1
|
Suanno G, Genna VG, Maurizi E, Dieh AA, Griffith M, Ferrari G. Cell therapy in the cornea: The emerging role of microenvironment. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 102:101275. [PMID: 38797320 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101275] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The cornea is an ideal testing field for cell therapies. Its highly ordered structure, where specific cell populations are sequestered in different layers, together with its accessibility, has allowed the development of the first stem cell-based therapy approved by the European Medicine Agency. Today, different techniques have been proposed for autologous and allogeneic limbal and non-limbal cell transplantation. Cell replacement has also been attempted in cases of endothelial cell decompensation as it occurs in Fuchs dystrophy: injection of cultivated allogeneic endothelial cells is now in advanced phases of clinical development. Recently, stromal substitutes have been developed with excellent integration capability and transparency. Finally, cell-derived products, such as exosomes obtained from different sources, have been investigated for the treatment of severe corneal diseases with encouraging results. Optimization of the success rate of cell therapies obviously requires high-quality cultured cells/products, but the role of the surrounding microenvironment is equally important to allow engraftment of transplanted cells, to preserve their functions and, ultimately, lead to restoration of tissue integrity and transparency of the cornea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Suanno
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Eye Repair Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Eleonora Maurizi
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine ''S. Ferrari'', University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Anas Abu Dieh
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - May Griffith
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Giulio Ferrari
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Eye Repair Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
An S, Anwar K, Ashraf M, Han KY, Djalilian AR. Chlorine-Induced Toxicity on Murine Cornea: Exploring the Potential Therapeutic Role of Antioxidants. Cells 2024; 13:458. [PMID: 38474422 PMCID: PMC10930774 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050458] [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: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Chlorine (Cl2) exposure poses a significant risk to ocular health, with the cornea being particularly susceptible to its corrosive effects. Antioxidants, known for their ability to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) and alleviate oxidative stress, were explored as potential therapeutic agents to counteract chlorine-induced damage. In vitro experiments using human corneal epithelial cells showed decreased cell viability by chlorine-induced ROS production, which was reversed by antioxidant incubation. The mitochondrial membrane potential decreased due to both low and high doses of Cl2 exposure; however, it was recovered through antioxidants. The wound scratch assay showed that antioxidants mitigated impaired wound healing after Cl2 exposure. In vivo and ex vivo, after Cl2 exposure, increased corneal fluorescein staining indicates damaged corneal epithelial and stromal layers of mice cornea. Likewise, Cl2 exposure in human ex vivo corneas led to corneal injury characterized by epithelial fluorescein staining and epithelial erosion. However, antioxidants protected Cl2-induced damage. These results highlight the effects of Cl2 on corneal cells using in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models while also underscoring the potential of antioxidants, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, resveratrol, and melatonin, as protective agents against acute chlorine toxicity-induced corneal injury. Further investigation is needed to confirm the antioxidants' capacity to alleviate oxidative stress and enhance the corneal healing process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seungwon An
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (K.A.); (M.A.); (K.-Y.H.)
- Clinical Stem Cell Laboratory, UI Blood & Marrow Transplant Program, University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Khandaker Anwar
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (K.A.); (M.A.); (K.-Y.H.)
| | - Mohammadjavad Ashraf
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (K.A.); (M.A.); (K.-Y.H.)
- Department of Pathology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran
| | - Kyu-Yeon Han
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (K.A.); (M.A.); (K.-Y.H.)
| | - Ali R. Djalilian
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (K.A.); (M.A.); (K.-Y.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Soleimani M, Cheraqpour K, Koganti R, Djalilian AR. Cellular senescence and ophthalmic diseases: narrative review. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2023; 261:3067-3082. [PMID: 37079093 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-023-06070-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Cellular senescence is a state of permanent growth arrest whereby a cell reaches its replicative limit. However, senescence can also be triggered prematurely in certain stressors including radiation, oxidative stress, and chemotherapy. This stress-induced senescence has been studied in the context of promoting inflammation, tumor development, and several chronic degenerative diseases of aging. Emerging research has elucidated the role of senescence in various ocular diseases. METHODS The literature search was performed using PubMed with using the query (senescence OR aging) AND (eye disease OR ocular disease OR ophthalmic disease OR cornea OR glaucoma OR cataract OR retina) on October 20th, 2022. No time restriction was proposed. Articles were excluded if they were not referenced in English. RESULTS Overall, 51 articles regarding senescence and ocular diseases were found and summarized in this study. Several signaling pathways have been implicated in the development of senescence. Currently, senescence has been linked to various corneal and retinal pathologies, as well as cataract and glaucoma. Given the number of pathologies, senolytics, which are small molecules with the ability to selective targeting of senescent cells, can be used as therapeutic or prophylactic agents. CONCLUSIONS Senescence has been shown to underlie the pathogenesis of numerous ocular diseases. The overall literature on senescence and ocular disease is growing rapidly. There is an ongoing debate whether or not cellular senescence detected in experiments contributes in a significant way to diseases. Research on understanding the mechanism of senescence from ocular cells and tissues is just beginning. Multiple animal models are required to test potential senolytics. Currently, no studies exist to date which have demonstrated the benefits of senolytic therapies in human studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Soleimani
- Eye Research Center, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Cornea Service, Stem Cell Therapy and Corneal Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, 1855 W. Taylor Street, M/C 648, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Kasra Cheraqpour
- Eye Research Center, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Raghuram Koganti
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ali R Djalilian
