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Kawai K, Ho MT, Ueno Y, Abdo D, Xue C, Nonaka H, Nishida H, Honma Y, Wallace VA, Shoichet MS. Hyaluronan improves photoreceptor differentiation and maturation in human retinal organoids. Acta Biomater 2024; 181:117-132. [PMID: 38705224 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Human stem cell-derived organoids enable both disease modeling and serve as a source of cells for transplantation. Human retinal organoids are particularly important as a source of human photoreceptors; however, the long differentiation period required and lack of vascularization in the organoid often results in a necrotic core and death of inner retinal cells before photoreceptors are fully mature. Manipulating the in vitro environment of differentiating retinal organoids through the incorporation of extracellular matrix components could influence retinal development. We investigated the addition of hyaluronan (HA), a component of the interphotoreceptor matrix, as an additive to promote long-term organoid survival and enhance retinal maturation. HA treatment had a significant reduction in the proportion of proliferating (Ki67+) cells and increase in the proportion of photoreceptors (CRX+), suggesting that HA accelerated photoreceptor commitment in vitro. HA significantly upregulated genes specific to photoreceptor maturation and outer segment development. Interestingly, prolonged HA-treatment significantly decreased the length of the brush border layer compared to those in control retinal organoids, where the photoreceptor outer segments reside; however, HA-treated organoids also had more mature outer segments with organized discs structures, as revealed by transmission electron microscopy. The brush border layer length was inversely proportional to the molar mass and viscosity of the hyaluronan added. This is the first study to investigate the role of exogenous HA, viscosity, and polymer molar mass on photoreceptor maturation, emphasizing the importance of material properties on organoid culture. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Retinal organoids are a powerful tool to study retinal development in vitro, though like many other organoid systems, can be highly variable. In this work, Shoichet and colleagues investigated the use of hyaluronan (HA), a native component of the interphotoreceptor matrix, to improve photoreceptor maturation in developing human retinal organoids. HA promoted human photoreceptor differentiation leading to mature outer segments with disc formation and more uniform and healthy retinal organoids. These findings highlight the importance of adding components native to the developing retina to generate more physiologically relevant photoreceptors for cell therapy and in vitro models to drive drug discovery and uncover novel disease mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotoe Kawai
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Canada; Regenerative Medicine Research and Planning Division, Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 6-5-4 Kunimidai, Kizugawa, Kyoto 619-0216, Japan
| | - Margaret T Ho
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Canada; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Yui Ueno
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Canada; Regenerative Medicine Research and Planning Division, Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 6-5-4 Kunimidai, Kizugawa, Kyoto 619-0216, Japan; Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Dhana Abdo
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Canada; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Chang Xue
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Canada; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Hidenori Nonaka
- Regenerative Medicine Research and Planning Division, Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 6-5-4 Kunimidai, Kizugawa, Kyoto 619-0216, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nishida
- Regenerative Medicine Research and Planning Division, Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 6-5-4 Kunimidai, Kizugawa, Kyoto 619-0216, Japan
| | - Yoichi Honma
- Regenerative Medicine Research and Planning Division, Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 6-5-4 Kunimidai, Kizugawa, Kyoto 619-0216, Japan
| | - Valerie A Wallace
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Molly S Shoichet
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Canada; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Canada; Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Canada; Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Canada.
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Ho MT, Kawai K, Abdo D, Comanita L, Ortin-Martinez A, Ueno Y, Tsao E, Rastgar-Moghadam A, Xue C, Cui H, Wallace VA, Shoichet MS. Transplanted human photoreceptors transfer cytoplasmic material but not to the recipient mouse retina. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:79. [PMID: 38486269 PMCID: PMC10941468 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03679-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The discovery of material transfer between transplanted and host mouse photoreceptors has expanded the possibilities for utilizing transplanted photoreceptors as potential vehicles for delivering therapeutic cargo. However, previous research has not directly explored the capacity for human photoreceptors to engage in material transfer, as human photoreceptor transplantation has primarily been investigated in rodent models of late-stage retinal disease, which lack host photoreceptors. METHODS In this study, we transplanted human stem-cell derived photoreceptors purified from human retinal organoids at different ontological ages (weeks 10, 14, or 20) into mouse models with intact photoreceptors and assessed transfer of human proteins and organelles to mouse photoreceptors. RESULTS Unexpectedly, regardless of donor age or mouse recipient background, human photoreceptors did not transfer material in the mouse retina, though a rare subset of donor cells (< 5%) integrated into the mouse photoreceptor cell layer. To investigate the possibility that a species barrier impeded transfer, we used a flow cytometric assay to examine material transfer in vitro. Interestingly, dissociated human photoreceptors transferred fluorescent protein with each other in vitro, yet no transfer was detected in co-cultures of human and mouse photoreceptors, suggesting that material transfer is species specific. CONCLUSIONS While xenograft models are not a tractable system to study material transfer of human photoreceptors, these findings demonstrate that human retinal organoid-derived photoreceptors are competent donors for material transfer and thus may be useful to treat retinal degenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret T Ho
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E2, Canada
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Kotoe Kawai
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Regenerative Medicine Research and Planning Division, Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 6-5-4 Kunimidai, Kizugawa, Kyoto, 619-0216, Japan
| | - Dhana Abdo
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E2, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lacrimioara Comanita
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Arturo Ortin-Martinez
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Yui Ueno
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E2, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Regenerative Medicine Research and Planning Division, Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 6-5-4 Kunimidai, Kizugawa, Kyoto, 619-0216, Japan
| | - Emily Tsao
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E2, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Azam Rastgar-Moghadam
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Chang Xue
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E2, Canada
| | - Hong Cui
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E2, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Valerie A Wallace
- Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Molly S Shoichet
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E2, Canada.
