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Dorgau B, Collin J, Rozanska A, Boczonadi V, Moya-Molina M, Unsworth A, Hussain R, Coxhead J, Dhanaseelan T, Armstrong L, Queen R, Lako M. Deciphering the spatiotemporal transcriptional and chromatin accessibility of human retinal organoid development at the single-cell level. iScience 2024; 27:109397. [PMID: 38510120 PMCID: PMC10952046 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Molecular information on the early stages of human retinal development remains scarce due to limitations in obtaining early human eye samples. Pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal organoids (ROs) provide an unprecedented opportunity for studying early retinogenesis. Using a combination of single cell RNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics we present for the first-time a single cell spatiotemporal transcriptome of RO development. Our data demonstrate that ROs recapitulate key events of retinogenesis including optic vesicle/cup formation, presence of a putative ciliary margin zone, emergence of retinal progenitor cells and their orderly differentiation to retinal neurons. Combining the scRNA- with scATAC-seq data, we were able to reveal cell-type specific transcription factor binding motifs on accessible chromatin at each stage of organoid development, and to show that chromatin accessibility is highly correlated to the developing human retina, but with some differences in the temporal emergence and abundance of some of the retinal neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birthe Dorgau
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Joseph Collin
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Agata Rozanska
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Veronika Boczonadi
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Marina Moya-Molina
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
- Newcells Biotech, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5BX, UK
| | - Adrienne Unsworth
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Rafiqul Hussain
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Jonathan Coxhead
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Tamil Dhanaseelan
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Lyle Armstrong
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Rachel Queen
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Majlinda Lako
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
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2
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Spirig SE, Renner M. Toward Retinal Organoids in High-Throughput. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2024; 14:a041275. [PMID: 37217280 PMCID: PMC10910359 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Human retinal organoids recapitulate the cellular diversity, arrangement, gene expression, and functional aspects of the human retina. Protocols to generate human retinal organoids from pluripotent stem cells are typically labor intensive, include many manual handling steps, and the organoids need to be maintained for several months until they mature. To generate large numbers of human retinal organoids for therapy development and screening purposes, scaling up retinal organoid production, maintenance, and analysis is of utmost importance. In this review, we discuss strategies to increase the number of high-quality retinal organoids while reducing manual handling steps. We further review different approaches to analyze thousands of retinal organoids with currently available technologies and point to challenges that still await to be overcome both in culture and analysis of retinal organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Erich Spirig
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Magdalena Renner
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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3
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Iwama Y, Nomaru H, Masuda T, Kawamura Y, Matsumura M, Murata Y, Teranishi K, Nishida K, Ota S, Mandai M, Takahashi M. Label-free enrichment of human pluripotent stem cell-derived early retinal progenitor cells for cell-based regenerative therapies. Stem Cell Reports 2024; 19:254-269. [PMID: 38181785 PMCID: PMC10874851 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.12.001] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cell-based therapy for retinal degenerative diseases is a promising approach to restoring visual function. A clinical study using retinal organoid (RO) sheets was recently conducted in patients with retinitis pigmentosa. However, the graft preparation currently requires advanced skills to identify and excise suitable segments from the transplantable area of the limited number of suitable ROs. This remains a challenge for consistent clinical implementations. Herein, we enabled the enrichment of wild-type (non-reporter) retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) from dissociated ROs using a label-free ghost cytometry (LF-GC)-based sorting system, where a machine-based classifier was trained in advance with another RPC reporter line. The sorted cells reproducibly formed retinal spheroids large enough for transplantation and developed mature photoreceptors in the retinal degeneration rats. This method of enriching early RPCs with no specific surface antigens and without any reporters or chemical labeling is promising for robust preparation of graft tissues during cell-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuaki Iwama
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Eye Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan; Cell and Gene Therapy in Ophthalmology Laboratory, BZP, RIKEN, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | | | - Tomohiro Masuda
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Eye Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan; Cell and Gene Therapy in Ophthalmology Laboratory, BZP, RIKEN, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.
| | | | - Michiru Matsumura
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Eye Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | | | | | - Kohji Nishida
- Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Sadao Ota
- ThinkCyte K.K., Tokyo 113-8654, Japan; Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan
| | - Michiko Mandai
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Eye Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan.
| | - Masayo Takahashi
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Eye Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
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4
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Zhao H, Yan F. Retinal Organoids: A Next-Generation Platform for High-Throughput Drug Discovery. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:495-508. [PMID: 38079086 PMCID: PMC10837228 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10661-8] [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] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Retinal diseases are leading causes of blindness globally. Developing new drugs is of great significance for preventing vision loss. Current drug discovery relies mainly on two-dimensional in vitro models and animal models, but translation to human efficacy and safety is biased. In recent years, the emergence of retinal organoid technology platforms, utilizing three-dimensional microenvironments to better mimic retinal structure and function, has provided new platforms for exploring pathogenic mechanisms and drug screening. This review summarizes the latest advances in retinal organoid technology, emphasizing its application advantages in high-throughput drug screening, efficacy and toxicity evaluation, and translational medicine research. The review also prospects the combination of emerging technologies such as organ-on-a-chip, 3D bioprinting, single cell sequencing, gene editing with retinal organoid technology, which is expected to further optimize retinal organoid models and advance the diagnosis and treatment of retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongkun Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province, Yunnan Eye Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Fei Yan
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Basic Medicine School, Kunming Medical University, 1168 Yuhua Street, Chunrong West Road, Chenggong District, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China.
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5
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Roberto de Barros N, Wang C, Maity S, Peirsman A, Nasiri R, Herland A, Ermis M, Kawakita S, Gregatti Carvalho B, Hosseinzadeh Kouchehbaghi N, Donizetti Herculano R, Tirpáková Z, Mohammad Hossein Dabiri S, Lucas Tanaka J, Falcone N, Choroomi A, Chen R, Huang S, Zisblatt E, Huang Y, Rashad A, Khorsandi D, Gangrade A, Voskanian L, Zhu Y, Li B, Akbari M, Lee J, Remzi Dokmeci M, Kim HJ, Khademhosseini A. Engineered organoids for biomedical applications. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 203:115142. [PMID: 37967768 PMCID: PMC10842104 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
As miniaturized and simplified stem cell-derived 3D organ-like structures, organoids are rapidly emerging as powerful tools for biomedical applications. With their potential for personalized therapeutic interventions and high-throughput drug screening, organoids have gained significant attention recently. In this review, we discuss the latest developments in engineering organoids and using materials engineering, biochemical modifications, and advanced manufacturing technologies to improve organoid culture and replicate vital anatomical structures and functions of human tissues. We then explore the diverse biomedical applications of organoids, including drug development and disease modeling, and highlight the tools and analytical techniques used to investigate organoids and their microenvironments. We also examine the latest clinical trials and patents related to organoids that show promise for future clinical translation. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future perspectives of using organoids to advance biomedical research and potentially transform personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Canran Wang
- Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering, Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Surjendu Maity
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Arne Peirsman
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA; Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rohollah Nasiri
- Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Protein Science, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 17165 Solna, Sweden
| | - Anna Herland
- Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Protein Science, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 17165 Solna, Sweden
| | - Menekse Ermis
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Satoru Kawakita
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Bruna Gregatti Carvalho
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA; Department of Material and Bioprocess Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), 13083-970 Campinas, Brazil
| | - Negar Hosseinzadeh Kouchehbaghi
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA; Department of Textile Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Hafez Avenue, 1591634311 Tehran, Iran
| | - Rondinelli Donizetti Herculano
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA; Autonomy Research Center for STEAHM (ARCS), California State University, Northridge, CA 91324, USA; São Paulo State University (UNESP), Bioengineering and Biomaterials Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Zuzana Tirpáková
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA; Department of Biology and Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Kosice, Komenskeho 73, 04181 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Seyed Mohammad Hossein Dabiri
- Laboratory for Innovations in Micro Engineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Jean Lucas Tanaka
- Butantan Institute, Viral Biotechnology Laboratory, São Paulo, SP Brazil; University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP Brazil
| | - Natashya Falcone
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Auveen Choroomi
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - RunRun Chen
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA; Autonomy Research Center for STEAHM (ARCS), California State University, Northridge, CA 91324, USA
| | - Shuyi Huang
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA; Autonomy Research Center for STEAHM (ARCS), California State University, Northridge, CA 91324, USA
| | - Elisheva Zisblatt
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Yixuan Huang
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Ahmad Rashad
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Danial Khorsandi
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Ankit Gangrade
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Leon Voskanian
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Yangzhi Zhu
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Bingbing Li
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA; Autonomy Research Center for STEAHM (ARCS), California State University, Northridge, CA 91324, USA
| | - Mohsen Akbari
- Laboratory for Innovations in Micro Engineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Junmin Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Han-Jun Kim
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA; College of Pharmacy, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ali Khademhosseini
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA.
