014] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The development of photoreceptor replacement therapy for retinal degenerative disorders requires the identification of the optimal cell source and immunosuppressive regimen in a large animal model. Allotransplants are not acutely rejected in swine subretinal space, although it is not known if survival can be improved with immunosuppression. Here we investigated the survival and integration of expanded pig retinal progenitor cells (pRPCs) in normal recipients with and without transient anti-inflammatory suppression. METHODS pRPCs were derived from the neural retina of E60 GFP transgenic pigs, expanded for six passages, characterized, and transplanted into the subretinal space of 12 pigs. Six recipients received a single intravitreal injection of rapamycin and dexamethasone. RESULTS pRPCs expressed the photoreceptor development genes Sox2, Pax6, Lhx2, Crx, Nrl, and Recoverin in vitro. Transplanted cells were identified in 9 out of 12 recipients 4 weeks after the injection. pRPCs integrated primarily into the photoreceptor inner segment layer and outer nuclear layer with single cells present in the inner nuclear layer. Donor cells remained recoverin-positive and acquired rhodopsin. We did not observe any signs of graft proliferation. The immunosuppression did not affect the survival or distribution of grafts. No macrophage infiltration or loss of retinal structure was observed in either group. CONCLUSIONS Local immunosuppression with rapamycin and dexamethasone does not improve the outcome of pRPC allotransplantation into the subretinal space. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE Survival and integration of pRPC together with the lack of graft proliferation suggests that allogeneic RPC transplantation without transient immunosuppression is a favorable approach for photoreceptor cell replacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murilo Abud
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA ; Federal University of Goias, Goiania, Brazil
| | - Petr Baranov
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Burke Lieppman
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - David Isaac
- Federal University of Goias, Goiania, Brazil
| | | | - Michael Young
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Baranov P, Michaelson A, Kundu J, Carrier RL, Young M. Interphotoreceptor matrix-poly(ϵ-caprolactone) composite scaffolds for human photoreceptor differentiation. J Tissue Eng 2014; 5:2041731414554139. [PMID: 25383176 PMCID: PMC4221930 DOI: 10.1177/2041731414554139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue engineering has been widely applied in different areas of regenerative medicine, including retinal regeneration. Typically, artificial biopolymers require additional surface modification (e.g. with arginine–glycine–aspartate-containing peptides or adsorption of protein, such as fibronectin), before cell seeding. Here, we describe an alternative approach for scaffold design: the manufacture of hybrid interphotoreceptor matrix-poly (ϵ-caprolactone) scaffolds, in which the insoluble extracellular matrix of the retina is incorporated into a biodegradable polymer well suited for transplantation. The incorporation of interphotoreceptor matrix did not change the topography of polycaprolactone film, although it led to a slight increase in hydrophilic properties (water contact angle measurements). This hybrid scaffold provided sufficient stimuli for human retinal progenitor cell adhesion and inhibited proliferation, leading to differentiation toward photoreceptor cells (expression of Crx, Nrl, rhodopsin, ROM1). This scaffold may be used for transplantation of retinal progenitor cells and their progeny to treat retinal degenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Baranov
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrew Michaelson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joydip Kundu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca L Carrier
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael Young
- The Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Huang R, Baranov P, Lai K, Zhang X, Ge, J, Young MJ. Functional and morphological analysis of the subretinal injection of human retinal progenitor cells under Cyclosporin A treatment. Mol Vis 2014; 20:1271-80. [PMID: 25352736 PMCID: PMC4168833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to evaluate the functional and morphological changes in subretinal xenografts of human retinal progenitor cells (hRPCs) in B6 mice treated with Cyclosporin A (CsA; 210 mg/l in drinking water). METHODS The hRPCs from human fetal eyes were isolated and expanded for transplantation. These cells, with green fluorescent protein (GFP) at 11 passages, were transplanted into the subretinal space in B6 mice. A combination of invasive and noninvasive approaches was used to analyze the structural and functional consequences of the subretinal injection of the hRPCs. The process of change was monitored using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT), histology, and electroretinography (ERG) at 3 days, 1 week, and 3 weeks after transplantation. Cell counts were used to evaluate the survival rate with a confocal microscope. ERGs were performed to evaluate the physiologic changes, and the structural changes were evaluated using SDOCT and histological examination. RESULTS The results of the histological examination showed that the hRPCs gained a better survival rate in the mice treated with CsA. The SDOCT showed that the bleb size of the retinal detachment was significantly decreased, and the retinal reattachment was nearly complete by 3 weeks. The ERG response amplitudes in the CsA group were less decreased after the injection, when compared with the control group, in the dark-adapted and light-adapted conditions. However, the cone-mediated function in both groups was less affected by the transplantation after 3 weeks than the rod-mediated function. CONCLUSIONS Although significant functional and structural recovery was observed after the subretinal injection of the hRPCs, the effectiveness of CsA in xenotransplantation may be a novel and potential approach for increasing retinal progenitor cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Huang