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Cornea Service, Stem Cell Therapy and Corneal Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, 1855 W. Taylor Street, M/C 648, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Li X, Chen K, Wang Z, Li J, Wang X, Xie C, Tong J, Shen Y. The mTOR signalling in corneal diseases: A recent update. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 213:115620. [PMID: 37217140 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Corneal diseases affect 4.2 million people worldwide and are a leading cause of vision impairment and blindness. Current treatments for corneal diseases, such as antibiotics, steroids, and surgical interventions, have numerous disadvantages and challenges. Thus, there is an urgent need for more effective therapies. Although the pathogenesis of corneal diseases is not fully understood, it is known that injury caused by various stresses and postinjury healing, such as epithelial renewal, inflammation, stromal fibrosis, and neovascularization, are highly involved. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key regulator of cell growth, metabolism, and the immune response. Recent studies have revealed that activation of mTOR signalling extensively contributes to the pathogenesis of various corneal diseases, and inhibition of mTOR with rapamycin achieves promising outcomes, supporting the potential of mTOR as a therapeutic target. In this review, we detail the function of mTOR in corneal diseases and how these characteristics contribute to disease treatment using mTOR-targeted drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Kuangqi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zixi Wang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiayuan Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiawei Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Chen Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Jianping Tong
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Ye Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Musa M, Zeppieri M, Atuanya GN, Enaholo ES, Topah EK, Ojo OM, Salati C. Nutritional Factors: Benefits in Glaucoma and Ophthalmologic Pathologies. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1120. [PMID: 37240765 PMCID: PMC10222847 DOI: 10.3390/life13051120] [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: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a chronic optic neuropathy that can lead to irreversible functional and morphological damage if left untreated. The gold standard therapeutic approaches in managing patients with glaucoma and limiting progression include local drops, laser, and/or surgery, which are all geared at reducing intraocular pressure (IOP). Nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, organic compounds, and micronutrients have been gaining increasing interest in the past decade as integrative IOP-independent strategies to delay or halt glaucomatous retinal ganglion cell degeneration. In our minireview, we examine the various nutrients and compounds proposed in the current literature for the management of ophthalmology diseases, especially for glaucoma. With respect to each substance considered, this minireview reports the molecular and biological characteristics, neuroprotective activities, antioxidant properties, beneficial mechanisms, and clinical studies published in the past decade in the field of general medicine. This study highlights the potential benefits of these substances in glaucoma and other ophthalmologic pathologies. Nutritional supplementation can thus be useful as integrative IOP-independent strategies in the management of glaucoma and in other ophthalmologic pathologies. Large multicenter clinical trials based on functional and morphologic data collected over long follow-up periods in patients with IOP-independent treatments can pave the way for alternative and/or coadjutant therapeutic options in the management of glaucoma and other ocular pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mutali Musa
- Department of Optometry, University of Benin, Benin City 300238, Edo State, Nigeria
| | - Marco Zeppieri
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | | | | | - Efioshiomoshi Kings Topah
- Department of Optometry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences Bayero University, Kano 700006, Kano State, Nigeria
| | - Oluwasola Michael Ojo
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin 240003, Kwara State, Nigeria
| | - Carlo Salati
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Horcas-Nieto JM, Versloot CJ, Langelaar-Makkinje M, Gerding A, Blokzijl T, Koster MH, Baanstra M, Martini IA, Coppes RP, Bourdon C, van Ijzendoorn SCD, Kim P, Bandsma RHJ, Bakker BM. Organoids as a model to study intestinal and liver dysfunction in severe malnutrition. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023; 1869:166635. [PMID: 36581145 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- José M Horcas-Nieto
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, Center for Liver, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Christian J Versloot
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, Center for Liver, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Miriam Langelaar-Makkinje
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, Center for Liver, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Albert Gerding
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, Center for Liver, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Tjasso Blokzijl
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Mirjam H Koster
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, Center for Liver, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Mirjam Baanstra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cell & Systems, Section Molecular Cell Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ingrid A Martini
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Robert P Coppes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cell & Systems, Section Molecular Cell Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Céline Bourdon
- Translational Medicine, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sven C D van Ijzendoorn
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cell & Systems, Section Molecular Cell Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Kim
- Translational Medicine, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Robert H J Bandsma
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, Center for Liver, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands; Translational Medicine, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Barbara M Bakker
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, Center for Liver, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Therapeutic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Secreted Factors on Delay in Corneal Wound Healing by Nitrogen Mustard. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911510. [PMID: 36232805 PMCID: PMC9570439 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular surface exposure to nitrogen mustard (NM) leads to severe ocular toxicity which includes the separation of epithelial and stromal layers, loss of endothelial cells, cell death, and severe loss of tissue function. No definitive treatment for mustard gas-induced ocular surface disorders is currently available. The research was conducted to investigate the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned media (MSC-CM) in NM-induced corneal wounds. NM was added to different types of corneal cells, the ocular surface of porcine, and the ocular surface of mice, followed by MSC-CM treatment. NM significantly induced apoptotic cell death, cellular ROS (Reactive oxygen species), and reduced cell viability, metabolic gene expression, and mitochondrial function, and, in turn, delayed wound healing. The application of MSC-CM post NM exposure partially restored mitochondrial function and decreased intracellular ROS generation which promoted cell survival. MSC-CM therapy enhanced wound healing process. MSC-CM inhibited NM-induced apoptotic cell death in murine and porcine corneal tissue. The application of MSC-CM following a chemical insult led to significant improvements in the preservation of corneal structure and wound healing. In vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo results suggest that MSC-CM can potentially provide targeted therapy for the treatment of chemical eye injuries, including mustard gas keratopathy (MGK) which presents with significant loss of vision alongside numerous corneal pathologies.