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6
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Wadkin LE, Makarenko I, Parker NG, Shukurov A, Figueiredo FC, Lako M. Human Stem Cells for Ophthalmology: Recent Advances in Diagnostic Image Analysis and Computational Modelling. CURRENT STEM CELL REPORTS 2023; 9:57-66. [PMID: 38145008 PMCID: PMC10739444 DOI: 10.1007/s40778-023-00229-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review To explore the advances and future research directions in image analysis and computational modelling of human stem cells (hSCs) for ophthalmological applications. Recent Findings hSCs hold great potential in ocular regenerative medicine due to their application in cell-based therapies and in disease modelling and drug discovery using state-of-the-art 2D and 3D organoid models. However, a deeper characterisation of their complex, multi-scale properties is required to optimise their translation to clinical practice. Image analysis combined with computational modelling is a powerful tool to explore mechanisms of hSC behaviour and aid clinical diagnosis and therapy. Summary Many computational models draw on a variety of techniques, often blending continuum and discrete approaches, and have been used to describe cell differentiation and self-organisation. Machine learning tools are having a significant impact in model development and improving image classification processes for clinical diagnosis and treatment and will be the focus of much future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. E. Wadkin
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - I. Makarenko
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - N. G. Parker
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - A. Shukurov
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - F. C. Figueiredo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - M. Lako
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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7
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Carido M, Völkner M, Steinheuer LM, Wagner F, Kurth T, Dumler N, Ulusoy S, Wieneke S, Norniella AV, Golfieri C, Khattak S, Schönfelder B, Scamozzi M, Zoschke K, Canzler S, Hackermüller J, Ader M, Karl MO. Reliability of human retina organoid generation from hiPSC-derived neuroepithelial cysts. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1166641. [PMID: 37868194 PMCID: PMC10587494 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1166641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The possible applications for human retinal organoids (HROs) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) rely on the robustness and transferability of the methodology for their generation. Standardized strategies and parameters to effectively assess, compare, and optimize organoid protocols are starting to be established, but are not yet complete. To advance this, we explored the efficiency and reliability of a differentiation method, called CYST protocol, that facilitates retina generation by forming neuroepithelial cysts from hiPSC clusters. Here, we tested seven different hiPSC lines which reproducibly generated HROs. Histological and ultrastructural analyses indicate that HRO differentiation and maturation are regulated. The different hiPSC lines appeared to be a larger source of variance than experimental rounds. Although previous reports have shown that HROs in several other protocols contain a rather low number of cones, HROs from the CYST protocol are consistently richer in cones and with a comparable ratio of cones, rods, and Müller glia. To provide further insight into HRO cell composition, we studied single cell RNA sequencing data and applied CaSTLe, a transfer learning approach. Additionally, we devised a potential strategy to systematically evaluate different organoid protocols side-by-side through parallel differentiation from the same hiPSC batches: In an explorative study, the CYST protocol was compared to a conceptually different protocol based on the formation of cell aggregates from single hiPSCs. Comparing four hiPSC lines showed that both protocols reproduced key characteristics of retinal epithelial structure and cell composition, but the CYST protocol provided a higher HRO yield. So far, our data suggest that CYST-derived HROs remained stable up to at least day 200, while single hiPSC-derived HROs showed spontaneous pathologic changes by day 200. Overall, our data provide insights into the efficiency, reproducibility, and stability of the CYST protocol for generating HROs, which will be useful for further optimizing organoid systems, as well as for basic and translational research applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madalena Carido
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Manuela Völkner
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Lisa Maria Steinheuer
- Department Computational Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Computer Science, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Felix Wagner
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Kurth
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technology Platform, Core Facility Electron Microscopy and Histology, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Natalie Dumler
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Selen Ulusoy
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stephanie Wieneke
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Cristina Golfieri
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Shahryar Khattak
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Stem Cell Engineering Facility, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Bruno Schönfelder
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Maria Scamozzi
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Katja Zoschke
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sebastian Canzler
- Department Computational Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jörg Hackermüller
- Department Computational Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Computer Science, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Marius Ader
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Mike O Karl
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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8
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Caianiello S, Bertolaso M, Militello G. Thinking in 3 dimensions: philosophies of the microenvironment in organoids and organs-on-chip. HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF THE LIFE SCIENCES 2023; 45:14. [PMID: 36949354 DOI: 10.1007/s40656-023-00560-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Organoids and organs-on-a-chip are currently the two major families of 3D advanced organotypic in vitro culture systems, aimed at reconstituting miniaturized models of physiological and pathological states of human organs. Both share the tenets of the so-called "three-dimensional thinking", a Systems Physiology approach focused on recapitulating the dynamic interactions between cells and their microenvironment. We first review the arguments underlying the "paradigm shift" toward three-dimensional thinking in the in vitro culture community. Then, through a historically informed account of the technical affordances and the epistemic commitments of these two approaches, we highlight how they embody two distinct experimental cultures. We finally argue that the current systematic effort for their integration requires not only innovative "synergistic" engineering solutions, but also conceptual integration between different perspectives on biological causality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Caianiello
- Institute for the History of Philosophy and Science in the Modern Age (ISPF), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Naples, Italy.
- Stazione Zoologica "Anton Dohrn", Naples, Italy.
| | - Marta Bertolaso
- Faculty of Science and Technology for Sustainable Development and One Health, Universitá Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Militello
- Faculty of Science and Technology for Sustainable Development and One Health, Universitá Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
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9
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Wimmer T, Sawinski H, Urban AM, Motlik J, Stieger K. Rapid and Reliable Quantification of Prime Editing Targeting Within the Porcine ABCA4 Gene Using a Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer-Based Sensor. Nucleic Acid Ther 2023. [PMID: 36857739 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2022.0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Stargardt disease (STGD) leads to blindness in children and young adults. So far, no curative therapy is available and gene augmentation therapies have not yet advanced to the clinics, in part, due to the limited packaging capacity of adeno-associated viruses used to transfer genes into photoreceptor cells. Prime editing offers a new perspective to treat mutations on the genomic level. A nicking variant of Cas9 fused to a reverse transcriptase complex with an elongated guideRNA force intracellular mismatch repair to correct the targeted mutation even in postmitotic cells such as photoreceptors in the eye. Using a custom-made bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET)-based editing sensor in HEK293 cells, we tested 27 different prime editing guide RNAs (pegRNAs) and additional 4 nicking guide RNAs (ngRNAs) with regard to their efficiency to induce sequences changes in exon 43 of the porcine ATP binding cassette subfamily A member 4 (ABCA4) gene that eliminate a mutagenic adenine frameshift insertion, which has been associated with STGD in humans. We identified nine working pegRNAs, and in combination with ngRNAs, we achieved a correction rate of up to ≈92% measured with the BRET-based reporter system. Our data prove the high efficiency of prime editors to correct mutations and highlight the importance of optimal ngRNA design, thus offering a promising editing tool to correct ABCA4 mutations in the disease context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Wimmer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Hannah Sawinski
- Department of Ophthalmology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Anne M Urban
- Department of Ophthalmology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jan Motlik
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Knut Stieger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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10
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Saha B, Roy A, Beltramo E, Sahoo OS. Stem cells and diabetic retinopathy: From models to treatment. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:4517-4526. [PMID: 36842153 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08337-0] [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: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy is a common yet complex microvascular disease, caused as a complication of diabetes mellitus. Associated with hyperglycemia and subsequent metabolic abnormalities, advanced stages of the disease lead to fibrosis, subsequent visual impairment and blindness. Though clinical postmortems, animal and cell models provide information about the progression and prognosis of diabetic retinopathy, its underlying pathophysiology still needs a better understanding. In addition to it, the loss of pericytes, immature retinal angiogenesis and neuronal apoptosis portray the disease treatment to be challenging. Indulged with cell loss of both vascular and neuronal type cells, novel therapies like cell replacement strategies by various types of stem cells have been sightseen as a possible treatment of the disease. This review provides insight into the pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy, current models used in modelling the disease, as well as the varied aspects of stem cells in generating three-dimensional retinal models. Further outlook on stem cell therapy and the future directions of stem cell treatment in diabetic retinopathy have also been contemplated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bihan Saha
- National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Durgapur, 713209, West Bengal, India
| | - Akshita Roy
- Autonomous State Medical College, Fatehpur, 212601, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Elena Beltramo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10124, Turin, Italy
| | - Om Saswat Sahoo
- National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Durgapur, 713209, West Bengal, India.