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China,Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Petr Baranov
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Kunbei Lai
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China,Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Xinmei Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jian Ge,
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Michael J. Young
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Lawley E, Baranov P, Young M. Hybrid vitronectin-mimicking polycaprolactone scaffolds for human retinal progenitor cell differentiation and transplantation. J Biomater Appl 2014; 29:894-902. [PMID: 25145988 DOI: 10.1177/0885328214547751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Many advances have been made in an attempt to treat retinal degenerative diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. The irreversible loss of photoreceptors is common to both, and currently no restorative clinical treatment exists. It has been shown that retinal progenitor and photoreceptor precursor cell transplantation can rescue the retinal structure and function. Importantly, retinal progenitor cells can be collected from the developing neural retina with further expansion and additional modification in vitro, and the delivery into the degenerative host can be performed as a single-cell suspension injection or as a complex graft transplantation. Previously, we have described several polymer scaffolds for culture and transplantation of retinal progenitor cells of both mouse and human origin. This tissue engineering strategy increases donor cell survival and integration. We have also shown that biodegradable poly(ɛ-caprolactone) induces mature photoreceptor differentiation from human retinal progenitor cells. However, poor adhesive properties limit its use, and therefore it requires additional surface modification. The aim of this work was to study vitronectin-mimicking oligopeptides (Synthemax II-SC) poly(ɛ-caprolactone) films and their effects on human retinal progenitor cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Here, we show that the incorporation of vitronectin-mimicking oligopeptide into poly(ɛ-caprolactone) leads to dose-dependent increases in cell adhesion; the optimum dose identified as 30 µg/ml. Inhibition of human retinal progenitor cells proliferation was seen on poly(ɛ-caprolactone) and was maintained with the hybrid scaffold. This has been shown to be beneficial for driving cell differentiation. Additionally, we observed equal expression of Nrl, rhodopsin, recoverin, and rod outer membrane 1 after differentiation on the hybrid scaffold as compared to the standard fibronectin coating of poly(ɛ-caprolactone). After transplantation into rd1 retina degenerative mice, human retinal progenitor cells were able to migrate to the outer nuclear layer and survive for three weeks. We conclude that Synthemax II-SC can be incorporated into poly(ɛ-caprolactone) to create a hybrid chemically defined scaffold for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Lawley
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, USA
| | - Petr Baranov
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, USA
| | - Michael Young
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, USA
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Kundu J, Michaelson A, Baranov P, Young MJ, Carrier RL. Approaches to cell delivery: substrates and scaffolds for cell therapy. Dev Ophthalmol 2014; 53:143-54. [PMID: 24732768 DOI: 10.1159/000357369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Retinal degeneration, associated with loss of photoreceptors, is the primary cause of permanent vision impairment, impacting millions of people worldwide. Age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa are two common retinal diseases resulting in photoreceptor loss and vision impairment or blindness. Presently, available treatments can only delay the progress of retinal degeneration, and there are no treatments that can restore permanent vision loss. Research is underway to develop methods of regenerating the impaired retina by delivering photoreceptor precursor cells and retinal pigment epithelium to the subretinal space. Challenges to cell transplantation include limited survival upon implantation and the formation of abnormal cell architectures in vivo. Retinal tissue engineering shows immense promise and potential in treatment of retinal degeneration by employing scaffold-based delivery systems of retinal progenitor cells to the subretinal space. Scaffold delivery strategy has been shown to enhance the cell survival and direct cell differentiation in a variety of retinal degenerative models. In this chapter, we summarize the research findings on different scaffold- or substrate-based transplantation techniques used to deliver retinal progenitor/photoreceptor precursors and retinal pigment epithelial cells to the subretinal space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joydip Kundu
- Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Mass., USA