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Bohrer LR, Stone NE, Wright AT, Han S, Sicher I, Sulchek TA, Mullins RF, Tucker BA. CGMP Compliant Microfluidic Transfection of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for CRISPR-Mediated Genome Editing. Stem Cells 2023; 41:1037-1046. [PMID: 37632456 PMCID: PMC10631803 DOI: 10.1093/stmcls/sxad063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Inherited retinal degeneration is a term used to describe heritable disorders that result from the death of light sensing photoreceptor cells. Although we and others believe that it will be possible to use gene therapy to halt disease progression early in its course, photoreceptor cell replacement will likely be required for patients who have already lost their sight. While advances in autologous photoreceptor cell manufacturing have been encouraging, development of technologies capable of efficiently delivering genome editing reagents to stem cells using current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) are needed. Gene editing reagents were delivered to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) using a Zephyr microfluidic transfection platform (CellFE). CRISPR-mediated cutting was quantified using an endonuclease assay. CRISPR correction was confirmed via digital PCR and Sanger sequencing. The resulting corrected cells were also karyotyped and differentiated into retinal organoids. We describe use of a novel microfluidic transfection platform to correct, via CRISPR-mediated homology-dependent repair (HDR), a disease-causing NR2E3 mutation in patient-derived iPSCs using cGMP compatible reagents and approaches. We show that the resulting cell lines have a corrected genotype, exhibit no off-target cutting, retain pluripotency and a normal karyotype and can be differentiated into retinal tissue suitable for transplantation. The ability to codeliver CRISPR/Cas9 and HDR templates to patient-derived iPSCs without using proprietary transfection reagents will streamline manufacturing protocols, increase the safety of resulting cell therapies, and greatly reduce the regulatory burden of clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura R Bohrer
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Nicholas E Stone
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Allison T Wright
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | | | - Todd A Sulchek
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Robert F Mullins
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Budd A Tucker
- Institute for Vision Research, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Lapshin EV, Gershovich YG, Karabelsky AV. The Potential and Application of iPSCs in Gene and Cell Therapy for Retinopathies and Optic Neuropathies. Acta Naturae 2023; 15:56-64. [PMID: 38234607 PMCID: PMC10790360 DOI: 10.32607/actanaturae.25454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on in vitro modeling of diseases and the development of therapeutic strategies using iPSCs for the two most common types of optical pathologies: hereditary neuropathies and retinopathies. Degeneration of retinal ganglion cells and the subsequent optic nerve atrophy leads to various types of neuropathies. Damage to photoreceptor cells or retinal pigment epithelium cells causes various retinopathies. Human iPSCs can be used as a model for studying the pathological foundations of diseases and for developing therapies to restore visual function. In recent years, significant progress has also been made in creating ganglionic and retinal organoids from iPSCs. Different research groups have published data pertaining to the potential of using iPSCs for the modeling of optic neuropathies such as glaucoma, Leber hereditary optic neuropathy, etc., including in the development of therapeutic approaches using gene editing tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. V. Lapshin
- Gene Therapy Department, Science Center for Translational Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Krasnodar Region, Sirius, 354340 Russian Federation
| | - Y. G. Gershovich
- Gene Therapy Department, Science Center for Translational Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Krasnodar Region, Sirius, 354340 Russian Federation
| | - A. V. Karabelsky
- Gene Therapy Department, Science Center for Translational Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Krasnodar Region, Sirius, 354340 Russian Federation
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Arthur P, Kandoi S, Sun L, Kalvala A, Kutlehria S, Bhattacharya S, Kulkarni T, Nimma R, Li Y, Lamba DA, Singh M. Biophysical, Molecular and Proteomic Profiling of Human Retinal Organoid-Derived Exosomes. Pharm Res 2023; 40:801-816. [PMID: 36002615 PMCID: PMC10576571 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-022-03350-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE There is a growing interest in extracellular vesicles (EVs) for ocular applications as therapeutics, biomarkers, and drug delivery vehicles. EVs secreted from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown to provide therapeutic benefits in ocular conditions. However, very little is known about the properties of bioreactor cultured-3D human retinal organoids secreted EVs. This study provides a comprehensive morphological, nanomechanical, molecular, and proteomic characterization of retinal organoid EVs and compares it with human umbilical cord (hUC) MSCs. METHODS The morphology and nanomechanical properties of retinal organoid EVs were assessed using Nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and Atomic force microscopy (AFM). Gene expression analysis of exosome biogenesis of early and late retinal organoids were compared using qPCR. The protein profile of the EVs were analyzed with proteomic tools. RESULTS NTA indicated the average size of EV as 100-250 nm. A high expression of exosome biogenesis genes was observed in late retinal organoids EVs. Immunoblot analysis showed highly expressed exosomal markers in late retinal organoids EVs compared to early retinal organoids EVs. Protein profiling of retinal organoid EVs displayed a higher differential expression of retinal function-related proteins and EV biogenesis proteins than hUCMSC EVs, implicating that the use of retinal organoid EVs may have a superior therapeutic effect on retinal disorders. CONCLUSION This study provides supplementary knowledge on the properties of retinal organoid EVs and suggests their potential use in the diagnostic and therapeutic treatments for ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peggy Arthur
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmacological Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Sangeetha Kandoi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Anil Kalvala
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmacological Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Shallu Kutlehria
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmacological Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Santanu Bhattacharya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo College of Medicine and Science, Jacksonville, FL, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo College of Medicine and Science, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Tanmay Kulkarni
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo College of Medicine and Science, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Ramesh Nimma
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmacological Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA.
| | - Deepak A Lamba
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Mandip Singh
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmacological Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, USA.
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Xiao Y, Mao X, Hu X, Yuan S, Chen X, Dai W, Zhang S, Li Y, Chen M, Mao P, Liu Y, Liu Q, Hu Y. Single-Cell Transcriptomic Profiling of Human Retinal Organoids Revealed a Role of IGF1-PHLDA1 Axis in Photoreceptor Precursor Specification. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:9. [DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.12.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiying Mao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xing Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Songtao Yuan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wangxuan Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuyao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yonghua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingkang Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Peiyao Mao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yizhi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
- Research Unit of Ocular Development and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qinghuai Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Youjin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Xue Y, Lin B, Chen JT, Tang WC, Browne AW, Seiler MJ. The Prospects for Retinal Organoids in Treatment of Retinal Diseases. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila) 2022; 11:314-327. [PMID: 36041146 PMCID: PMC9966053 DOI: 10.1097/apo.0000000000000538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degeneration (RD) is a significant cause of incurable blindness worldwide. Photoreceptors and retinal pigmented epithelium are irreversibly damaged in advanced RD. Functional replacement of photoreceptors and/or retinal pigmented epithelium cells is a promising approach to restoring vision. This paper reviews the current status and explores future prospects of the transplantation therapy provided by pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal organoids (ROs). This review summarizes the status of rodent RD disease models and discusses RO culture and analytical tools to evaluate RO quality and function. Finally, we review and discuss the studies in which RO-derived cells or sheets were transplanted. In conclusion, methods to derive ROs from pluripotent stem cells have significantly improved and become more efficient in recent years. Meanwhile, more novel technologies are applied to characterize and validate RO quality. However, opportunity remains to optimize tissue differentiation protocols and achieve better RO reproducibility. In order to screen high-quality ROs for downstream applications, approaches such as noninvasive and label-free imaging and electrophysiological functional testing are promising and worth further investigation. Lastly, transplanted RO-derived tissues have allowed improvements in visual function in several RD models, showing promises for clinical applications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuntian Xue
- Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA
- Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, CA
| | - Bin Lin
- Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, CA
| | - Jacqueline T. Chen
- Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, CA
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA
| | - William C. Tang
- Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA
| | - Andrew W. Browne
- Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, University of California, Irvine, CA
| | - Magdalene J. Seiler
- Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, CA
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, CA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California, Irvine, CA
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA
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Guan Y, Wang Y, Zheng D, Xie B, Xu P, Gao G, Zhong X. Generation of an RCVRN-eGFP Reporter hiPSC Line by CRISPR/Cas9 to Monitor Photoreceptor Cell Development and Facilitate the Cell Enrichment for Transplantation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:870441. [PMID: 35573687 PMCID: PMC9096726 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.870441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell-based cell therapies are considered to be promising treatments for retinal disorders with dysfunction or death of photoreceptors. However, the enrichment of human photoreceptors suitable for transplantation has been highly challenging so far. This study aimed to generate a photoreceptor-specific reporter human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) line using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, which harbored an enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) sequence at the endogenous locus of the pan photoreceptor marker recoverin (RCVRN). After confirmation of successful targeting and gene stability, three-dimensional retinal organoids were induced from this reporter line. The RCVRN-eGFP reporter faithfully replicated endogenous protein expression of recoverin and revealed the developmental characteristics of photoreceptors during retinal differentiation. The RCVRN-eGFP specifically and steadily labeled photoreceptor cells from photoreceptor precursors to mature rods and cones. Additionally, abundant eGFP-positive photoreceptors were enriched by fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and their transcriptome signatures were revealed by RNA sequencing and data analysis. Moreover, potential clusters of differentiation (CD) biomarkers were extracted for the enrichment of photoreceptors for clinical applications, such as CD133 for the positive selection of photoreceptors. Altogether, the RCVRN-eGFP reporter hiPSC line was successfully established and the first global expression database of recoverin-positive photoreceptors was constructed. These achievements will provide a powerful tool for dynamically monitoring photoreceptor cell development and purification of human photoreceptors, thus facilitating photoreceptor cell therapy for advanced retinal disorders.