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11
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Watari K, Yamasaki S, Tu HY, Shikamura M, Kamei T, Adachi H, Tochitani T, Kita Y, Nakamura A, Ueyama K, Ono K, Morinaga C, Matsuyama T, Sho J, Nakamura M, Fujiwara M, Hori Y, Tanabe A, Hirai R, Terai O, Ohno O, Ohara H, Hayama T, Ikeda A, Nukaya D, Matsushita K, Takahashi M, Kishino A, Kimura T, Kawamata S, Mandai M, Kuwahara A. Self-organization, quality control, and preclinical studies of human iPSC-derived retinal sheets for tissue-transplantation therapy. Commun Biol 2023; 6:164. [PMID: 36765170 PMCID: PMC9918541 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04543-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional retinal organoids (3D-retinas) are a promising graft source for transplantation therapy. We previously developed self-organizing culture for 3D-retina generation from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). Here we present a quality control method and preclinical studies for tissue-sheet transplantation. Self-organizing hPSCs differentiated into both retinal and off-target tissues. Gene expression analyses identified the major off-target tissues as eye-related, cortex-like, and spinal cord-like tissues. For quality control, we developed a qPCR-based test in which each hPSC-derived neuroepithelium was dissected into two tissue-sheets: inner-central sheet for transplantation and outer-peripheral sheet for qPCR to ensure retinal tissue selection. During qPCR, tissue-sheets were stored for 3-4 days using a newly developed preservation method. In a rat tumorigenicity study, no transplant-related adverse events were observed. In retinal degeneration model rats, retinal transplants differentiated into mature photoreceptors and exhibited light responses in electrophysiology assays. These results demonstrate our rationale toward self-organizing retinal sheet transplantation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Watari
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XRegenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Suguru Yamasaki
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XRegenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan ,grid.508743.dLaboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Hung-Ya Tu
- grid.508743.dLaboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Masayuki Shikamura
- grid.417982.10000 0004 0623 246XResearch & Development Center for Cell Therapy, Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation at Kobe, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Tatsuya Kamei
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XRegenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Hideki Adachi
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XPreclinical Research Unit, Research Division, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Konohana-ku, Osaka 554-0022 Japan
| | - Tomoaki Tochitani
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XPreclinical Research Unit, Research Division, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Konohana-ku, Osaka 554-0022 Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Kita
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XRegenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Aya Nakamura
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XTechnology Research & Development Division, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Kazuki Ueyama
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XTechnology Research & Development Division, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Keiichi Ono
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XTechnology Research & Development Division, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Chikako Morinaga
- grid.508743.dLaboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan ,grid.7597.c0000000094465255RIKEN Program for Drug Discovery and Medical Technology Platforms, RIKEN Cluster for Science, Technology and Innovation Hub., Saitama, 351-0198 Japan
| | - Take Matsuyama
- grid.508743.dLaboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Junki Sho
- grid.508743.dLaboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Miyuki Nakamura
- grid.417982.10000 0004 0623 246XResearch & Development Center for Cell Therapy, Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation at Kobe, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Masayo Fujiwara
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XRegenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Yoriko Hori
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XRegenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Anna Tanabe
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XRegenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Rina Hirai
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XRegenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Orie Terai
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XRegenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Osamu Ohno
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XRegenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Hidetaka Ohara
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XRegenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Tetsuya Hayama
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XRegenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Atsushi Ikeda
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XRegenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Daiki Nukaya
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XRegenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Keizo Matsushita
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XRegenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan ,grid.508743.dLaboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Masayo Takahashi
- grid.508743.dLaboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Kishino
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XRegenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Toru Kimura
- grid.417741.00000 0004 1797 168XRegenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Shin Kawamata
- grid.417982.10000 0004 0623 246XResearch & Development Center for Cell Therapy, Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation at Kobe, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan
| | - Michiko Mandai
- grid.508743.dLaboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047 Japan ,grid.7597.c0000000094465255RIKEN Program for Drug Discovery and Medical Technology Platforms, RIKEN Cluster for Science, Technology and Innovation Hub., Saitama, 351-0198 Japan
| | - Atsushi Kuwahara
- Regenerative & Cellular Medicine Kobe Center, Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan.
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12
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Kim HJ, O’Hara-Wright M, Kim D, Loi TH, Lim BY, Jamieson RV, Gonzalez-Cordero A, Yang P. Comprehensive characterization of fetal and mature retinal cell identity to assess the fidelity of retinal organoids. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:175-189. [PMID: 36630901 PMCID: PMC9860116 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Characterizing cell identity in complex tissues such as the human retina is essential for studying its development and disease. While retinal organoids derived from pluripotent stem cells have been widely used to model development and disease of the human retina, there is a lack of studies that have systematically evaluated the molecular and cellular fidelity of the organoids derived from various culture protocols in recapitulating their in vivo counterpart. To this end, we performed an extensive meta-atlas characterization of cellular identities of the human eye, covering a wide range of developmental stages. The resulting map uncovered previously unknown biomarkers of major retinal cell types and those associated with cell-type-specific maturation. Using our retinal-cell-identity map from the fetal and adult tissues, we systematically assessed the fidelity of the retinal organoids in mimicking the human eye, enabling us to comprehensively benchmark the current protocols for retinal organoid generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hani Jieun Kim
- Computational Systems Biology Group, Children’s Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia,School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia,School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Michelle O’Hara-Wright
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia,Stem Cell Medicine Group, Children’s Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Daniel Kim
- Computational Systems Biology Group, Children’s Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia,School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - To Ha Loi
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia,Eye Genetics Research Unit, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Benjamin Y. Lim
- Stem Cell Medicine Group, Children’s Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Robyn V. Jamieson
- Specialty of Genomic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia,Eye Genetics Research Unit, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Anai Gonzalez-Cordero
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; Stem Cell Medicine Group, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.
| | - Pengyi Yang
- Computational Systems Biology Group, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia.
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13
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Karamali F, Behtaj S, Babaei-Abraki S, Hadady H, Atefi A, Savoj S, Soroushzadeh S, Najafian S, Nasr Esfahani MH, Klassen H. Potential therapeutic strategies for photoreceptor degeneration: the path to restore vision. J Transl Med 2022; 20:572. [PMID: 36476500 PMCID: PMC9727916 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03738-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptors (PRs), as the most abundant and light-sensing cells of the neuroretina, are responsible for converting light into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain. PR degeneration, including morphological and functional impairment of these cells, causes significant diminution of the retina's ability to detect light, with consequent loss of vision. Recent findings in ocular regenerative medicine have opened promising avenues to apply neuroprotective therapy, gene therapy, cell replacement therapy, and visual prostheses to the challenge of restoring vision. However, successful visual restoration in the clinical setting requires application of these therapeutic approaches at the appropriate stage of the retinal degeneration. In this review, firstly, we discuss the mechanisms of PR degeneration by focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying cell death. Subsequently, innovations, recent developments, and promising treatments based on the stage of disorder progression are further explored. Then, the challenges to be addressed before implementation of these therapies in clinical practice are considered. Finally, potential solutions to overcome the current limitations of this growing research area are suggested. Overall, the majority of current treatment modalities are still at an early stage of development and require extensive additional studies, both pre-clinical and clinical, before full restoration of visual function in PR degeneration diseases can be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fereshteh Karamali
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sanaz Behtaj
- grid.1022.10000 0004 0437 5432Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia ,grid.1022.10000 0004 0437 5432Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, QLD 4222 Australia
| | - Shahnaz Babaei-Abraki
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hanieh Hadady
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Atefeh Atefi
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Soraya Savoj
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sareh Soroushzadeh
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Samaneh Najafian
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr Esfahani
- grid.417689.5Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Henry Klassen
- grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Irvine, CA USA
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14
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Onyak JR, Vergara MN, Renna JM. Retinal organoid light responsivity: current status and future opportunities. Transl Res 2022; 250:98-111. [PMID: 35690342 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The ability to generate human retinas in vitro from pluripotent stem cells opened unprecedented opportunities for basic science and for the development of therapeutic approaches for retinal degenerative diseases. Retinal organoid models not only mimic the histoarchitecture and cellular composition of the native retina, but they can achieve a remarkable level of maturation that allows them to respond to light stimulation. However, studies evaluating the nature, magnitude, and properties of light-evoked responsivity from each cell type, in each retinal organoid layer, have been sparse. In this review we discuss the current understanding of retinal organoid function, the technologies used for functional assessment in human retinal organoids, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M Natalia Vergara
- CellSight Ocular Stem Cell and Regeneration Program, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado.
| | - Jordan M Renna
- Department of Biology, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio.