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Luo J, Baranov P, Patel S, Ouyang H, Quach J, Wu F, Qiu A, Luo H, Hicks C, Zeng J, Zhu J, Lu J, Sfeir N, Wen C, Zhang M, Reade V, Patel S, Sinden J, Sun X, Shaw P, Young M, Zhang K. Human retinal progenitor cell transplantation preserves vision. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:6362-6371. [PMID: 24407289 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.513713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell transplantation is a potential therapeutic strategy for retinal degenerative diseases involving the loss of photoreceptors. However, it faces challenges to clinical translation due to safety concerns and a limited supply of cells. Human retinal progenitor cells (hRPCs) from fetal neural retina are expandable in vitro and maintain an undifferentiated state. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of hRPCs transplanted into a Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat model of retinal degeneration. At 12 weeks, optokinetic response showed that hRPC-grafted eyes had significantly superior visual acuity compared with vehicle-treated eyes. Histological evaluation of outer nuclear layer (ONL) characteristics such as ONL thickness, spread distance, and cell count demonstrated a significantly greater preservation of the ONL in hRPC-treated eyes compared with both vehicle-treated and control eyes. The transplanted hRPCs arrested visual decline over time in the RCS rat and rescued retinal morphology, demonstrating their potential as a therapy for retinal diseases. We suggest that the preservation of visual acuity was likely achieved through host photoreceptor rescue. We found that hRPC transplantation into the subretinal space of RCS rats was well tolerated, with no adverse effects such as tumor formation noted at 12 weeks after treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Xiangya Hospital and International Academy of Translational Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Institute for Genomic Medicine and Shiley Eye Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Petr Baranov
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts 02114
| | - Sherrina Patel
- Institute for Genomic Medicine and Shiley Eye Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Hong Ouyang
- Institute for Genomic Medicine and Shiley Eye Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - John Quach
- Institute for Genomic Medicine and Shiley Eye Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Frances Wu
- Institute for Genomic Medicine and Shiley Eye Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Austin Qiu
- Institute for Genomic Medicine and Shiley Eye Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093; Molecular Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Hongrong Luo
- Institute for Genomic Medicine and Shiley Eye Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093; Molecular Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Caroline Hicks
- ReNeuron Ltd., Guildford, Surrey GU2 7AF, United Kingdom
| | - Jing Zeng
- Institute for Genomic Medicine and Shiley Eye Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093; Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Jing Zhu
- Institute for Genomic Medicine and Shiley Eye Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093; Molecular Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Jessica Lu
- Institute for Genomic Medicine and Shiley Eye Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Nicole Sfeir
- Institute for Genomic Medicine and Shiley Eye Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Cindy Wen
- Institute for Genomic Medicine and Shiley Eye Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Meixia Zhang
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | | | - Sara Patel
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - John Sinden
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xiaodong Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai 200080, China; Eye Research Institute, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai 200080, China.
| | - Peter Shaw
- Institute for Genomic Medicine and Shiley Eye Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Michael Young
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts 02114
| | - Kang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Xiangya Hospital and International Academy of Translational Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Institute for Genomic Medicine and Shiley Eye Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093; Molecular Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, San Diego, California 92161.
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Baranov P, Regatieri C, Melo G, Clissold H, Young M. Synthetic peptide-acrylate surface for self-renewal of human retinal progenitor cells. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2012; 19:265-70. [PMID: 22920918 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2012.0217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human retinal progenitor cells (hRPCs), isolated from fetal retina, require extracellular matrix proteins such as fibronectin or laminin for successful attachment and self-renewal in vitro. Here we have shown that a novel synthetic vitronectin-mimicking surface supports self-renewal and multipotency of hRPCs in a chemically defined culture system. The morphology, adhesion, and proliferation of hRPC were equivalent on a novel vitronectin-mimicking surface (Synthemax) compared to a fibronectin-coated surface. When evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and flow cytometry, both surfaces maintained self-renewal of hRPCs, as shown by similar expression levels of Sox2, Nestin, cMyc, Klf4, and Pax6, with no change in integrin beta1 and integrin alpha5 expression. We suggest that the use of synthetic, xeno-free surfaces such as Synthemax will be useful for basic research studies, as well as development of translational strategies aimed at using stem cell transplantation to treat disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Baranov
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Foundation, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.