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Gasparini SJ, Tessmer K, Reh M, Wieneke S, Carido M, Völkner M, Borsch O, Swiersy A, Zuzic M, Goureau O, Kurth T, Busskamp V, Zeck G, Karl MO, Ader M. Transplanted human cones incorporate and function in a murine cone degeneration model. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:154619. [PMID: 35482419 PMCID: PMC9197520 DOI: 10.1172/jci154619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Once human photoreceptors die, they do not regenerate, thus, photoreceptor transplantation has emerged as a potential treatment approach for blinding diseases. Improvements in transplant organization, donor cell maturation, and synaptic connectivity to the host will be critical in advancing this technology for use in clinical practice. Unlike the unstructured grafts of prior cell-suspension transplantations into end-stage degeneration models, we describe the extensive incorporation of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) retinal organoid–derived human photoreceptors into mice with cone dysfunction. This incorporative phenotype was validated in both cone-only as well as pan-photoreceptor transplantations. Rather than forming a glial barrier, Müller cells extended throughout the graft, even forming a series of adherens junctions between mouse and human cells, reminiscent of an outer limiting membrane. Donor-host interaction appeared to promote polarization as well as the development of morphological features critical for light detection, namely the formation of inner and well-stacked outer segments oriented toward the retinal pigment epithelium. Putative synapse formation and graft function were evident at both structural and electrophysiological levels. Overall, these results show that human photoreceptors interacted readily with a partially degenerated retina. Moreover, incorporation into the host retina appeared to be beneficial to graft maturation, polarization, and function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karen Tessmer
- Ader Lab, Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Miriam Reh
- Department of Neurophysics, NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Stephanie Wieneke
- Karl Lab, Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Madalena Carido
- Ader Lab, Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Manuela Völkner
- Karl Lab, Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Oliver Borsch
- Ader Lab, Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Anka Swiersy
- Busskamp Lab, Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marta Zuzic
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Olivier Goureau
- Institut de la Vision, INSERM, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Kurth
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Volker Busskamp
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Günther Zeck
- Department of Neurophysics, NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Mike O Karl
- Karl Lab, Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marius Ader
- Ader Lab, Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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10
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Interaction of human CRX and NRL in live HEK293T cells measured using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Sci Rep 2022; 12:6937. [PMID: 35484285 PMCID: PMC9050680 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10689-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
CRX and NRL are retina-specific transcription factors that control rod photoreceptor differentiation and synergistically activate rod phototransduction gene expression. Previous experiments showed they interact in vitro and in yeast two-hybrid assays. Here, we examined CRX-NRL interaction in live HEK293T cells using two fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) approaches: confocal microscopy and flow cytometry (FC-FRET). FC-FRET can provide measurements from many cells having wide donor–acceptor expression ranges. FRET efficiencies were calibrated with a series of donor (EGFP)-acceptor (mCherry) fusion proteins separated with linkers between 6–45 amino acids. CRX and NRL were fused at either terminus with EGFP or mCherry to create fluorescent proteins, and all combinations were tested in transiently transfected cells. FRET signals between CRX or NRL homo-pairs were highest with both fluorophores fused to the DNA binding domains (DBD), lower with both fused to the activation domains (AD), and not significant when fused on opposite termini. NRL had stronger FRET signals than CRX. A significant FRET signal between CRX and NRL hetero-pairs was detected when donor was fused to the CRX DNA binding domain and the acceptor fused to the NRL activation domain. FRET signals increased with CRX or NRL expression levels at a rate much higher than expected for collisional FRET alone. Together, our results show the formation of CRX-NRL complexes in live HEK293T cells that are close enough for FRET.
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11
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Nazlamova L, Cassidy EJ, Sowden JC, Lotery A, Lakowski J. Generation of a Cone Photoreceptor-specific GNGT2 Reporter Line in Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Stem Cells 2022; 40:190-203. [PMID: 35293574 DOI: 10.1093/stmcls/sxab015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Fluorescent reporter lines generated in human pluripotent stem cells are a highly useful tool to track, isolate, and analyze cell types and lineages in live cultures. Here, we generate the first human cone photoreceptor reporter cell line by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing of a human embryonic stem cell (hESC) line to tag both alleles of the Guanine nucleotide-binding protein subunit gamma-T2 (GNGT2) gene with a mCherry reporter cassette. Three-dimensional optic vesicle-like structures were produced to verify reporter fidelity and track cones throughout their development in culture. The GNGT2-T2A-mCherry hESC line faithfully and robustly labels GNGT2-expressing cones throughout the entirety of their differentiation in vitro, recapitulating normal fetal expression of this gene. Our observations indicate that human cones undergo significant migratory activity during the course of differentiation in vitro. Consistent with this, our analysis of human fetal retinae from different stages of development finds positional differences of the cone population depending on their state of maturation. This novel reporter line will provide a useful tool for investigating human cone development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliya Nazlamova
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Emma-Jane Cassidy
- Wessex Regional Genetics Laboratory, Salisbury District Hospital, Salisbury, UK
| | - Jane C Sowden
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Andrew Lotery
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jörn Lakowski
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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12
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Isla-Magrané H, Veiga A, García-Arumí J, Duarri A. Multiocular organoids from human induced pluripotent stem cells displayed retinal, corneal, and retinal pigment epithelium lineages. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:581. [PMID: 34809716 PMCID: PMC8607587 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02651-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, great efforts have been made to design protocols for obtaining ocular cells from human stem cells to model diseases or for regenerative purposes. Current protocols generally focus on isolating retinal cells, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), or corneal cells and fail to recapitulate the complexity of the tissue during eye development. Here, the generation of more advanced in vitro multiocular organoids from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) is demonstrated. METHODS A 2-step method was established to first obtain self-organized multizone ocular progenitor cells (mzOPCs) from 2D hiPSC cultures within three weeks. Then, after the cells were manually isolated and grown in suspension, 3D multiocular organoids were generated to model important cellular features of developing eyes. RESULTS In the 2D culture, self-formed mzOPCs spanned the neuroectoderm, surface ectoderm, neural crest, and RPE, mimicking early stages of eye development. After lifting, mzOPCs developed into different 3D multiocular organoids composed of multiple cell lineages including RPE, retina, and cornea, and interactions between the different cell types and regions of the eye system were observed. Within these organoids, the retinal regions exhibited correct layering and contained all major retinal cell subtypes as well as retinal morphological cues, whereas the corneal regions closely resembled the transparent ocular-surface epithelium and contained of corneal, limbal, and conjunctival epithelial cells. The arrangement of RPE cells also formed organoids composed of polarized pigmented epithelial cells at the surface that were completely filled with collagen matrix. CONCLUSIONS This approach clearly demonstrated the advantages of the combined 2D-3D construction tissue model as it provided a more ocular native-like cellular environment than that of previous models. In this complex preparations, multiocular organoids may be used to model the crosstalk between different cell types in eye development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Isla-Magrané
- Ophthalmology Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Veiga
- Regenerative Medicine Program IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José García-Arumí
- Ophthalmology Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Anna Duarri
- Ophthalmology Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Spain.