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15
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Insm1 promotes differentiation of retinal progenitor cells toward photoreceptor cells in the developing retina through up-regulation of SHH. J Mol Histol 2022; 53:947-954. [PMID: 36260151 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-022-10103-8] [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: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
This article investigated the effect of Insm1 on RPC differentiation in mice and the underlying mechanism. The retinal tissues of mouse embryo at 12.5 days (E12.5) and postnatal 14 days (P14) were collected, following by the detection of Insm1 and corresponding markers by immunofluorescent staining. RPCs isolated from retinal tissues at P1 were cultured in culture medium for 7 days. The differentiation of photoreceptor and glial cells was assessed after RPCs transferred to the differentiation medium for 20 days. Next, the effect of Insm1 overexpression on the differentiation of RPCs toward rod photoreceptor and glial cells were assessed. Insm1 was highly expressed in RPCs of retinal tissues and decline in photoreceptor cells, while hardly expressed in glial cells. Based on the results of Pax-6 positive immunofluorescent staining and flow cytometry detection, RPCs were successfully isolated from retinal tissues. After the culture in differentiation medium, RPCs showed positive staining of Rhodopsin and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Further results showed that overexpression of Insm1 significantly increased the percentage of Rhodopsin positive cells, and up-regulated Sonic Hedgehog (SHH), hairy and enhancer of split homolog-1(Hes1), S-opsin and Rhodopsin levels, while decreased the percentage of Glutamine synthetase positive cells, and reduced Glutamine synthetase and GFAP levels. Whereas, the effect of Insm1 overexpression on these protein levels were partly abolished by the knockdown of SHH or Hes1. We conclude that Insm1 promotes the differentiation of RPCs into photoreceptor cells in the developing retina through up-regulation of SHH.
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16
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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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17
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Self-Organization of the Retina during Eye Development, Retinal Regeneration In Vivo, and in Retinal 3D Organoids In Vitro. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061458. [PMID: 35740479 PMCID: PMC9221005 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-organization is a process that ensures histogenesis of the eye retina. This highly intricate phenomenon is not sufficiently studied due to its biological complexity and genetic heterogeneity. The review aims to summarize the existing central theories and ideas for a better understanding of retinal self-organization, as well as to address various practical problems of retinal biomedicine. The phenomenon of self-organization is discussed in the spatiotemporal context and illustrated by key findings during vertebrate retina development in vivo and retinal regeneration in amphibians in situ. Described also are histotypic 3D structures obtained from the disaggregated retinal progenitor cells of birds and retinal 3D organoids derived from the mouse and human pluripotent stem cells. The review highlights integral parts of retinal development in these conditions. On the cellular level, these include competence, differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, cooperative movements, and migration. On the physical level, the focus is on the mechanical properties of cell- and cell layer-derived forces and on the molecular level on factors responsible for gene regulation, such as transcription factors, signaling molecules, and epigenetic changes. Finally, the self-organization phenomenon is discussed as a basis for the production of retinal organoids, a promising model for a wide range of basic scientific and medical applications.
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18
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Chen M, Mao X, Huang D, Jing J, Zou W, Mao P, Xue M, Yin W, Cheng R, Gao Y, Hu Y, Yuan S, Liu Q. Somatostatin signalling promotes the differentiation of rod photoreceptors in human pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal organoid. Cell Prolif 2022; 55:e13254. [PMID: 35633292 PMCID: PMC9251046 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Stem cell‐derived photoreceptor replacement therapy is a promising strategy for the treatment of retinal degenerative disease. The development of 3D retinal organoids has permitted the production of photoreceptors. However, there is no strategy to enrich a specific photoreceptor subtype due to inadequate knowledge of the molecular mechanism underlying the photoreceptor fate determination. Hence, our aim is to explore the uncharacterized function of somatostatin signalling in human pluripotent stem cell‐derived photoreceptor differentiation. Materials and Methods 3D retinal organoids were achieved from human embryonic stem cell. The published single‐cell RNA‐sequencing datasets of human retinal development were utilized to further investigate the transcriptional regulation of photoreceptor differentiation. The assays of immunofluorescence staining, lentivirus transfection, real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were performed. Results We identified that the somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2)‐mediated signalling was essential for rod photoreceptor differentiation at the precursor stage. The addition of the cognate ligand somatostatin in human 3D retinal organoids promoted rod photoreceptor differentiation and inhibited cone photoreceptor production. Furthermore, we found that the genesis of rod photoreceptors was modulated by endogenous somatostatin specifically secreted by developing retinal ganglion cells. Conclusions Our study identified SSTR2 signalling as a novel extrinsic regulator for rod photoreceptor fate determination in photoreceptor precursors, which expands the repertoire of functional signalling pathways in photoreceptor development and sheds light on the optimization of the photoreceptor enrichment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingkang Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiying Mao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Darui Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, China
| | - Jiaona Jing
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenjun Zou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Wuxi No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Peiyao Mao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengting Xue
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenjie Yin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruiwen Cheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Youjin Hu
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Songtao Yuan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qinghuai Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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19
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Rempel SK, Welch MJ, Ludwig AL, Phillips MJ, Kancherla Y, Zack DJ, Gamm DM, Gómez TM. Human photoreceptors switch from autonomous axon extension to cell-mediated process pulling during synaptic marker redistribution. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110827. [PMID: 35584680 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110827] [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: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptors (PRs) are the primary visual sensory cells, and their loss leads to blindness that is currently incurable. Although cell replacement therapy holds promise, success is hindered by our limited understanding of PR axon growth during development and regeneration. Here, we generate retinal organoids from human pluripotent stem cells to study the mechanisms of PR process extension. We find that early-born PRs exhibit autonomous axon extension from dynamic terminals. However, as PRs age from 40 to 80 days of differentiation, they lose dynamic terminals on 2D substrata and in 3D retinal organoids. Interestingly, PRs without motile terminals are still capable of extending axons but only by process stretching via attachment to motile non-PR cells. Immobile PR terminals of late-born PRs have fewer and less organized actin filaments but more synaptic proteins compared with early-born PR terminals. These findings may help inform the development of PR transplantation therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Rempel
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Madalynn J Welch
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Allison L Ludwig
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - M Joseph Phillips
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Yochana Kancherla
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Donald J Zack
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - David M Gamm
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Timothy M Gómez
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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20
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Bacci GM, Becherucci V, Marziali E, Sodi A, Bambi F, Caputo R. Treatment of Inherited Retinal Dystrophies with Somatic Cell Therapy Medicinal Product: A Review. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12050708. [PMID: 35629375 PMCID: PMC9147057 DOI: 10.3390/life12050708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies and retinal degenerations related to more common diseases (i.e., age-related macular dystrophy) are a major issue and one of the main causes of low vision in pediatric and elderly age groups. Advancement and understanding in molecular biology and the possibilities raised by gene-editing techniques opened a new era for clinicians and patients due to feasible possibilities of treating disabling diseases and the reduction in their complications burden. The scope of this review is to focus on the state-of-the-art in somatic cell therapy medicinal products as the basis of new insights and possibilities to use this approach to treat rare eye diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Maria Bacci
- Pediatric Ophthalmology Unit, Children’s Hospital A. Meyer-University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.M.); (R.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Valentina Becherucci
- Cell Factory Meyer, Children’s Hospital A. Meyer-University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (V.B.); (F.B.)
| | - Elisa Marziali
- Pediatric Ophthalmology Unit, Children’s Hospital A. Meyer-University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.M.); (R.C.)
| | - Andrea Sodi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy;
| | - Franco Bambi
- Cell Factory Meyer, Children’s Hospital A. Meyer-University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (V.B.); (F.B.)
| | - Roberto Caputo
- Pediatric Ophthalmology Unit, Children’s Hospital A. Meyer-University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.M.); (R.C.)