Collapse
|
8
|
Aniridia-related keratopathy relevant cell signaling pathways in human fetal corneas. Histochem Cell Biol 2022; 158:169-180. [PMID: 35551459 PMCID: PMC9338123 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-022-02099-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to study aniridia-related keratopathy (ARK) relevant cell signaling pathways [Notch1, Wnt/β-catenin, Sonic hedgehog (SHH) and mTOR] in normal human fetal corneas compared with normal human adult corneas and ARK corneas. We found that fetal corneas at 20 weeks of gestation (wg) and normal adult corneas showed similar staining patterns for Notch1; however 10–11 wg fetal corneas showed increased presence of Notch1. Numb and Dlk1 had an enhanced presence in the fetal corneas compared with the adult corneas. Fetal corneas showed stronger immunolabeling with antibodies against β-catenin, Wnt5a, Wnt7a, Gli1, Hes1, p-rpS6, and mTOR when compared with the adult corneas. Gene expression of Notch1, Wnt5A, Wnt7A, β-catenin, Hes1, mTOR, and rps6 was higher in the 9–12 wg fetal corneas compared with adult corneas. The cell signaling pathway differences found between human fetal and adult corneas were similar to those previously found in ARK corneas with the exception of Notch1. Analogous profiles of cell signaling pathway activation between human fetal corneas and ARK corneas suggests that there is a less differentiated host milieu in ARK.
Collapse
|
9
|
ROCK ‘n TOR: An Outlook on Keratinocyte Stem Cell Expansion in Regenerative Medicine via Protein Kinase Inhibition. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071130. [PMID: 35406693 PMCID: PMC8997668 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Keratinocyte stem cells play a fundamental role in homeostasis and repair of stratified epithelial tissues. Transplantation of cultured keratinocytes autografts provides a landmark example of successful cellular therapies by restoring durable integrity in stratified epithelia lost to devastating tissue conditions. Despite the overall success of such procedures, failures still occur in case of paucity of cultured stem cells in therapeutic grafts. Strategies aiming at a further amplification of stem cells during keratinocyte ex vivo expansion may thus extend the applicability of these treatments to subjects in which endogenous stem cells pools are depauperated by aging, trauma, or disease. Pharmacological targeting of stem cell signaling pathways is recently emerging as a powerful strategy for improving stem cell maintenance and/or amplification. Recent experimental data indicate that pharmacological inhibition of two prominent keratinocyte signaling pathways governed by apical mTOR and ROCK protein kinases favor stem cell maintenance and/or amplification ex vivo and may improve the effectiveness of stem cell-based therapeutic procedures. In this review, we highlight the pathophysiological roles of mTOR and ROCK in keratinocyte biology and evaluate existing pre-clinical data on the effects of their inhibition in epithelial stem cell expansion for transplantation purposes.
Collapse
|
10
|
Lasagni Vitar R, Triani F, Barbariga M, Fonteyne P, Rama P, Ferrari G. Substance P/neurokinin-1 receptor pathway blockade ameliorates limbal stem cell deficiency by modulating mTOR pathway and preventing cell senescence. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:849-863. [PMID: 35334220 PMCID: PMC9023781 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe ocular surface diseases can lead to limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), which is accompanied by defective healing. We aimed to evaluate the role of the substance P (SP)/neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) pathway in corneal epithelium wound healing in a pre-clinical model of LSCD. SP ablation or NK1R blockade significantly increased epithelial wound healing (p < 0.001) and corneal transparency (p < 0.001), compared with wild type (WT). In addition, a reduced number of infiltrating goblet and conjunctival cells (p < 0.05) and increased number of epithelial stem cells (p < 0.01), which also expressed NK1R, was observed. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway was significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) and expression of γH2AX was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) after SP ablation. These results suggest that excessive expression of SP is associated with LSCD and results in accelerated senescence and exhaustion of residual stem cells. Topical treatment with NK1R antagonist ameliorates clinical signs associated with LSCD and could be used as an adjuvant treatment in LSCD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Romina Lasagni Vitar
- Cornea and Ocular Surface Disease Unit, Eye Repair Lab, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Triani
- Cornea and Ocular Surface Disease Unit, Eye Repair Lab, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Barbariga
- Cornea and Ocular Surface Disease Unit, Eye Repair Lab, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Philippe Fonteyne
- Cornea and Ocular Surface Disease Unit, Eye Repair Lab, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Rama
- Cornea and Ocular Surface Disease Unit, Eye Repair Lab, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulio Ferrari
- Cornea and Ocular Surface Disease Unit, Eye Repair Lab, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Volatier T, Schumacher B, Cursiefen C, Notara M. UV Protection in the Cornea: Failure and Rescue. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11020278. [PMID: 35205145 PMCID: PMC8868636 DOI: 10.3390/biology11020278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary The sun is a deadly laser, and its damaging rays harm exposed tissues such as our skin and eyes. The skin’s protection and repair mechanisms are well understood and utilized in therapeutic approaches while the eye lacks such complete understanding of its defenses and therefore often lacks therapeutic support in most cases. The aim here was to document the similarities and differences between the two tissues as well as understand where current research stands on ocular, particularly corneal, ultraviolet protection. The objective is to identify what mechanisms may be best suited for future investigation and valuable therapeutic approaches. Abstract Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation induces DNA lesions in all directly exposed tissues. In the human body, two tissues are chronically exposed to UV: the skin and the cornea. The most frequent UV-induced DNA lesions are cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) that can lead to apoptosis or induce tumorigenesis. Lacking the protective pigmentation of the skin, the transparent cornea is particularly dependent on nucleotide excision repair (NER) to remove UV-induced DNA lesions. The DNA damage response also triggers intracellular autophagy mechanisms to remove damaged material in the cornea; these mechanisms are poorly understood despite their noted involvement in UV-related diseases. Therapeutic solutions involving xenogenic DNA-repair enzymes such as T4 endonuclease V or photolyases exist and are widely distributed for dermatological use. The corneal field lacks a similar set of tools to address DNA-lesions in photovulnerable patients, such as those with genetic disorders or recently transplanted tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Volatier
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (C.C.); (M.N.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Björn Schumacher
- Cologne Excellence Cluster for Cellular Stress Responses, Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD) and Center for Molecular Medicine (CMMC), University of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Strasse 26, 50931 Cologne, Germany;
| | - Claus Cursiefen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (C.C.); (M.N.)