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13
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Eldred KC, Reh TA. Human retinal model systems: Strengths, weaknesses, and future directions. Dev Biol 2021; 480:114-122. [PMID: 34529997 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The retina is a complex neuronal structure that converts light energy into visual perception. Many specialized aspects of the primate retina, including a cone rich macula for high acuity vision, ocular size, and cell type diversity are not found in other animal models. In addition, the unique morphologies and distinct laminar positions of cell types found in the retina make this model system ideal for the study of neuronal cell fate specification. Many key early events of human retinal development are inaccessible to investigation as they occur during gestation. For these reasons, it has been necessary to develop retinal model systems to gain insight into human-specific retinal development and disease. Recent advances in culturing retinal tissue have generated new systems for retinal research and have moved us closer to generating effective regenerative therapies for vision loss. Here, we describe the strengths, weaknesses, and future directions for different human retinal model systems including dissociated primary tissue, explanted primary tissue, retinospheres, and stem cell-derived retinal organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiara C Eldred
- Department of Biological Structure, Institute for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Thomas A Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, Institute for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
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14
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Xue Y, Seiler MJ, Tang WC, Wang JY, Delgado J, McLelland BT, Nistor G, Keirstead HS, Browne AW. Retinal organoids on-a-chip: a micro-millifluidic bioreactor for long-term organoid maintenance. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:3361-3377. [PMID: 34236056 PMCID: PMC8387452 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00011j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Retinal degeneration is a leading cause of vision impairment and blindness worldwide and medical care for advanced disease does not exist. Stem cell-derived retinal organoids (RtOgs) became an emerging tool for tissue replacement therapy. However, existing RtOg production methods are highly heterogeneous. Controlled and predictable methodology and tools are needed to standardize RtOg production and maintenance. In this study, we designed a shear stress-free micro-millifluidic bioreactor for nearly labor-free retinal organoid maintenance. We used a stereolithography (SLA) 3D printer to fabricate a mold from which Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was cast. We optimized the chip design using in silico simulations and in vitro evaluation to optimize mass transfer efficiency and concentration uniformity in each culture chamber. We successfully cultured RtOgs at three different differentiation stages (day 41, 88, and 128) on an optimized bioreactor chip for more than 1 month. We used different quantitative and qualitative techniques to fully characterize the RtOgs produced by static dish culture and bioreactor culture methods. By analyzing the results from phase contrast microscopy, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA seq), quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), immunohistology, and electron microscopy, we found that bioreactor-cultured RtOgs developed cell types and morphology comparable to static cultured ones and exhibited similar retinal genes expression levels. We also evaluated the metabolic activity of RtOgs in both groups using fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM), and found that the outer surface region of bioreactor cultured RtOgs had a comparable free/bound NADH ratio and overall lower long lifetime species (LLS) ratio than static cultured RtOgs during imaging. To summarize, we validated an automated micro-millifluidic device with significantly reduced shear stress to produce RtOgs of comparable quality to those maintained in conventional static culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuntian Xue
- Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
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15
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Ludwig AL, Gamm DM. Outer Retinal Cell Replacement: Putting the Pieces Together. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:15. [PMID: 34724034 PMCID: PMC8572485 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.10.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases (RDDs) affecting photoreceptors (PRs) are one of the most prevalent sources of incurable blindness worldwide. Due to a lack of endogenous repair mechanisms, functional cell replacement of PRs and/or retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) cells are among the most anticipated approaches for restoring vision in advanced RDD. Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) technologies have accelerated development of outer retinal cell therapies as they provide a theoretically unlimited source of donor cells. Human PSC-RPE replacement therapies have progressed rapidly, with several completed and ongoing clinical trials. Although potentially more promising, hPSC-PR replacement therapies are still in their infancy. A first-in-human trial of hPSC-derived neuroretinal transplantation has recently begun, but a number of questions regarding survival, reproducibility, functional integration, and mechanism of action remain. The discovery of biomaterial transfer between donor and PR cells has highlighted the need for rigorous safety and efficacy studies of PR replacement. In this review, we briefly discuss the history of neuroretinal and PR cell transplantation to identify remaining challenges and outline a stepwise approach to address specific pieces of the outer retinal cell replacement puzzle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison L. Ludwig
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - David M. Gamm
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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16
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Sharma A, Jaganathan BG. Stem Cell Therapy for Retinal Degeneration: The Evidence to Date. Biologics 2021; 15:299-306. [PMID: 34349498 PMCID: PMC8327474 DOI: 10.2147/btt.s290331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
There is a rise in the number of people who have vision loss due to retinal diseases, and conventional therapies for treating retinal degeneration fail to repair and regenerate the damaged retina. Several studies in animal models and human trials have explored the use of stem cells to repair the retinal tissue to improve visual acuity. In addition to the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR), stem cell therapies were used to treat genetic diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and Stargardt’s disease, characterized by gradual loss of photoreceptor cells in the retina. Transplantation of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells derived from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have shown promising results in improving retinal function in various preclinical models of retinal degeneration and clinical studies without any severe side effects. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were utilized to treat optic neuropathy, RP, DR, and glaucoma with positive clinical outcomes. This review summarizes the preclinical and clinical evidence of stem cell therapy and current limitations in utilizing stem cells for retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Sharma
- Stem Cells and Cancer Biology Research Group, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Bithiah Grace Jaganathan
- Stem Cells and Cancer Biology Research Group, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
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17
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Mullin NK, Voigt AP, Cooke JA, Bohrer LR, Burnight ER, Stone EM, Mullins RF, Tucker BA. Patient derived stem cells for discovery and validation of novel pathogenic variants in inherited retinal disease. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 83:100918. [PMID: 33130253 PMCID: PMC8559964 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Our understanding of inherited retinal disease has benefited immensely from molecular genetic analysis over the past several decades. New technologies that allow for increasingly detailed examination of a patient's DNA have expanded the catalog of genes and specific variants that cause retinal disease. In turn, the identification of pathogenic variants has allowed the development of gene therapies and low-cost, clinically focused genetic testing. Despite this progress, a relatively large fraction (at least 20%) of patients with clinical features suggestive of an inherited retinal disease still do not have a molecular diagnosis today. Variants that are not obviously disruptive to the codon sequence of exons can be difficult to distinguish from the background of benign human genetic variations. Some of these variants exert their pathogenic effect not by altering the primary amino acid sequence, but by modulating gene expression, isoform splicing, or other transcript-level mechanisms. While not discoverable by DNA sequencing methods alone, these variants are excellent targets for studies of the retinal transcriptome. In this review, we present an overview of the current state of pathogenic variant discovery in retinal disease and identify some of the remaining barriers. We also explore the utility of new technologies, specifically patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based modeling, in further expanding the catalog of disease-causing variants using transcriptome-focused methods. Finally, we outline bioinformatic analysis techniques that will allow this new method of variant discovery in retinal disease. As the knowledge gleaned from previous technologies is informing targets for therapies today, we believe that integrating new technologies, such as iPSC-based modeling, into the molecular diagnosis pipeline will enable a new wave of variant discovery and expanded treatment of inherited retinal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel K Mullin
- The Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Andrew P Voigt
- The Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jessica A Cooke
- The Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Laura R Bohrer
- The Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Erin R Burnight
- The Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Edwin M Stone
- The Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Robert F Mullins
- The Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Budd A Tucker
- The Institute for Vision Research, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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18
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Wagstaff EL, Heredero Berzal A, Boon CJF, Quinn PMJ, ten Asbroek ALMA, Bergen AA. The Role of Small Molecules and Their Effect on the Molecular Mechanisms of Early Retinal Organoid Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7081. [PMID: 34209272 PMCID: PMC8268497 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Early in vivo embryonic retinal development is a well-documented and evolutionary conserved process. The specification towards eye development is temporally controlled by consecutive activation or inhibition of multiple key signaling pathways, such as the Wnt and hedgehog signaling pathways. Recently, with the use of retinal organoids, researchers aim to manipulate these pathways to achieve better human representative models for retinal development and disease. To achieve this, a plethora of different small molecules and signaling factors have been used at various time points and concentrations in retinal organoid differentiations, with varying success. Additions differ from protocol to protocol, but their usefulness or efficiency has not yet been systematically reviewed. Interestingly, many of these small molecules affect the same and/or multiple pathways, leading to reduced reproducibility and high variability between studies. In this review, we make an inventory of the key signaling pathways involved in early retinogenesis and their effect on the development of the early retina in vitro. Further, we provide a comprehensive overview of the small molecules and signaling factors that are added to retinal organoid differentiation protocols, documenting the molecular and functional effects of these additions. Lastly, we comparatively evaluate several of these factors using our established retinal organoid methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellie L. Wagstaff
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Andrea Heredero Berzal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.H.B.); (C.J.F.B.)