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Hofmann DM, Zhou H, Pfisterer DR, Alves H, Meyer BK, Baranov P, Romanov N, de Mello Donega C, Meijering A, Orinskii S, Blok H, Schmidt J. Donors in ZnO nanocrystals. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004. [DOI: 10.1002/pssc.200304254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Mueller F, Sommer I, Baranov P, Matadeen R, Stoldt M, Wöhnert J, Görlach M, van Heel M, Brimacombe R. The 3D arrangement of the 23 S and 5 S rRNA in the Escherichia coli 50 S ribosomal subunit based on a cryo-electron microscopic reconstruction at 7.5 A resolution. J Mol Biol 2000; 298:35-59. [PMID: 10756104 DOI: 10.1006/jmbi.2000.3635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The Escherichia coli 23 S and 5 S rRNA molecules have been fitted helix by helix to a cryo-electron microscopic (EM) reconstruction of the 50 S ribosomal subunit, using an unfiltered version of the recently published 50 S reconstruction at 7.5 A resolution. At this resolution, the EM density shows a well-defined network of fine structural elements, in which the major and minor grooves of the rRNA helices can be discerned at many locations. The 3D folding of the rRNA molecules within this EM density is constrained by their well-established secondary structures, and further constraints are provided by intra and inter-rRNA crosslinking data, as well as by tertiary interactions and pseudoknots. RNA-protein cross-link and foot-print sites on the 23 S and 5 S rRNA were used to position the rRNA elements concerned in relation to the known arrangement of the ribosomal proteins as determined by immuno-electron microscopy. The published X-ray or NMR structures of seven 50 S ribosomal proteins or RNA-protein complexes were incorporated into the EM density. The 3D locations of cross-link and foot-print sites to the 23 S rRNA from tRNA bound to the ribosomal A, P or E sites were correlated with the positions of the tRNA molecules directly observed in earlier reconstructions of the 70 S ribosome at 13 A or 20 A. Similarly, the positions of cross-link sites within the peptidyl transferase ring of the 23 S rRNA from the aminoacyl residue of tRNA were correlated with the locations of the CCA ends of the A and P site tRNA. Sites on the 23 S rRNA that are cross-linked to the N termini of peptides of different lengths were all found to lie within or close to the internal tunnel connecting the peptidyl transferase region with the presumed peptide exit site on the solvent side of the 50 S subunit. The post-transcriptionally modified bases in the 23 S rRNA form a cluster close to the peptidyl transferase area. The minimum conserved core elements of the secondary structure of the 23 S rRNA form a compact block within the 3D structure and, conversely, the points corresponding to the locations of expansion segments in 28 S rRNA all lie on the outside of the structure.
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MESH Headings
- Base Sequence
- Binding Sites
- Computer Simulation
- Conserved Sequence/genetics
- Cross-Linking Reagents
- Cryoelectron Microscopy
- Crystallography, X-Ray
- Escherichia coli/chemistry
- Escherichia coli/genetics
- Fungal Proteins/metabolism
- Microscopy, Immunoelectron
- Models, Molecular
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular
- Nucleic Acid Conformation
- Peptide Elongation Factor Tu/metabolism
- RNA, Bacterial/chemistry
- RNA, Bacterial/genetics
- RNA, Bacterial/metabolism
- RNA, Bacterial/ultrastructure
- RNA, Ribosomal, 23S/chemistry
- RNA, Ribosomal, 23S/genetics
- RNA, Ribosomal, 23S/metabolism
- RNA, Ribosomal, 23S/ultrastructure
- RNA, Ribosomal, 5S/chemistry
- RNA, Ribosomal, 5S/genetics
- RNA, Ribosomal, 5S/metabolism
- RNA, Ribosomal, 5S/ultrastructure
- RNA, Transfer/chemistry
- RNA, Transfer/genetics
- RNA, Transfer/metabolism
- RNA, Transfer/ultrastructure
- Ribonucleases/metabolism
- Ribosomal Proteins/metabolism
- Ribosomes/chemistry
- Ribosomes/genetics
- Ribosomes/metabolism
- Ribosomes/ultrastructure
- Ricin/metabolism
- Thermodynamics
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Affiliation(s)
- F Mueller
- Max-Planck-Institut für Molekulare Genetik, Ihnestrasse 73, Berlin, 14195, Germany
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