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21
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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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22
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RB1-Negative Retinal Organoids Display Proliferation of Cone Photoreceptors and Loss of Retinal Differentiation. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092166. [PMID: 35565295 PMCID: PMC9105736 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Retinoblastoma is a tumor of the eye’s retina, which is the very specialized tissue responsible for vision. In 98% of cases, the tumor is caused by inactivation of the RB1 gene. Due to lack of material and models, the understanding of RB1 mutations in tumor development is still unsatisfactory. We aimed to establish a human laboratory model for retinoblastoma. While differentiating stem cells with a mutation in RB1 into retina, we observed reduced differentiation potential but enhanced proliferation—general hallmarks of tumor development. The gene expression signature in the model resembled that of tumor material. This approach now enables research on retinoblastoma and probably therapy in the correct tissue, the human retina. Abstract Retinoblastoma is a tumor of the eye in children under the age of five caused by biallelic inactivation of the RB1 tumor suppressor gene in maturing retinal cells. Cancer models are essential for understanding tumor development and in preclinical research. Because of the complex organization of the human retina, such models were challenging to develop for retinoblastoma. Here, we present an organoid model based on differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into neural retina after inactivation of RB1 by CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis. Wildtype and RB1 heterozygous mutant retinal organoids were indistinguishable with respect to morphology, temporal development of retinal cell types and global mRNA expression. However, loss of pRB resulted in spatially disorganized organoids and aberrant differentiation, indicated by disintegration of organoids beyond day 130 of differentiation and depletion of most retinal cell types. Only cone photoreceptors were abundant and continued to proliferate, supporting these as candidate cells-of-origin for retinoblastoma. Transcriptome analysis of RB1 knockout organoids and primary retinoblastoma revealed gain of a retinoblastoma expression signature in the organoids, characterized by upregulation of RBL1 (p107), MDM2, DEK, SYK and HELLS. In addition, genes related to immune response and extracellular matrix were specifically upregulated in RB1-negative organoids. In vitro retinal organoids therefore display some features associated with retinoblastoma and, so far, represent the only valid human cancer model for the development of this disease.
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23
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Suarez-Martinez E, Suazo-Sanchez I, Celis-Romero M, Carnero A. 3D and organoid culture in research: physiology, hereditary genetic diseases and cancer. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:39. [PMID: 35365227 PMCID: PMC8973959 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00775-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In nature, cells reside in tissues subject to complex cell–cell interactions, signals from extracellular molecules and niche soluble and mechanical signaling. These microenvironment interactions are responsible for cellular phenotypes and functions, especially in normal settings. However, in 2D cultures, where interactions are limited to the horizontal plane, cells are exposed uniformly to factors or drugs; therefore, this model does not reconstitute the interactions of a natural microenvironment. 3D culture systems more closely resemble the architectural and functional properties of in vivo tissues. In these 3D cultures, the cells are exposed to different concentrations of nutrients, growth factors, oxygen or cytotoxic agents depending on their localization and communication. The 3D architecture also differentially alters the physiological, biochemical, and biomechanical properties that can affect cell growth, cell survival, differentiation and morphogenesis, cell migration and EMT properties, mechanical responses and therapy resistance. This latter point may, in part, explain the failure of current therapies and affect drug discovery research. Organoids are a promising 3D culture system between 2D cultures and in vivo models that allow the manipulation of signaling pathways and genome editing of cells in a body-like environment but lack the many disadvantages of a living system. In this review, we will focus on the role of stem cells in the establishment of organoids and the possible therapeutic applications of this model, especially in the field of cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Suarez-Martinez
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBIS, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Av Manuel Siurot sn, 41013, Sevilla, Spain.,CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Suazo-Sanchez
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBIS, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Av Manuel Siurot sn, 41013, Sevilla, Spain.,CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Celis-Romero
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBIS, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Av Manuel Siurot sn, 41013, Sevilla, Spain.,CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Amancio Carnero
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBIS, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Av Manuel Siurot sn, 41013, Sevilla, Spain. .,CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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24
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Martinelli I, Tayebati SK, Tomassoni D, Nittari G, Roy P, Amenta F. Brain and Retinal Organoids for Disease Modeling: The Importance of In Vitro Blood–Brain and Retinal Barriers Studies. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071120. [PMID: 35406683 PMCID: PMC8997725 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain and retinal organoids are functional and dynamic in vitro three-dimensional (3D) structures derived from pluripotent stem cells that spontaneously organize themselves to their in vivo counterparts. Here, we review the main literature data of how these organoids have been developed through different protocols and how they have been technically analyzed. Moreover, this paper reviews recent advances in using organoids to model neurological and retinal diseases, considering their potential for translational applications but also pointing out their limitations. Since the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and blood–retinal barrier (BRB) are understood to play a fundamental role respectively in brain and eye functions, both in health and in disease, we provide an overview of the progress in the development techniques of in vitro models as reliable and predictive screening tools for BBB and BRB-penetrating compounds. Furthermore, we propose potential future directions for brain and retinal organoids, in which dedicated biobanks will represent a novel tool for neuroscience and ophthalmology research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilenia Martinelli
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (S.K.T.); (G.N.); (F.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Seyed Khosrow Tayebati
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (S.K.T.); (G.N.); (F.A.)
| | - Daniele Tomassoni
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (D.T.); (P.R.)
| | - Giulio Nittari
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (S.K.T.); (G.N.); (F.A.)
| | - Proshanta Roy
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (D.T.); (P.R.)
| | - Francesco Amenta
- School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (S.K.T.); (G.N.); (F.A.)
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25
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Eintracht J, Harding P, Lima Cunha D, Moosajee M. Efficient embryoid-based method to improve generation of optic vesicles from human induced pluripotent stem cells. F1000Res 2022; 11:324. [PMID: 35811797 PMCID: PMC9218590 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.108829.1] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal models have provided many insights into ocular development and disease, but they remain suboptimal for understanding human oculogenesis. Eye development requires spatiotemporal gene expression patterns and disease phenotypes can differ significantly between humans and animal models, with patient-associated mutations causing embryonic lethality reported in some animal models. The emergence of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) technology has provided a new resource for dissecting the complex nature of early eye morphogenesis through the generation of three-dimensional (3D) cellular models. By using patient-specific hiPSCs to generate in vitro optic vesicle-like models, we can enhance the understanding of early developmental eye disorders and provide a pre-clinical platform for disease modelling and therapeutics testing. A major challenge of in vitro optic vesicle generation is the low efficiency of differentiation in 3D cultures. To address this, we adapted a previously published protocol of retinal organoid differentiation to improve embryoid body formation using a microwell plate. Established morphology, upregulated transcript levels of known early eye-field transcription factors and protein expression of standard retinal progenitor markers confirmed the optic vesicle/presumptive optic cup identity of in vitro models between day 20 and 50 of culture. This adapted protocol is relevant to researchers seeking a physiologically relevant model of early human ocular development and disease with a view to replacing animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Eintracht
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Philippa Harding
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Dulce Lima Cunha
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Mariya Moosajee
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, EC1V 2PD, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, WC1N 3JH, UK
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26
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Salbaum KA, Shelton ER, Serwane F. Retina organoids: Window into the biophysics of neuronal systems. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2022; 3:011302. [PMID: 38505227 PMCID: PMC10903499 DOI: 10.1063/5.0077014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
With a kind of magnetism, the human retina draws the eye of neuroscientist and physicist alike. It is attractive as a self-organizing system, which forms as a part of the central nervous system via biochemical and mechanical cues. The retina is also intriguing as an electro-optical device, converting photons into voltages to perform on-the-fly filtering before the signals are sent to our brain. Here, we consider how the advent of stem cell derived in vitro analogs of the retina, termed retina organoids, opens up an exploration of the interplay between optics, electrics, and mechanics in a complex neuronal network, all in a Petri dish. This review presents state-of-the-art retina organoid protocols by emphasizing links to the biochemical and mechanical signals of in vivo retinogenesis. Electrophysiological recording of active signal processing becomes possible as retina organoids generate light sensitive and synaptically connected photoreceptors. Experimental biophysical tools provide data to steer the development of mathematical models operating at different levels of coarse-graining. In concert, they provide a means to study how mechanical factors guide retina self-assembly. In turn, this understanding informs the engineering of mechanical signals required to tailor the growth of neuronal network morphology. Tackling the complex developmental and computational processes in the retina requires an interdisciplinary endeavor combining experiment and theory, physics, and biology. The reward is enticing: in the next few years, retina organoids could offer a glimpse inside the machinery of simultaneous cellular self-assembly and signal processing, all in an in vitro setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elijah R. Shelton
- Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
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27
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Herbig M, Tessmer K, Nötzel M, Nawaz AA, Santos-Ferreira T, Borsch O, Gasparini SJ, Guck J, Ader M. Label-free imaging flow cytometry for analysis and sorting of enzymatically dissociated tissues. Sci Rep 2022; 12:963. [PMID: 35046492 PMCID: PMC8770577 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05007-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomedical research relies on identification and isolation of specific cell types using molecular biomarkers and sorting methods such as fluorescence or magnetic activated cell sorting. Labelling processes potentially alter the cells’ properties and should be avoided, especially when purifying cells for clinical applications. A promising alternative is the label-free identification of cells based on physical properties. Sorting real-time deformability cytometry (soRT-DC) is a microfluidic technique for label-free analysis and sorting of single cells. In soRT-FDC, bright-field images of cells are analyzed by a deep neural net (DNN) to obtain a sorting decision, but sorting was so far only demonstrated for blood cells which show clear morphological differences and are naturally in suspension. Most cells, however, grow in tissues, requiring dissociation before cell sorting which is associated with challenges including changes in morphology, or presence of aggregates. Here, we introduce methods to improve robustness of analysis and sorting of single cells from nervous tissue and provide DNNs which can distinguish visually similar cells. We employ the DNN for image-based sorting to enrich photoreceptor cells from dissociated retina for transplantation into the mouse eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maik Herbig