| | - Camiel J. F. Boon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.H.B.); (C.J.F.B.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter M. J. Quinn
- Jonas Children’s Vision Care and Bernard & Shirlee Brown Glaucoma Laboratory, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology & Cell Biology, Institute of Human Nutrition, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center—New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA;
| | | | - Arthur A. Bergen
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam (UvA), 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.H.B.); (C.J.F.B.)
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN-KNAW), 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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19
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Atkinson SP. A Preview of Selected Articles. Stem Cells 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/stem.3419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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20
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Stone NE, Voigt AP, Mullins RF, Sulchek T, Tucker BA. Microfluidic processing of stem cells for autologous cell replacement. Stem Cells Transl Med 2021; 10:1384-1393. [PMID: 34156760 PMCID: PMC8459636 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.21-0080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Autologous photoreceptor cell replacement is one of the most promising approaches currently under development for the treatment of inherited retinal degenerative blindness. Unlike endogenous stem cell populations, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be differentiated into both rod and cone photoreceptors in high numbers, making them ideal for this application. That said, in addition to photoreceptor cells, state of the art retinal differentiation protocols give rise to all of the different cell types of the normal retina, the majority of which are not required and may in fact hinder successful photoreceptor cell replacement. As such, following differentiation photoreceptor cell enrichment will likely be required. In addition, to prevent the newly generated photoreceptor cells from suffering the same fate as the patient's original cells, correction of the patient's disease‐causing genetic mutations will be necessary. In this review we discuss literature pertaining to the use of different cell sorting and transfection approaches with a focus on the development and use of novel next generation microfluidic devices. We will discuss how gold standard strategies have been used, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and how novel microfluidic platforms can be incorporated into the clinical manufacturing pipeline to reduce the complexity, cost, and regulatory burden associated with clinical grade production of photoreceptor cells for autologous cell replacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas E. Stone
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical EngineeringGeorgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Andrew P. Voigt
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Carver College of MedicineUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Robert F. Mullins
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Carver College of MedicineUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Todd Sulchek
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical EngineeringGeorgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Budd A. Tucker
- Institute for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Carver College of MedicineUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
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21
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Vielle A, Park YK, Secora C, Vergara MN. Organoids for the Study of Retinal Development and Developmental Abnormalities. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:667880. [PMID: 34025363 PMCID: PMC8131530 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.667880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The cumulative knowledge of retina development has been instrumental in the generation of retinal organoid systems from pluripotent stem cells; and these three-dimensional organoid models, in turn, have provided unprecedented opportunities for retinal research and translational applications, including the ability to model disease in a human setting and to apply these models to the development and validation of therapeutic drugs. In this review article, we examine how retinal organoids can also contribute to our understanding of retinal developmental mechanisms, how this knowledge can be applied to modeling developmental abnormalities, and highlight some of the avenues that remain to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Vielle
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Program, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States.,Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Yuna K Park
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Program, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Conner Secora
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Program, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States.,Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, Aurora, CO, United States.,Master of Science in Modern Human Anatomy Program, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - M Natalia Vergara
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Program, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States.,Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, Aurora, CO, United States
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22
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Cuevas E, Holder DL, Alshehri AH, Tréguier J, Lakowski J, Sowden JC. NRL -/- gene edited human embryonic stem cells generate rod-deficient retinal organoids enriched in S-cone-like photoreceptors. Stem Cells 2021; 39:414-428. [PMID: 33400844 PMCID: PMC8438615 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Organoid cultures represent a unique tool to investigate the developmental complexity of tissues like the human retina. NRL is a transcription factor required for the specification and homeostasis of mammalian rod photoreceptors. In Nrl-deficient mice, photoreceptor precursor cells do not differentiate into rods, and instead follow a default photoreceptor specification pathway to generate S-cone-like cells. To investigate whether this genetic switch mechanism is conserved in humans, we used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to engineer an NRL-deficient embryonic stem cell (ESC) line (NRL-/- ), and differentiated it into retinal organoids. Retinal organoids self-organize and resemble embryonic optic vesicles (OVs) that recapitulate the natural histogenesis of rods and cone photoreceptors. NRL-/- OVs develop comparably to controls, and exhibit a laminated, organized retinal structure with markers of photoreceptor synaptogenesis. Using immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), we observed that NRL-/- OVs do not express NRL, or other rod photoreceptor markers directly or indirectly regulated by NRL. On the contrary, they show an abnormal number of photoreceptors positive for S-OPSIN, which define a primordial subtype of cone, and overexpress other cone genes indicating a conserved molecular switch in mammals. This study represents the first evidence in a human in vitro ESC-derived organoid system that NRL is required to define rod identity, and that in its absence S-cone-like cells develop as the default photoreceptor cell type. It shows how gene edited retinal organoids provide a useful system to investigate human photoreceptor specification, relevant for efforts to generate cells for transplantation in retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Cuevas
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child HealthUniversity College London and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research CentreLondonUK
| | - Daniel L. Holder
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child HealthUniversity College London and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research CentreLondonUK
| | - Ashwak H. Alshehri
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child HealthUniversity College London and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research CentreLondonUK
| | - Julie Tréguier
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child HealthUniversity College London and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research CentreLondonUK
| | - Jörn Lakowski
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child HealthUniversity College London and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research CentreLondonUK
- Centre for Human Development, Stem Cells and RegenerationUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Jane C. Sowden