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 21, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Maria Notara
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (C.C.); (M.N.)
- Cologne Excellence Cluster for Cellular Stress Responses, Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD) and Center for Molecular Medicine (CMMC), University of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Strasse 26, 50931 Cologne, Germany;
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Shukal DK, Malaviya PB, Sharma T. Role of the AMPK signalling pathway in the aetiopathogenesis of ocular diseases. Hum Exp Toxicol 2022; 41:9603271211063165. [PMID: 35196887 DOI: 10.1177/09603271211063165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays a precise role as a master regulator of cellular energy homeostasis. AMPK is activated in response to the signalling cues that exhaust cellular ATP levels such as hypoxia, ischaemia, glucose depletion and heat shock. As a central regulator of both lipid and glucose metabolism, AMPK is considered to be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of various diseases, including eye disorders. OBJECTIVE To review all the shreds of evidence concerning the role of the AMPK signalling pathway in the pathogenesis of ocular diseases. METHOD Scientific data search and review of available information evaluating the influence of AMPK signalling on ocular diseases. RESULTS Review highlights the significance of AMPK signalling in the aetiopathogenesis of ocular diseases, including cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinoblastoma, age-related macular degeneration, corneal diseases, etc. The review also provides the information on the AMPK-associated pathways with reference to ocular disease, which includes mitochondrial biogenesis, autophagy and regulation of inflammatory response. CONCLUSION The study concludes the role of AMPK in ocular diseases. There is growing interest in the therapeutic utilization of the AMPK pathway for ocular disease treatment. Furthermore, inhibition of AMPK signalling might represent more pertinent strategy than AMPK activation for ocular disease treatment. Such information will guide the development of more effective AMPK modulators for ocular diseases.[Formula: see text].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dhaval K Shukal
- 534329Iladevi Cataract and IOL Research Centre, Memnagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.,76793Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Pooja B Malaviya
- 534329Iladevi Cataract and IOL Research Centre, Memnagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.,76793Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Tusha Sharma
- 534329Iladevi Cataract and IOL Research Centre, Memnagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Putra I, Shen X, Anwar KN, Rabiee B, Samaeekia R, Almazyad E, Giri P, Jabbehdari S, Hayat MR, Elhusseiny AM, Ghassemi M, Mahmud N, Edward DP, Joslin CE, Rosenblatt MI, Dana R, Eslani M, Hematti P, Djalilian AR. Preclinical Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of Cryopreserved Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for Corneal Repair. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:3. [PMID: 34383879 PMCID: PMC8362636 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.10.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been shown to enhance tissue repair as a cell-based therapy. In preparation for a phase I clinical study, we evaluated the safety, dosing, and efficacy of bone marrow–derived MSCs after subconjunctival injection in preclinical animal models of mice, rats, and rabbits. Methods Human bone marrow–derived MSCs were expanded to passage 4 and cryopreserved. Viability of MSCs after thawing and injection through small-gauge needles was evaluated by vital dye staining. The in vivo safety of human and rabbit MSCs was studied by subconjunctivally injecting MSCs in rabbits with follow-up to 90 days. The potency of MSCs on accelerating wound healing was evaluated in vitro using a scratch assay and in vivo using 2-mm corneal epithelial debridement wounds in mice. Human MSCs were tracked after subconjunctival injection in rat and rabbit eyes. Results The viability of MSCs after thawing and immediate injection through 27- and 30-gauge needles was 93.1% ± 2.1% and 94.9% ± 1.3%, respectively. Rabbit eyes demonstrated mild self-limiting conjunctival inflammation at the site of injection with human but not rabbit MSCs. In scratch assay, the mean wound healing area was 93.5% ± 12.1% in epithelial cells co-cultured with MSCs compared with 40.8% ± 23.1% in controls. At 24 hours after wounding, all MSC-injected murine eyes had 100% corneal wound closure compared with 79.9% ± 5.5% in controls. Human MSCs were detectable in the subconjunctival area and peripheral cornea at 14 days after injection. Conclusions Subconjunctival administration of MSCs is safe and effective in promoting corneal epithelial wound healing in animal models. Translational Relevance These results provide preclinical data to support a phase I clinical study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilham Putra
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Xiang Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Khandaker N Anwar
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Behnam Rabiee
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ravand Samaeekia
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Enmar Almazyad
- Department of Ophthalmology, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Pushpanjali Giri
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sayena Jabbehdari
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mohammed R Hayat
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Abdelrahman M Elhusseiny