- Biotechnology Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Karen Tessmer
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Nötzel
- Biotechnology Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ahsan Ahmad Nawaz
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light & Max-Planck-Zentrum Für Physik Und Medizin, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tiago Santos-Ferreira
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Borsch
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sylvia J Gasparini
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jochen Guck
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light & Max-Planck-Zentrum Für Physik Und Medizin, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marius Ader
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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28
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Savoj S, Esfahani MHN, Karimi A, Karamali F. Integrated stem cells from apical papilla in a 3D culture system improve human embryonic stem cell derived retinal organoid formation. Life Sci 2022; 291:120273. [PMID: 35016877 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120273] [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: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM Eye organoids are 3D models of the retina that provide new possibilities for studying retinal development, drug toxicity and the molecular mechanisms of diseases. Although there are several protocols that can be used to generate functional tissues, none have been used to assemble human retinal organoids containing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MAIN METHODS In this study we intend to assess the effective interactions of MSCs and human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) during retinal organoid formation. We evaluated the inducing activities of bone marrow MSCs (BM-MSCs), trabecular meshwork (TM), and stem cells from apical papilla (SCAP)-derived MSCs in differentiation of hESCs in a three-dimensional (3D) direct co-culture system. KEY FINDINGS In comparison with the two other MSC sources, the induction potential of SCAP was confirmed in the co-culture system. Although the different SCAP cell ratios did not show any significant morphology changes during the first seven days, increasing the number of SCAPs improved formation of the optic vesicle (OV) structure, which was confirmed by assessment of specific markers. The OVs subsequently developed to an optic cup (OC), which was similar to the in vivo environment. These arrangements expressed MITF in the outer layer and CHX10 in the inner layer. SIGNIFICANCE We assessed the inducing activity of SCAP during differentiation of hESCs towards a retinal fate in a 3D organoid system. However, future studies be conducted to gather additional details about the development of the eye field, retinal differentiation, and the molecular mechanisms of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraya Savoj
- Department of Biology, University of Payam Noor, Isfahan, Iran; Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Akbar Karimi
- Department of Biology, University of Payam Noor, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Fereshteh Karamali
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.
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29
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Finkbeiner C, Ortuño-Lizarán I, Sridhar A, Hooper M, Petter S, Reh TA. Single-cell ATAC-seq of fetal human retina and stem-cell-derived retinal organoids shows changing chromatin landscapes during cell fate acquisition. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110294. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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30
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Xue Y, Browne AW, Tang WC, Delgado J, McLelland BT, Nistor G, Chen JT, Chew K, Lee N, Keirstead HS, Seiler MJ. Retinal Organoids Long-Term Functional Characterization Using Two-Photon Fluorescence Lifetime and Hyperspectral Microscopy. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:796903. [PMID: 34955757 PMCID: PMC8707055 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.796903] [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: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cell-derived organoid technologies have opened avenues to preclinical basic science research, drug discovery, and transplantation therapy in organ systems. Stem cell-derived organoids follow a time course similar to species-specific organ gestation in vivo. However, heterogeneous tissue yields, and subjective tissue selection reduce the repeatability of organoid-based scientific experiments and clinical studies. To improve the quality control of organoids, we introduced a live imaging technique based on two-photon microscopy to non-invasively monitor and characterize retinal organoids’ (RtOgs’) long-term development. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) was used to monitor the metabolic trajectory, and hyperspectral imaging was applied to characterize structural and molecular changes. We further validated the live imaging experimental results with endpoint biological tests, including quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), single-cell RNA sequencing, and immunohistochemistry. With FLIM results, we analyzed the free/bound nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (f/b NADH) ratio of the imaged regions and found that there was a metabolic shift from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation. This shift occurred between the second and third months of differentiation. The total metabolic activity shifted slightly back toward glycolysis between the third and fourth months and stayed relatively stable between the fourth and sixth months. Consistency in organoid development among cell lines and production lots was examined. Molecular analysis showed that retinal progenitor genes were expressed in all groups between days 51 and 159. Photoreceptor gene expression emerged around the second month of differentiation, which corresponded to the shift in the f/b NADH ratio. RtOgs between 3 and 6 months of differentiation exhibited photoreceptor gene expression levels that were between the native human fetal and adult retina gene expression levels. The occurrence of cone opsin expression (OPN1 SW and OPN1 LW) indicated the maturation of photoreceptors in the fourth month of differentiation, which was consistent with the stabilized level of f/b NADH ratio starting from 4 months. Endpoint single-cell RNA and immunohistology data showed that the cellular compositions and lamination of RtOgs at different developmental stages followed those in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuntian Xue
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States.,Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Andrew W Browne
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States.,Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - William C Tang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Jeffrey Delgado
- Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | | | | | - Jacqueline T Chen
- Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Kaylee Chew
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Nicolas Lee
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | | | - Magdalene J Seiler
- Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States.,Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States.,Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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31
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Marcos LF, Wilson SL, Roach P. Tissue engineering of the retina: from organoids to microfluidic chips. J Tissue Eng 2021; 12:20417314211059876. [PMID: 34917332 PMCID: PMC8669127 DOI: 10.1177/20417314211059876] [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: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite advancements in tissue engineering, challenges remain for fabricating functional tissues that incorporate essential features including vasculature and complex cellular organisation. Monitoring of engineered tissues also raises difficulties, particularly when cell population maturity is inherent to function. Microfluidic, or lab-on-a-chip, platforms address the complexity issues of conventional 3D models regarding cell numbers and functional connectivity. Regulation of biochemical/biomechanical conditions can create dynamic structures, providing microenvironments that permit tissue formation while quantifying biological processes at a single cell level. Retinal organoids provide relevant cell numbers to mimic in vivo spatiotemporal development, where conventional culture approaches fail. Modern bio-fabrication techniques allow for retinal organoids to be combined with microfluidic devices to create anato-physiologically accurate structures or ‘retina-on-a-chip’ devices that could revolution ocular sciences. Here we present a focussed review of retinal tissue engineering, examining the challenges and how some of these have been overcome using organoids, microfluidics, and bioprinting technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis F Marcos
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, UK
| | - Samantha L Wilson
- Centre for Biological Engineering, School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, UK
| | - Paul Roach
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, UK
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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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Thomas BB, Lin B, Martinez-Camarillo JC, Zhu D, McLelland BT, Nistor G, Keirstead HS, Humayun MS, Seiler MJ. Co-grafts of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Derived Retina Organoids and Retinal Pigment Epithelium for Retinal Reconstruction in Immunodeficient Retinal Degenerate Royal College of Surgeons Rats. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:752958. [PMID: 34764853 PMCID: PMC8576198 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.752958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
End-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP) are two major retinal degenerative (RD) conditions that result in irreversible vision loss. Permanent eye damage can also occur in battlefields or due to accidents. This suggests there is an unmet need for developing effective strategies for treating permanent retinal damages. In previous studies, co-grafted sheets of fetal retina with its retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) have demonstrated vision improvement in rat retinal disease models and in patients, but this has not yet been attempted with stem-cell derived tissue. Here we demonstrate a cellular therapy for irreversible retinal eye injuries using a "total retina patch" consisting of retinal photoreceptor progenitor sheets and healthy RPE cells on an artificial Bruch's membrane (BM). For this, retina organoids (ROs) (cultured in suspension) and polarized RPE sheets (cultured on an ultrathin parylene substrate) were made into a co-graft using bio-adhesives [gelatin, growth factor-reduced matrigel, and medium viscosity (MVG) alginate]. In vivo transplantation experiments were conducted in immunodeficient Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats at advanced stages of retinal degeneration. Structural reconstruction of the severely damaged retina was observed based on histological assessments and optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging. Visual functional assessments were conducted by optokinetic behavioral testing and superior colliculus electrophysiology. Long-term survival of the co-graft in the rat subretinal space and improvement in visual function were observed. Immunohistochemistry showed that co-grafts grew, generated new photoreceptors and developed neuronal processes that were integrated into the host retina. This novel approach can be considered as a new therapy for complete replacement of a degenerated retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biju B. Thomas
- Department of Ophthalmology, USC Roski Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- USC Ginsburg Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Bin Lin
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Juan Carlos Martinez-Camarillo
- Department of Ophthalmology, USC Roski Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- USC Ginsburg Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Danhong Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, USC Roski Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Bryce T. McLelland
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | | | | | - Mark S. Humayun
- Department of Ophthalmology, USC Roski Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- USC Ginsburg Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Magdalene J. Seiler
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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Retinal Organoid Technology: Where Are We Now? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910244. [PMID: 34638582 PMCID: PMC8549701 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910244] [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: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
It is difficult to regenerate mammalian retinal cells once the adult retina is damaged, and current clinical approaches to retinal damages are very limited. The introduction of the retinal organoid technique empowers researchers to study the molecular mechanisms controlling retinal development, explore the pathogenesis of retinal diseases, develop novel treatment options, and pursue cell/tissue transplantation under a certain genetic background. Here, we revisit the historical background of retinal organoid technology, categorize current methods of organoid induction, and outline the obstacles and potential solutions to next-generation retinal organoids. Meanwhile, we recapitulate recent research progress in cell/tissue transplantation to treat retinal diseases, and discuss the pros and cons of transplanting single-cell suspension versus retinal organoid sheet for cell therapies.