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child HealthUniversity College London and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research CentreLondonUK
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23
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Garita-Hernandez M, Chaffiol A, Guibbal L, Routet F, Khabou H, Riancho L, Toualbi L, Picaud S, Sahel JA, Goureau O, Duebel J, Dalkara D. Control of Microbial Opsin Expression in Stem Cell Derived Cones for Improved Outcomes in Cell Therapy. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:648210. [PMID: 33815066 PMCID: PMC8012682 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.648210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) derived organoids have become increasingly used systems allowing 3D-modeling of human organ development, and disease. They are also a reliable source of cells for transplantation in cell therapy and an excellent model to validate gene therapies. To make full use of these systems, a toolkit of genetic modification techniques is necessary to control their activity in line with the downstream application. We have previously described adeno-associated viruse (AAV) vectors for efficient targeting of cells within human retinal organoids. Here, we describe biological restriction and enhanced gene expression in cone cells of such organoids thanks to the use of a 1.7-kb L-opsin promoter. We illustrate the usefulness of implementing such a promoter to enhance the expression of the red-shifted opsin Jaws in fusion with a fluorescent reporter gene, enabling cell sorting to enrich the desired cell population. Increased Jaws expression after transplantation improved light responses promising better therapeutic outcomes in a cell therapy setting. Our results point to the importance of promoter activity in restricting, improving, and controlling the kinetics of transgene expression during the maturation of hiPSC retinal derivatives. Differentiation requires mechanisms to initiate specific transcriptional changes and to reinforce those changes when mature cell states are reached. By employing a cell-type-specific promoter we put transgene expression under the new transcriptional program of mature cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laure Guibbal
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Fiona Routet
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Hanen Khabou
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Luisa Riancho
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Lyes Toualbi
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Serge Picaud
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- CHNO des Quinze−Vingts, DHU Sight Restore, Paris, France
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | | | - Jens Duebel
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Deniz Dalkara
- Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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24
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Zerti D, Hilgen G, Dorgau B, Collin J, Ader M, Armstrong L, Sernagor E, Lako M. Transplanted pluripotent stem cell-derived photoreceptor precursors elicit conventional and unusual light responses in mice with advanced retinal degeneration. STEM CELLS (DAYTON, OHIO) 2021; 39:882-896. [PMID: 33657251 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Retinal dystrophies often lead to blindness. Developing therapeutic interventions to restore vision is therefore of paramount importance. Here we demonstrate the ability of pluripotent stem cell-derived cone precursors to engraft and restore light responses in the Pde6brd1 mouse, an end-stage photoreceptor degeneration model. Our data show that up to 1.5% of precursors integrate into the host retina, differentiate into cones, and engraft in close apposition to the host bipolar cells. Half of the transplanted mice exhibited visual behavior and of these 33% showed binocular light sensitivity. The majority of retinal ganglion cells exhibited contrast-sensitive ON, OFF or ON-OFF light responses and even motion sensitivity; however, quite a few exhibited unusual responses (eg, light-induced suppression), presumably reflecting remodeling of the neural retina. Our data indicate that despite relatively low engraftment yield, pluripotent stem cell-derived cone precursors can elicit light responsiveness even at advanced degeneration stages. Further work is needed to improve engraftment yield and counteract retinal remodeling to achieve useful clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darin Zerti
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Microscopy Centre and Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Gerrit Hilgen
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Birthe Dorgau
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Joseph Collin
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Marius Ader
- CRTD/Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Lyle Armstrong
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Evelyne Sernagor
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Majlinda Lako
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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25
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Abstract
Cholesterol is a quantitatively and biologically significant constituent of all mammalian cell membrane, including those that comprise the retina. Retinal cholesterol homeostasis entails the interplay between de novo synthesis, uptake, intraretinal sterol transport, metabolism, and efflux. Defects in these complex processes are associated with several congenital and age-related disorders of the visual system. Herein, we provide an overview of the following topics: (a) cholesterol synthesis in the neural retina; (b) lipoprotein uptake and intraretinal sterol transport in the neural retina and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE); (c) cholesterol efflux from the neural retina and the RPE; and (d) biology and pathobiology of defects in sterol synthesis and sterol oxidation in the neural retina and the RPE. We focus, in particular, on studies involving animal models of monogenic disorders pertinent to the above topics, as well as in vitro models using biochemical, metabolic, and omic approaches. We also identify current knowledge gaps and opportunities in the field that beg further research in this topic area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriganesh Ramachandra Rao
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Biochemistry and Neuroscience Graduate Program, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York- University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA; Research Service, VA Western NY Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Steven J Fliesler
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Biochemistry and Neuroscience Graduate Program, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York- University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA; Research Service, VA Western NY Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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26
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Cell therapy with hiPSC-derived RPE cells and RPCs prevents visual function loss in a rat model of retinal degeneration. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 20:688-702. [PMID: 33738324 PMCID: PMC7937540 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Photoreceptor loss is the principal cause of blindness in retinal degenerative diseases (RDDs). Whereas some therapies exist for early stages of RDDs, no effective treatment is currently available for later stages, and once photoreceptors are lost, the only option to rescue vision is cell transplantation. With the use of the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat model of retinal degeneration, we sought to determine whether combined transplantation of human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived retinal precursor cells (RPCs) and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells was superior to RPE or RPC transplantation alone in preserving retinal from degeneration. hiPSC-derived RPCs and RPE cells expressing (GFP) were transplanted into the subretinal space of rats. In vivo monitoring showed that grafted cells survived 12 weeks in the subretinal space, and rats treated with RPE + RPC therapy exhibited better conservation of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) and visual response than RPE-treated or RPC-treated rats. Transplanted RPE cells integrated in the host RPE layer, whereas RPC mostly remained in the subretinal space, although a limited number of cells integrated in the ONL. In conclusion, the combined transplantation of hiPSC-derived RPE and RPCs is a potentially superior therapeutic approach to protect retina from degeneration in RDDs.