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mahmood Ghassemi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nadim Mahmud
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Deepak P Edward
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Charlotte E Joslin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mark I Rosenblatt
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Reza Dana
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Medi Eslani
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Peiman Hematti
- Department of Medicine and University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ali R Djalilian
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Rapamycin and 3-Methyladenine Influence the Apoptosis, Senescence, and Adipogenesis of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells by Promoting and Inhibiting Autophagy: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2021; 45:1294-1309. [PMID: 33427891 DOI: 10.1007/s00266-020-02101-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to clarify the changes in apoptosis, proliferation, senescence, and adipogenesis after promoting and inhibiting autophagy in adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) by rapamycin and 3-methyladenine in vitro and in vivo. METHODS After rapamycin and 3-methyladenine pretreatment, ADSC autophagy was detected by immunofluorescence for LC3, RT-PCR for ATG genes, and western blotting (WB) for the LC3 II/I and p62 proteins. TUNEL staining, PCR of BAX, and WB of Caspase-3 were preformed to assess ADSC apoptosis. The adipogenesis of ADSCs was evaluated by Oil red O staining and PCR of PPAR-γ. CCK8 assays were conducted to detect proliferation. Senescence was tested by Sa-β-gal staining and PCR of the P16/ 19/21 genes. Moreover, the mass and volume retention rate were determined, and perilipin and CD31 staining were performed in vivo. RESULTS Rapamycin and 3-methyladenine pretreatment increased and decreased autophagy of ADSCs, respectively, under normal and oxygen-glucose deprivation conditions. Apoptosis and senescence of ADSCs were decreased, and adipogenesis was increased along with the upregulation of autophagy. However, the proliferation of ADSCs was inhibited after either rapamycin or 3-methyladenine pretreatment. In vivo, the volume and mass retention rate and the angiogenesis of the grafts were also improved after rapamycin pretreatment. CONCLUSIONS Rapamycin pretreatment reduced apoptosis, delayed senescence, and promoted adipogenesis of ADSCs. These effects were inhibited by 3-methyladenine, indicating that the changes may be mediated by autophagy. Moreover, the survival rate and angiogenesis of the grafts were increased after upregulation of ADSC autophagy in vivo, which may help improve the efficiency of clinical fat transplantation. NO LEVEL ASSIGNED This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
Collapse
|
15
|
Lu J, Zhu X, Shui JE, Xiong L, Gierahn T, Zhang C, Wood M, Hally S, Love JC, Li H, Crawford BC, Mou H, Lerou PH. Rho/SMAD/mTOR triple inhibition enables long-term expansion of human neonatal tracheal aspirate-derived airway basal cell-like cells. Pediatr Res 2021; 89:502-509. [PMID: 32365352 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-020-0925-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bronchopulmonary dysplasia remains one of the most common complications of prematurity, despite significant improvements in perinatal care. Functional modeling of human lung development and disease, like BPD, is limited by our ability to access the lung and to maintain relevant progenitor cell populations in culture. METHODS We supplemented Rho/SMAD signaling inhibition with mTOR inhibition to generate epithelial basal cell-like cell lines from tracheal aspirates of neonates. RESULTS Single-cell RNA-sequencing confirmed the presence of epithelial cells in tracheal aspirates obtained from intubated neonates. Using Rho/SMAD/mTOR triple signaling inhibition, neonatal tracheal aspirate-derived (nTAD) basal cell-like cells can be expanded long term and retain the ability to differentiate into pseudostratified airway epithelium. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that neonatal tracheal aspirate-derived epithelial cells can provide a novel ex vivo human cellular model to study neonatal lung development and disease. IMPACT Airway epithelial basal cell-like cell lines were derived from human neonatal tracheal aspirates. mTOR inhibition significantly extends in vitro proliferation of neonatal tracheal aspirate-derived basal cell-like cells (nTAD BCCs). nTAD BCCs can be differentiated into functional airway epithelium. nTAD BCCs provide a novel model to investigate perinatal lung development and diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Lu
- Division of Neonatology and Newborn Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Xiaobo Zhu
- Department of Neonatology, Children's Medical Center, the Second Hospital of Shandong University, 250033, Jinan, Shangdong, China
| | - Jessica E Shui
- Division of Neonatology and Newborn Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Linjie Xiong
- Division of Neonatology and Newborn Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Todd Gierahn
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Center for Individualized Medicine, Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Michael Wood
- Mucosal Immunology & Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Suzanne Hally
- Division of Neonatology and Newborn Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - J Christopher Love
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Hu Li
- Center for Individualized Medicine, Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Benjamin C Crawford