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35
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Andreazzoli M, Barravecchia I, De Cesari C, Angeloni D, Demontis GC. Inducible Pluripotent Stem Cells to Model and Treat Inherited Degenerative Diseases of the Outer Retina: 3D-Organoids Limitations and Bioengineering Solutions. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092489. [PMID: 34572137 PMCID: PMC8471616 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal degenerations (IRD) affecting either photoreceptors or pigment epithelial cells cause progressive visual loss and severe disability, up to complete blindness. Retinal organoids (ROs) technologies opened up the development of human inducible pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) for disease modeling and replacement therapies. However, hiPSC-derived ROs applications to IRD presently display limited maturation and functionality, with most photoreceptors lacking well-developed outer segments (OS) and light responsiveness comparable to their adult retinal counterparts. In this review, we address for the first time the microenvironment where OS mature, i.e., the subretinal space (SRS), and discuss SRS role in photoreceptors metabolic reprogramming required for OS generation. We also address bioengineering issues to improve culture systems proficiency to promote OS maturation in hiPSC-derived ROs. This issue is crucial, as satisfying the demanding metabolic needs of photoreceptors may unleash hiPSC-derived ROs full potential for disease modeling, drug development, and replacement therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ivana Barravecchia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | | | - Debora Angeloni
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Gian Carlo Demontis
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Correspondence: (M.A.); (G.C.D.)
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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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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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38
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Huang D, Heath Jeffery RC, Aung-Htut MT, McLenachan S, Fletcher S, Wilton SD, Chen FK. Stargardt disease and progress in therapeutic strategies. Ophthalmic Genet 2021; 43:1-26. [PMID: 34455905 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2021.1966053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: Stargardt disease (STGD1) is an autosomal recessive retinal dystrophy due to mutations in ABCA4, characterized by subretinal deposition of lipofuscin-like substances and bilateral centrifugal vision loss. Despite the tremendous progress made in the understanding of STGD1, there are no approved treatments to date. This review examines the challenges in the development of an effective STGD1 therapy.Materials and Methods: A literature review was performed through to June 2021 summarizing the spectrum of retinal phenotypes in STGD1, the molecular biology of ABCA4 protein, the in vivo and in vitro models used to investigate the mechanisms of ABCA4 mutations and current clinical trials.Results: STGD1 phenotypic variability remains an challenge for clinical trial design and patient selection. Pre-clinical development of therapeutic options has been limited by the lack of animal models reflecting the diverse phenotypic spectrum of STDG1. Patient-derived cell lines have facilitated the characterization of splice mutations but the clinical presentation is not always predicted by the effect of specific mutations on retinoid metabolism in cellular models. Current therapies primarily aim to delay vision loss whilst strategies to restore vision are less well developed.Conclusions: STGD1 therapy development can be accelerated by a deeper understanding of genotype-phenotype correlations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Huang
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Western Australia, Australia.,Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science (Incorporating Lions Eye Institute), the University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.,Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science & the University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Rachael C Heath Jeffery
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science (Incorporating Lions Eye Institute), the University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - May Thandar Aung-Htut
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Western Australia, Australia.,Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science & the University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Samuel McLenachan
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science (Incorporating Lions Eye Institute), the University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sue Fletcher
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Western Australia, Australia.,Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science & the University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Steve D Wilton
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Western Australia, Australia.,Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science & the University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Fred K Chen
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science (Incorporating Lions Eye Institute), the University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.,Australian Inherited Retinal Disease Registry and DNA Bank, Department of Medical Technology and Physics, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.,Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Department of Ophthalmology, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
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Döpper H, Menges J, Bozet M, Brenzel A, Lohmann D, Steenpass L, Kanber D. Differentiation Protocol for 3D Retinal Organoids, Immunostaining and Signal Quantitation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 55:e120. [PMID: 32956559 DOI: 10.1002/cpsc.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Structures resembling whole organs, called organoids, are generated using pluripotent stem cells and 3D culturing methods. This relies on the ability of cells to self-reorganize after dissociation. In combination with certain supplemented factors, differentiation can be directed toward the formation of several organ-like structures. Here, a protocol for the generation of retinal organoids containing all seven retinal cell types is described. This protocol does not depend on Matrigel, and by keeping the organoids single and independent at all times, fusion is prevented and monitoring of differentiation is improved. Comprehensive phenotypic characterization of the in vitro-generated retinal organoids is achieved by the protocol for immunostaining outlined here. By comparing different stages of retinal organoids, the decrease and increase of certain cell populations can be determined. In order to be able to detect even small differences, it is necessary to quantify the immunofluorescent signals, for which we have provided a detailed protocol describing signal quantitation using the image-processing program Fiji. © 2020 The Authors. Basic Protocol 1: Differentiation protocol for 3D retinal organoids Basic Protocol 2: Immunostaining protocol for cryosections of retinal organoids Support Protocol: Embedding and sectioning protocol for 3D retinal organoids Basic Protocol 3: Quantitation protocol using Fiji.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Döpper
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Julia Menges
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Morgane Bozet
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Alexandra Brenzel
- Institute for Experimental Immunology and Imaging, Imaging Center Essen (LMU), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dietmar Lohmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Laura Steenpass
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Present address: Department of Human and Animal Cell Lines, Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Deniz Kanber
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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40
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Li X, Zhang L, Tang F, Wei X. Retinal Organoids: Cultivation, Differentiation, and Transplantation. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:638439. [PMID: 34276307 PMCID: PMC8282056 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.638439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal organoids (ROs), which are derived from stem cells, can automatically form three-dimensional laminar structures that include all cell types and the ultrastructure of the retina. Therefore, they are highly similar to the retinal structure in the human body. The development of organoids has been a great technological breakthrough in the fields of transplantation therapy and disease modeling. However, the translation of RO applications into medical practice still has various deficiencies at the current stage, including the long culture process, insufficient yield, and great heterogeneity among ROs produced under different conditions. Nevertheless, many technological breakthroughs have been made in transplanting ROs for treatment of diseases such as retinal degeneration. This review discusses recent advances in the development of ROs, improvements of the culture protocol, and the latest developments in RO replacement therapy techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuying Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fei Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shangjin Nanfu Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Wei
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Shangjin Nanfu Hospital, Chengdu, China
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41
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Green DW, Watson JA, Ben-Nissan B, Watson GS, Stamboulis A. Synthetic tissue engineering with smart, cytomimetic protocells. Biomaterials 2021; 276:120941. [PMID: 34298445 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic protocells are rudimentary origin-of-life versions of natural cell counterparts. Protocells are widely engineered to advance efforts and useful accepted outcomes in synthetic biology, soft matter chemistry and bioinspired materials chemistry. Protocells in collective symbiosis generate synthetic proto-tissues that display unprecedented autonomy and yield advanced materials with desirable life-like features for smart multi-drug delivery, micro bioreactors, renewable fuel production, environmental clean-up, and medicine. Current levels of protocell and proto-tissue functionality and adaptivity are just sufficient to apply them in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, where they animate biomaterials and increase therapeutic cell productivity. As of now, structural biomaterials for tissue engineering lack the properties of living biomaterials such as self-repair, stochasticity, cell synergy and the sequencing of molecular and cellular events. Future protocell-based biomaterials provide these core properties of living organisms, but excluding evolution. Most importantly, protocells are programmable for a broad array of cell functions and behaviors and collectively in consortia are tunable for multivariate functions. Inspired by upcoming designs of smart protocells, we review their developmental background and cover the most recently reported developments in this promising field of synthetic proto-biology. Our emphasis is on manufacturing proto-tissues for tissue engineering of organoids, stem cell niches and reprogramming and tissue formation through stages of embryonic development. We also highlight the exciting reported developments arising from fusing living cells and tissues, in a valuable hybrid symbiosis, with synthetic counterparts to bring about novel functions, and living tissue products for a new synthetic tissue engineering discipline.