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27
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O'Hara-Wright M, Gonzalez-Cordero A. Retinal organoids: a window into human retinal development. Development 2020; 147:147/24/dev189746. [PMID: 33361444 PMCID: PMC7774906 DOI: 10.1242/dev.189746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Retinal development and maturation are orchestrated by a series of interacting signalling networks that drive the morphogenetic transformation of the anterior developing brain. Studies in model organisms continue to elucidate these complex series of events. However, the human retina shows many differences from that of other organisms and the investigation of human eye development now benefits from stem cell-derived organoids. Retinal differentiation methods have progressed from simple 2D adherent cultures to self-organising micro-physiological systems. As models of development, these have collectively offered new insights into the previously unexplored early development of the human retina and informed our knowledge of the key cell fate decisions that govern the specification of light-sensitive photoreceptors. Although the developmental trajectories of other retinal cell types remain more elusive, the collation of omics datasets, combined with advanced culture methodology, will enable modelling of the intricate process of human retinogenesis and retinal disease in vitro. Summary: Retinal organoid systems derived from human pluripotent stem cells are micro-physiological systems that offer new insights into previously unexplored human retina development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle O'Hara-Wright
- Stem Cell Medicine Group, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, 2145, NSW, Australia.,School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, 2145, NSW, Australia
| | - Anai Gonzalez-Cordero
- Stem Cell Medicine Group, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, 2145, NSW, Australia .,School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, 2145, NSW, Australia
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28
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Nolta JA. The age of immunotherapy-Celebrating STEM CELLS' contribution to understanding mechanisms of immune system development and modulation. Stem Cells 2020; 38:4-5. [PMID: 31851396 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jan A Nolta
- Stem Cell Program, Sacramento, University of California Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, 95820
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29
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Zhang CJ, Ma Y, Jin ZB. The road to restore vision with photoreceptor regeneration. Exp Eye Res 2020; 202:108283. [PMID: 33010290 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neuroretinal diseases are the predominant cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, mainly due to photoreceptor loss. Currently, there are no radical treatments to fully reverse the degeneration or even stop the disease progression. Thus, it is urgent to develop new biological therapeutics for these diseases on the clinical side. Stem cell-based treatments have become a promising therapeutic for neuroretinal diseases through the replacement of damaged cells with photoreceptors and some allied cells. To date, considerable efforts have been made to regenerate the diseased retina based on stem cell technology. In this review, we overview the current status of stem cell-based treatments for photoreceptor regeneration, including the major cell sources derived from different stem cells in pre-clinical or clinical trial stages. Additionally, we discuss herein the major challenges ahead for and potential new strategy toward photoreceptor regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Jun Zhang
- Laboratory for Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Ya Ma
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Science Key Laboratory, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Zi-Bing Jin
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Science Key Laboratory, Beijing, 100730, China.
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30
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Hydrogel-mediated co-transplantation of retinal pigmented epithelium and photoreceptors restores vision in an animal model of advanced retinal degeneration. Biomaterials 2020; 257:120233. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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31
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Pan D, Xia XX, Zhou H, Jin SQ, Lu YY, Liu H, Gao ML, Jin ZB. COCO enhances the efficiency of photoreceptor precursor differentiation in early human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal organoids. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:366. [PMID: 32831148 PMCID: PMC7444242 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-01883-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Significant progress has been made in cell replacement therapy for neural retinal diseases using retinal cells differentiated from human pluripotent stem cells. Low tumorigenicity and the ability to mature to form synaptic junctions make precursor cells a promising donor source. Here, we attempted to improve the yield of photoreceptor precursor cells in three-dimensional retinal organoids from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). Methods A CRX-tdTomato-tagged hESC line was generated to track retinal precursors in 3D retinal organoids. COCO, a multifunctional antagonist of the Wnt, TGF-β, and BMP pathways, was employed to 3D organoid differentiation schemes for enhanced photoreceptor precursor cells. Organoid fluorescence intensity measurement was used to monitor retinalization tendency with the number of precursors further checked by flow cytometry. Signature gene expression during organoid differentiation were assessed by qPCR and immunocytochemistry after COCO supplementation. Results CRX-positive cells can be spatiotemporally tracked by tdTomato without affecting retinalization during retinal organoid differentiation. Fluorescence intensity of organoids, which turned out highly consistent with flow cytometry measurement, allowed us to determine the differentiation efficiency of precursors during organoid culturing directly. Using COCO as an auxiliary supplement, rather than alone, can yield an increased number of photoreceptor precursors in the early stage of organoid differentiation. Over a longer time-frame, photoreceptor precursors enhanced their fate of cones and decreased fate of rods after treatment with COCO. Conclusions Tracing with the CRX-reporter system showed that in retinal organoids derived from human pluripotent stem cells, COCO increased the differentiation efficiency of photoreceptor precursors and cones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deng Pan
- Laboratory of Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Xi-Xi Xia
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Science Key Laboratory, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Heng Zhou
- Laboratory of Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Si-Qian Jin
- Laboratory of Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Yang-Yan Lu
- Laboratory of Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Laboratory of Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Mei-Ling Gao
- Laboratory of Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Zi-Bing Jin
- Laboratory of Stem Cell & Retinal Regeneration, Institute of Stem Cell Research, Division of Ophthalmic Genetics, The Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China. .,Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Science Key Laboratory, Beijing, 100730, China. .,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Beihang University & Capital Medical University, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China. .,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China.
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32
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Ghareeb AE, Lako M, Steel DH. Coculture techniques for modeling retinal development and disease, and enabling regenerative medicine. Stem Cells Transl Med 2020; 9:1531-1548. [PMID: 32767661 PMCID: PMC7695644 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.20-0201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell‐derived retinal organoids offer the opportunity to cure retinal degeneration of wide‐ranging etiology either through the study of in vitro models or the generation of tissue for transplantation. However, despite much work in animals and several human pilot studies, satisfactory therapies have not been developed. Two major challenges for retinal regenerative medicine are (a) physical cell‐cell interactions, which are critical to graft function, are not formed and (b) the host environment does not provide suitable queues for development. Several strategies offer to improve the delivery, integration, maturation, and functionality of cell transplantation. These include minimally invasive delivery, biocompatible material vehicles, retinal cell sheets, and optogenetics. Optimizing several variables in animal models is practically difficult, limited by anatomical and disease pathology which is often different to humans, and faces regulatory and ethical challenges. High‐throughput methods are needed to experimentally optimize these variables. Retinal organoids will be important to the success of these models. In their current state, they do not incorporate a representative retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)‐photoreceptor interface nor vascular elements, which influence the neural retina phenotype directly and are known to be dysfunctional in common retinal diseases such as age‐related macular degeneration. Advanced coculture techniques, which emulate the RPE‐photoreceptor and RPE‐Bruch's‐choriocapillaris interactions, can incorporate disease‐specific, human retinal organoids and overcome these drawbacks. Herein, we review retinal coculture models of the neural retina, RPE, and choriocapillaris. We delineate the scientific need for such systems in the study of retinal organogenesis, disease modeling, and the optimization of regenerative cell therapies for retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali E Ghareeb
- Sunderland Eye Infirmary, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, Sunderland, UK.,Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Majlinda Lako
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - David H Steel
- Sunderland Eye Infirmary, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, Sunderland, UK.,Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
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33
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West EL, Ribeiro J, Ali RR. Development of Stem Cell Therapies for Retinal Degeneration. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2020; 12:cshperspect.a035683. [PMID: 31818854 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a035683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Degenerative retinal disease is the major cause of sight loss in the developed world and currently there is a lack of effective treatments. As the loss of vision is directly the result of the loss of retinal cells, effective cell replacement through stem-cell-based therapies may have the potential to treat a great number of retinal diseases whatever their underlying etiology. The eye is an ideal organ to develop cell therapies as it is immune privileged, and modern surgical techniques enable precise delivery of cells to the retina. Furthermore, a range of noninvasive diagnostic tests and high-resolution imaging techniques facilitate the evaluation of any therapeutic intervention. In this review, we evaluate the progress to date of current cell therapy strategies for retinal repair, focusing on transplantation of pluripotent stem-cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L West
- Division of Molecular Therapy, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom
| | - Joana Ribeiro
- Division of Molecular Therapy, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom
| | - Robin R Ali
- Division of Molecular Therapy, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom.,Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, USA
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34
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Morizur L, Herardot E, Monville C, Ben M'Barek K. Human pluripotent stem cells: A toolbox to understand and treat retinal degeneration. Mol Cell Neurosci 2020; 107:103523. [PMID: 32634576 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2020.103523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) are retinal degenerative disorders that dramatically damage the retina. As there is no therapeutic option for the majority of patients, vision is progressively and irremediably lost. Owing to their unlimited renewal and potency to give rise to any cell type of the human adult body, human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have been extensively studied in recent years to develop more physiologically relevant in vitro cellular models. Such models open new perspectives to investigate the pathological molecular mechanisms of AMD and RP but also in drug screening. Moreover, proof-of-concept of hPSC-derived retinal cell therapy in animal models have led to first clinical trials. This review outlines the recent advances in the use of hPSCs in pathological modeling of retinal degeneration and their use in regenerative medicine. We also address the associated limitations and challenges that need to be overcome when using hPSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Morizur
- INSERM U861, I-Stem, AFM, Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Université d'Evry, U861, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France; Centre d'Etude des Cellules Souches, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Elise Herardot
- INSERM U861, I-Stem, AFM, Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Université d'Evry, U861, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Christelle Monville
- INSERM U861, I-Stem, AFM, Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Université d'Evry, U861, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France.