- Division of Neonatology and Newborn Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Hongmei Mou
- Mucosal Immunology & Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Paul H Lerou
- Division of Neonatology and Newborn Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Rabiee B, Anwar KN, Shen X, Putra I, Liu M, Jung R, Afsharkhamseh N, Rosenblatt MI, Fishman GA, Liu X, Ghassemi M, Djalilian AR. Gene dosage manipulation alleviates manifestations of hereditary PAX6 haploinsufficiency in mice. Sci Transl Med 2020; 12:eaaz4894. [PMID: 33298563 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaz4894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In autosomal dominant conditions with haploinsufficiency, a single functional allele cannot maintain sufficient dosage for normal function. We hypothesized that pharmacologic induction of the wild-type allele could lead to gene dosage compensation and mitigation of the disease manifestations. The paired box 6 (PAX6) gene is crucial in tissue development and maintenance particularly in eye, brain, and pancreas. Aniridia is a panocular condition with impaired eye development and limited vision due to PAX6 haploinsufficiency. To test our hypothesis, we performed a chemical screen and found mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitors to induce PAX6 expression in normal and mutant corneal cells. Treatment of newborn Pax6-deficient mice (Pax6Sey-Neu/+ ) with topical or systemic MEK inhibitor PD0325901 led to increased corneal PAX6 expression, improved corneal morphology, reduced corneal opacity, and enhanced ocular function. These results suggest that induction of the wild-type allele by drug repurposing is a potential therapeutic strategy for haploinsufficiencies, which is not limited to specific mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Behnam Rabiee
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Khandaker N Anwar
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Xiang Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Ilham Putra
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Mingna Liu
- Departments of Biology and Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Rebecca Jung
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Neda Afsharkhamseh
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Mark I Rosenblatt
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Gerald A Fishman
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Pangere Center for Inherited Retinal Diseases, The Chicago Lighthouse, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
| | - Xiaorong Liu
- Departments of Biology and Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Mahmood Ghassemi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Ali R Djalilian
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Trujillo-Vargas CM, Kutlehria S, Hernandez H, de Souza RG, Lee A, Yu Z, Pflugfelder SC, Singh M, de Paiva CS. Rapamycin Eyedrops Increased CD4 +Foxp3 + Cells and Prevented Goblet Cell Loss in the Aged Ocular Surface. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21238890. [PMID: 33255287 PMCID: PMC7727717 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21238890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dry eye disease (DED), one of the most prevalent conditions among the elderly, is a chronic inflammatory disorder that disrupts tear film stability and causes ocular surface damage. Aged C57BL/6J mice spontaneously develop DED. Rapamycin is a potent immunosuppressant that prolongs the lifespan of several species. Here, we compared the effects of daily instillation of eyedrops containing rapamycin or empty micelles for three months on the aged mice. Tear cytokine/chemokine profile showed a pronounced increase in vascular endothelial cell growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and a trend towards decreased concentration of Interferon gamma (IFN)-γ in rapamycin-treated groups. A significant decrease in inflammatory markers in the lacrimal gland was also evident (IFN-γ, IL-12, CIITA and Ctss); this was accompanied by slightly diminished Unc-51 Like Autophagy Activating Kinase 1 (ULK1) transcripts. In the lacrimal gland and draining lymph nodes, we also observed a significant increase in the CD45+CD4+Foxp3+ cells in the rapamycin-treated mice. More importantly, rapamycin eyedrops increased conjunctival goblet cell density and area compared to the empty micelles. Taken together, evidence from these studies indicates that topical rapamycin has therapeutic efficacy for age-associated ocular surface inflammation and goblet cell loss and opens the venue for new investigations on its role in the aging process of the eye.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia M. Trujillo-Vargas
- Grupo de Inmunodeficiencias Primarias, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, UdeA, Medellín 050010, Colombia;
- Ocular Surface Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (H.H.); (R.G.d.S.); (Z.Y.); (S.C.P.)
| | - Shallu Kutlehria
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA; (S.K.); (M.S.)
| | - Humberto Hernandez
- Ocular Surface Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (H.H.); (R.G.d.S.); (Z.Y.); (S.C.P.)
| | - Rodrigo G. de Souza
- Ocular Surface Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (H.H.); (R.G.d.S.); (Z.Y.); (S.C.P.)
| | - Andrea Lee
- Graduate Program in Immunology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Zhiyuan Yu
- Ocular Surface Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (H.H.); (R.G.d.S.); (Z.Y.); (S.C.P.)
| | - Stephen C. Pflugfelder
- Ocular Surface Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (H.H.); (R.G.d.S.); (Z.Y.); (S.C.P.)
| | - Mandip Singh
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA; (S.K.); (M.S.)