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Affiliation(s)
- David William Green
- School of Metallurgy and Materials, Biomaterials Research Group, Proto-cellular Biomaterials Unit, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Jolanta Anna Watson
- School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Fraser Coast Campus, Hervey Bay, QLD 4655, Australia
| | - Besim Ben-Nissan
- Faculty of Science, University of Technology, PO BOX 123, Broadway, NSW 2007, Sydney, Australia
| | - Gregory Shaun Watson
- School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Fraser Coast Campus, Hervey Bay, QLD 4655, Australia
| | - Artemis Stamboulis
- School of Metallurgy and Materials, Biomaterials Research Group, Proto-cellular Biomaterials Unit, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
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Peron C, Maresca A, Cavaliere A, Iannielli A, Broccoli V, Carelli V, Di Meo I, Tiranti V. Exploiting hiPSCs in Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON): Present Achievements and Future Perspectives. Front Neurol 2021; 12:648916. [PMID: 34168607 PMCID: PMC8217617 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.648916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
More than 30 years after discovering Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) as the first maternally inherited disease associated with homoplasmic mtDNA mutations, we still struggle to achieve effective therapies. LHON is characterized by selective degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and is the most frequent mitochondrial disease, which leads young people to blindness, in particular males. Despite that causative mutations are present in all tissues, only a specific cell type is affected. Our deep understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms in LHON is hampered by the lack of appropriate models since investigations have been traditionally performed in non-neuronal cells. Effective in-vitro models of LHON are now emerging, casting promise to speed our understanding of pathophysiology and test therapeutic strategies to accelerate translation into clinic. We here review the potentials of these new models and their impact on the future of LHON patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Peron
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Maresca
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Cavaliere
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Iannielli
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy
| | - Vania Broccoli
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy
| | - Valerio Carelli
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences-DIBINEM, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ivano Di Meo
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Tiranti
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
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Shankaran A, Prasad K, Chaudhari S, Brand A, Satyamoorthy K. Advances in development and application of human organoids. 3 Biotech 2021; 11:257. [PMID: 33977021 PMCID: PMC8105691 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-021-02815-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Innumerable studies associated with cellular differentiation, tissue response and disease modeling have been conducted in two-dimensional (2D) culture systems or animal models. This has been invaluable in deciphering the normal and disease states in cell biology; the key shortcomings of it being suitability for translational or clinical correlations. The past decade has seen several major advances in organoid culture technologies and this has enhanced our understanding of mimicking organ reconstruction. The term organoid has generally been used to describe cellular aggregates derived from primary tissues or stem cells that can self-organize into organotypic structures. Organoids mimic the cellular microenvironment of tissues better than 2D cell culture systems and represent the tissue physiology. Human organoids of brain, thyroid, gastrointestinal, lung, cardiac, liver, pancreatic and kidney have been established from various diseases, healthy tissues and from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). Advances in patient-derived organoid culture further provides a unique perspective from which treatment modalities can be personalized. In this review article, we have discussed the current strategies for establishing various types of organoids of ectodermal, endodermal and mesodermal origin. We have also discussed their applications in modeling human health and diseases (such as cancer, genetic, neurodegenerative and infectious diseases), applications in regenerative medicine and evolutionary studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhijith Shankaran
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Planetarium Complex, Manipal, Karnataka 576104 India
| | - Keshava Prasad
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Planetarium Complex, Manipal, Karnataka 576104 India
| | - Sima Chaudhari
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Planetarium Complex, Manipal, Karnataka 576104 India
| | - Angela Brand
- Department of Public Health Genomics, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104 Karnataka India
- Department International Health, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Duboisdomein 30, 6229 GT Maastricht, The Netherlands
- United Nations University- Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute On Innovation and Technology (UNU-MERIT), Boschstraat 24, 6211 AX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Kapaettu Satyamoorthy
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Planetarium Complex, Manipal, Karnataka 576104 India
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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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McNerney C, Johnston RJ. Thyroid hormone signaling specifies cone photoreceptor subtypes during eye development: Insights from model organisms and human stem cell-derived retinal organoids. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2021; 116:51-90. [PMID: 33752828 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Cones are the color-detecting photoreceptors of the vertebrate eye. Cones are specialized into subtypes whose functions are determined by the expression of color-sensitive opsin proteins. Organisms differ greatly in the number and patterning of cone subtypes. Despite these differences, thyroid hormone is an important regulator of opsin expression in most vertebrates. In this chapter, we outline how the timing of thyroid hormone signaling controls cone subtype fates during retinal development. We first examine our current understanding of cone subtype specification in model organisms and then describe advances in human stem cell-derived organoid technology that identified mechanisms controlling development of the human retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina McNerney
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Robert J Johnston
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States.
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Clinical Application of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Organoids as an Alternative to Organ Transplantation. Stem Cells Int 2021; 2021:6632160. [PMID: 33679987 PMCID: PMC7929656 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6632160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Transplantation is essential and crucial for individuals suffering from end-stage organ failure diseases. However, there are still many challenges regarding these procedures, such as high rates of organ rejection, shortage of organ donors, and long waiting lines. Thus, investments and efforts to develop laboratory-grown organs have increased over the past years, and with the recent progress in regenerative medicine, growing organs in vitro might be a reality within the next decades. One of the many different strategies to address this issue relies on organoid technology, a miniaturized and simplified version of an organ. Here, we address recent progress on organoid research, focusing on transplantation of intestine, retina, kidney, liver, pancreas, brain, lung, and heart organoids. Also, we discuss the main outcomes after organoid transplantation, common challenges faced by these promising regenerative medicine approaches, and future perspectives on the field.
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Clinostat 3D Cell Culture: Protocols for the Preparation and Functional Analysis of Highly Reproducible, Large, Uniform Spheroids and Organoids. Methods Mol Biol 2021. [PMID: 33604843 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1246-0_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Growing cells as 3D structures need not be difficult. Often, it is not necessary to change cell type, additives or growth media used. All that needs to be changed is the geometry: cells (whether primary, induced pluripotent, transformed or immortal) simply have to be grown in conditions that promote cell-cell adhesion while allowing gas, nutrient, signal, and metabolite exchange. Downstream analysis can become more complicated because many assays (like phase contrast microscopy) cannot be used, but their replacements have been in use for many years. Most importantly, there is a huge gain in value in obtaining data that is more representative of the organism in vivo. It is the goal of the protocols presented here to make the transition to a new dimension as painless as possible. Grown optimally, most biopsy derived organoids will retain patient phenotypes, while cell (both stem cell, induced or otherwise or immortalized) derived organoids or spheroids will recover tissue functionality.
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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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Telias M, Nawy S, Kramer RH. Degeneration-Dependent Retinal Remodeling: Looking for the Molecular Trigger. Front Neurosci 2021; 14:618019. [PMID: 33390897 PMCID: PMC7775662 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.618019] [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: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Vision impairment and blindness in humans are most frequently caused by the degeneration and loss of photoreceptor cells in the outer retina, as is the case for age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, retinal detachment and many other diseases. While inner retinal neurons survive degeneration, they undergo fundamental pathophysiological changes, collectively known as “remodeling.” Inner retinal remodeling downstream to photoreceptor death occurs across mammalian retinas from mice to humans, independently of the cause of degeneration. It results in pervasive spontaneous hyperactivity and membrane hyperpermeability in retinal ganglion cells, which funnel all retinal signals to the brain. Remodeling reduces light detection in vision-impaired patients and precludes meaningful vision restoration in blind individuals. In this review, we summarize current hypotheses proposed to explain remodeling and their potential medical significance highlighting the important role played by retinoic acid and its receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Telias
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Scott Nawy
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Richard H Kramer
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States.,Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States
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