| | - Karim Ben M'Barek
- INSERM U861, I-Stem, AFM, Institute for Stem Cell Therapy and Exploration of Monogenic Diseases, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Université d'Evry, U861, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France; Centre d'Etude des Cellules Souches, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France.
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35
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Schnepp PM, Shelley G, Dai J, Wakim N, Jiang H, Mizokami A, Keller ET. Single-Cell Transcriptomics Analysis Identifies Nuclear Protein 1 as a Regulator of Docetaxel Resistance in Prostate Cancer Cells. Mol Cancer Res 2020; 18:1290-1301. [PMID: 32513898 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-20-0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The majority of patients with prostate cancer treated with docetaxel develop resistance to it. To better understand the mechanism behind the acquisition of resistance, we conducted single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) of docetaxel-sensitive and -resistant variants of DU145 and PC3 prostate cancer cell lines. Overall, sensitive and resistant cells clustered separately. Differential gene expression analysis between resistant and sensitive cells revealed 182 differentially expressed genes common to both prostate cancer cell lines. A subset of these genes gave a gene expression profile in the resistant transcriptome-like-sensitive cells similar to the resistant cells. Exploration for functional gene pathways identified 218 common pathways between the two cell lines. Protein ubiquitination was the most differentially regulated pathway and was enriched in the resistant cells. Transcriptional regulator analysis identified 321 potential regulators across both cell lines. One of the top regulators identified was nuclear protein 1 (NUPR1). In contrast to the single-cell analysis, bulk analysis of the cells did not reveal NUPR1 as a promising candidate. Knockdown and overexpression of NUPR1 in the prostate cancer cells demonstrated that NUPR1 confers docetaxel resistance in both cell lines. Collectively, these data demonstrate the utility of scRNA-seq to identify regulators of drug resistance. Furthermore, NUPR1 was identified as a mediator of prostate cancer drug resistance, which provides the rationale to explore NUPR1 and its target genes for reversal of docetaxel resistance. IMPLICATIONS: Using single-cell sequencing of prostate cancer, we show that NUPR1 plays a role in docetaxel resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia M Schnepp
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Greg Shelley
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Jinlu Dai
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Nicole Wakim
- Department of Biostatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Biostatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Atsushi Mizokami
- Department of Urology, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Evan T Keller
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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36
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Zerti D, Collin J, Queen R, Cockell SJ, Lako M. Understanding the complexity of retina and pluripotent stem cell derived retinal organoids with single cell RNA sequencing: current progress, remaining challenges and future prospective. Curr Eye Res 2020; 45:385-396. [PMID: 31794277 PMCID: PMC7034531 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2019.1697453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Single-cell sequencing technologies have emerged as a revolutionary tool with transformative new methods to profile genetic, epigenetic, spatial, and lineage information in individual cells. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) allows researchers to collect large datasets detailing the transcriptomes of individual cells in space and time and is increasingly being applied to reveal cellular heterogeneity in retinal development, normal physiology, and disease, and provide new insights into cell-type specific markers and signaling pathways. In recent years, scRNA-Seq datasets have been generated from retinal tissue and pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal organoids. Their cross-comparison enables staging of retinal organoids, identification of specific cells in developing and adult human neural retina and provides deeper insights into cell-type sub-specification and geographical differences. In this article, we review the recent rapid progress in scRNA-Seq analyses of retina and retinal organoids, the questions that remain unanswered and the technical challenges that need to be overcome to achieve consistent results that reflect the complexity, functionality, and interactions of all retinal cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darin Zerti
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Joseph Collin
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Rachel Queen
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Simon J. Cockell
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Majlinda Lako
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
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Atkinson SP. A Preview of Selected Articles. Stem Cells 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/stem.3148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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38
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Chichagova V, Hilgen G, Ghareeb A, Georgiou M, Carter M, Sernagor E, Lako M, Armstrong L. Human iPSC differentiation to retinal organoids in response to IGF1 and BMP4 activation is line- and method-dependent. Stem Cells 2019; 38:195-201. [PMID: 31721366 PMCID: PMC7383896 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)‐derived retinal organoids provide a platform to study human retinogenesis, disease modeling, and compound screening. Although retinal organoids may represent tissue structures with greater physiological relevance to the in vivo human retina, their generation is not without limitations. Various protocols have been developed to enable development of organoids with all major retinal cell types; however, variability across iPSC lines is often reported. Modulating signaling pathways important for eye formation, such as those involving bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) and insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF1), is a common approach used for the generation of retinal tissue in vitro. We used three human iPSC lines to generate retinal organoids by activating either BMP4 or IGF1 signaling and assessed differentiation efficiency by monitoring morphological changes, gene and protein expression, and function. Our results showed that the ability of iPSC to give rise to retinal organoids in response to IGF1 and BMP4 activation was line‐ and method‐dependent. This demonstrates that careful consideration is needed when choosing a differentiation approach, which would also depend on overall project aims.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gerrit Hilgen
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ali Ghareeb
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Maria Georgiou
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Madeleine Carter
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Evelyne Sernagor
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Majlinda Lako
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Lyle Armstrong
- Newcells Biotech Ltd, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Ahmad I, Teotia P, Erickson H, Xia X. Recapitulating developmental mechanisms for retinal regeneration. Prog Retin Eye Res 2019; 76:100824. [PMID: 31843569 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2019.100824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Degeneration of specific retinal neurons in diseases like glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and retinitis pigmentosa is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. Currently, there is no therapy to modify the disease-associated degenerative changes. With the advancement in our knowledge about the mechanisms that regulate the development of the vertebrate retina, the approach to treat blinding diseases through regenerative medicine appears a near possibility. Recapitulation of developmental mechanisms is critical for reproducibly generating cells in either 2D or 3D culture of pluripotent stem cells for retinal repair and disease modeling. It is the key for unlocking the neurogenic potential of Müller glia in the adult retina for therapeutic regeneration. Here, we examine the current status and potential of the regenerative medicine approach for the retina in the backdrop of developmental mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iqbal Ahmad
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
| | - Pooja Teotia
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Helen Erickson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Xiaohuan Xia
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
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40
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Atkinson SP. A Preview of Selected Articles. Stem Cells 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/stem.3017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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