| | - Cintia S. de Paiva
- Ocular Surface Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (H.H.); (R.G.d.S.); (Z.Y.); (S.C.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-713-798-2124
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Che H, Li J, Li Y, Ma C, Liu H, Qin J, Dong J, Zhang Z, Xian CJ, Miao D, Wang L, Ren Y. p16 deficiency attenuates intervertebral disc degeneration by adjusting oxidative stress and nucleus pulposus cell cycle. eLife 2020; 9:52570. [PMID: 32125276 PMCID: PMC7065909 DOI: 10.7554/elife.52570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The cell cycle regulator p16 is known as a biomarker and an effector of aging. However, its function in intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is unclear. In this study, p16 expression levels were found to be positively correlated with the severity of human IVDD. In a mouse tail suspension (TS)-induced IVDD model, lumbar intervertebral disc height index and matrix protein expression levels were reduced significantly were largely rescued by p16 deletion. In TS mouse discs, reactive oxygen species levels, proportions of senescent cells, and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) were all increased, cell cycling was delayed, and expression was downregulated for Sirt1, superoxide dismutase 1/2, cyclin-dependent kinases 4/6, phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein, and transcription factor E2F1/2. However, these effects were rescued by p16 deletion. Our results demonstrate that p16 plays an important role in IVDD pathogenesis and that its deletion attenuates IVDD by promoting cell cycle and inhibiting SASP, cell senescence, and oxidative stress. Neck and shoulder pain, lower back pain and leg numbness are conditions that many people will encounter as years go by. This is because intervertebral discs, the padding structures that fit between the bones in the spine, degenerate with age: their cells enter a ‘senescent’, inactive state, and stop multiplying. A protein known as p16, an important regulator of cell growth and division, is known to accumulate in senescent cells. In fact, in mouse fat tissue, muscles or eyes, removing the cells that contain high levels of p16 delays aging-associated disorders. However, it was still unknown whether deactivating the gene that codes p16 in senescent cells could delay disc degeneration. Here, Che, Li et al. discovered that p16 is highly present in the senescent cells of severely degenerated human intervertebral discs. The cells in the nucleus pulposus, the jelly-like and most critical tissue in the intervertebral discs, were extracted and grown in the lab under conditions that replicate the early stages of damage to the spine. Drugs and genetic manipulations were then used to decrease the amount of p16 in these cells. The experiments showed that reducing the levels of p16 results in the senescent cells multiplying more and showing fewer signs of damage and aging. In addition, the discs of mice in which the gene that codes for p16 had been deleted were less prone to degeneration compared to ‘normal’ mice in similar conditions. Overall, the work by Che, Li et al. shows that inhibiting p16 in disc cells delays the aging process and reduces the degeneration of intervertebral discs. These findings may one day be applicable to people with intervertebral disc diseases who, for example, could potentially benefit from a gene therapy targeting the cells which produce p16.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Che
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,University Medical Center, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, The Affiliated Xuzhou Hospital of Southeast University, Xuzhou, China
| | - You Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Cheng Ma
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huan Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,The Affiliated Huai'an No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Jingyi Qin
- Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China
| | - Jianghui Dong
- Department of Hand Surgery, Department of Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, Ningbo, China.,School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences and UniSA Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Department of Hand Surgery, Department of Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, Ningbo, China
| | - Cory J Xian
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences and UniSA Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Dengshun Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Research Center for Bone and Stem Cells, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liping Wang
- Department of Hand Surgery, Department of Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, Ningbo, China.,School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences and UniSA Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Yongxin Ren
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Jaishankar D, Yakoub AM, Yadavalli T, Agelidis A, Thakkar N, Hadigal S, Ames J, Shukla D. An off-target effect of BX795 blocks herpes simplex virus type 1 infection of the eye. Sci Transl Med 2019; 10:10/428/eaan5861. [PMID: 29444978 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aan5861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) causes recurrent mucocutaneous lesions in the eye that may advance to corneal blindness. Nucleoside analogs exemplified by acyclovir (ACV) form the primary class of antiherpetic drugs, but this class suffers limitations due to the emergence of viral resistance and other side effects. While studying the molecular basis of ocular HSV-1 infection, we observed that BX795, a commonly used inhibitor of TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), strongly suppressed infection by multiple strains of HSV-1 in transformed and primary human cells, cultured human and animal corneas, and a murine model of ocular infection. Our investigations revealed that the antiviral activity of BX795 relies on targeting Akt phosphorylation in infected cells, leading to the blockage of viral protein synthesis. This small-molecule inhibitor, which was also effective against an ACV-resistant HSV-1 strain, shows promise as an alternative to existing drugs and as an effective topical therapy for ocular herpes infection. Collectively, our results obtained using multiple infection models and virus strains establish BX795 as a promising lead compound for broad-spectrum antiviral applications in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Jaishankar
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Abraam M Yakoub
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Tejabhiram Yadavalli
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Alex Agelidis
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Neel Thakkar
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Satvik Hadigal
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Joshua Ames
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Deepak Shukla
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60607, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Park JW, Ko JH, Kim BH, Ryu JS, Kim HJ, Kim MK, Oh JY. Inhibition of mTOR by Rapamycin Aggravates Corneal Epithelial Stem Cell Deficiency by Upregulating Inflammatory Response. Stem Cells 2019; 37:1212-1222. [DOI: 10.1002/stem.3036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jong Woo Park
- Laboratory of Ocular Regenerative Medicine and Immunology, Biomedical Research Institute; Seoul National University Hospital; Seoul South Korea
| | - Jung Hwa Ko
- Laboratory of Ocular Regenerative Medicine and Immunology, Biomedical Research Institute; Seoul National University Hospital; Seoul South Korea
| | - Bo Hee Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology; Seoul National University Hospital; Seoul South Korea
| | - Jin Suk Ryu
- Laboratory of Ocular Regenerative Medicine and Immunology, Biomedical Research Institute; Seoul National University Hospital; Seoul South Korea
| | - Hyun Ji Kim
- Laboratory of Ocular Regenerative Medicine and Immunology, Biomedical Research Institute; Seoul National University Hospital; Seoul South Korea
| | - Mee Kum Kim
- Laboratory of Ocular Regenerative Medicine and Immunology, Biomedical Research Institute; Seoul National University Hospital; Seoul South Korea
- Department of Ophthalmology; Seoul National University Hospital; Seoul South Korea
| | - Joo Youn Oh
- Laboratory of Ocular Regenerative Medicine and Immunology, Biomedical Research Institute; Seoul National University Hospital; Seoul South Korea
- Department of Ophthalmology; Seoul National University Hospital; Seoul South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Fernandes-Cunha GM, Na KS, Putra I, Lee HJ, Hull S, Cheng YC, Blanco IJ, Eslani M, Djalilian AR, Myung D. Corneal Wound Healing Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome Delivered Within a Viscoelastic Gel Carrier. Stem Cells Transl Med 2019; 8:478-489. [PMID: 30644653 PMCID: PMC6477005 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.18-0178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe corneal injuries often result in permanent vision loss and remain a clinical challenge. Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their secreted factors (secretome) have been studied for their antiscarring, anti-inflammatory, and antiangiogeneic properties. We aimed to deliver lyophilized MSC secretome (MSC-S) within a viscoelastic gel composed of hyaluronic acid (HA) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) as a way to enhance corneal re-epithelialization and reduce complications after mechanical and chemical injuries of the cornea. We hypothesized that delivering MSC-S within HA/CS would have improved wound healing effects compared the with either MSC-S or HA/CS alone. The results showed that a once-daily application of MSC-S in HA/CS enhances epithelial cell proliferation and wound healing after injury to the cornea. It also reduced scar formation, neovascularization, and hemorrhage after alkaline corneal burns. We found that combining MSC-S and HA/CS increased the expression of CD44 receptors colocalized with HA, suggesting that the observed therapeutic effects between the MSC-S and HA/CS are in part mediated by CD44 receptor upregulation and activation by HA. The results from this study demonstrate a reproducible and efficient approach for delivering the MSC-S to the ocular surface for treatment of severe corneal injuries. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2019;8:478-489.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kyung-Sun Na
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ilham Putra
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Hyun Jong Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Sarah Hull
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Yu-Chia Cheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Ignacio Jesus Blanco
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Medi Eslani
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Ali R Djalilian
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - David Myung
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA.,VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Roshandel D, Eslani M, Baradaran-Rafii A, Cheung AY, Kurji K, Jabbehdari S, Maiz A, Jalali S, Djalilian AR, Holland EJ. Current and emerging therapies for corneal neovascularization. Ocul Surf 2018; 16:398-414. [PMID: 29908870 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Revised: 06/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The cornea is unique because of its complete avascularity. Corneal neovascularization (CNV) can result from a variety of etiologies including contact lens wear; corneal infections; and ocular surface diseases due to inflammation, chemical injury, and limbal stem cell deficiency. Management is focused primarily on the etiology and pathophysiology causing the CNV and involves medical and surgical options. Because inflammation is a key factor in the pathophysiology of CNV, corticosteroids and other anti-inflammatory medications remain the mainstay of treatment. Anti-VEGF therapies are gaining popularity to prevent CNV in a number of etiologies. Surgical options including vessel occlusion and ocular surface reconstruction are other options depending on etiology and response to medical therapy. Future therapies should provide more effective treatment options for the management of CNV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danial Roshandel
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Medi Eslani
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Cincinnati Eye Institute, Edgewood, KY/ University of Cincinnati, Department of Ophthalmology, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Alireza Baradaran-Rafii
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Albert Y Cheung
- Cincinnati Eye Institute, Edgewood, KY/ University of Cincinnati, Department of Ophthalmology, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Khaliq Kurji
- Cincinnati Eye Institute, Edgewood, KY/ University of Cincinnati, Department of Ophthalmology, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Sayena Jabbehdari
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alejandra Maiz
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Setareh Jalali
- Ocular Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali R Djalilian
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Edward J Holland
- Cincinnati Eye Institute, Edgewood, KY/ University of Cincinnati, Department of Ophthalmology, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Khor ES, Wong PF. Endothelial replicative senescence delayed by the inhibition of MTORC1 signaling involves MicroRNA-107. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2018; 101:64-73. [PMID: 29857052 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2018.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Accumulation of senescent endothelial cells can contribute to endothelium dysfunction. Suppression of MTOR signaling has been shown to delay senescence but the mechanism that underpins this effect, particularly one that involves miRNAs, remains to be further defined. This study sought to identify miRNAs involved in MTORC1-mediated inhibition of replicative senescence in endothelial cells. Pre-senescent HUVECs were prolonged treated with low dose rapamycin (1 nM), an MTOR inhibitor. Rapamycin treatment down-regulated the phosphorylated MTOR, RPS6 and 4EBP1 expressions, which confirmed MTORC1 suppression. Prolonged low dose rapamycin treatment has significantly reduced the percentage of senescence-associated beta galactosidase (SA-β gal) positively stained senescent cells and P16INK4A expression in these cells. On the contrary, the percentage of BrdU-labelled proliferating cells has significantly increased. RPTOR, a positive regulator of MTORC1 was knockdown using RPTOR siRNA to inhibit MTORC1 activation. RPTOR knockdown was evidenced by significant suppressions of RPTOR mRNA and protein expression levels. In these cells, the expression of miR-107 was down-regulated whereas miR-145-5p and miR-217 were up-regulated. Target gene prediction revealed PTEN as the target of miR-107 and this was confirmed by biotin pull-down assay. Over-expression of miR-107 has decreased PTEN expression, increased MTORC1 activity, induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase and up-regulated P16INK4A expression but mitigated tube formation. Collectively, our findings revealed that delayed endothelial replicative senescence caused by the inhibition of MTORC1 activation could be modulated by miR-107 via its influence on PTEN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eng-Soon Khor
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Pooi-Fong Wong
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| |
Collapse
|