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Verma S, Lin X, Coulson-Thomas VJ. The Potential Reversible Transition between Stem Cells and Transient-Amplifying Cells: The Limbal Epithelial Stem Cell Perspective. Cells 2024; 13:748. [PMID: 38727284 PMCID: PMC11083486 DOI: 10.3390/cells13090748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Stem cells (SCs) undergo asymmetric division, producing transit-amplifying cells (TACs) with increased proliferative potential that move into tissues and ultimately differentiate into a specialized cell type. Thus, TACs represent an intermediary state between stem cells and differentiated cells. In the cornea, a population of stem cells resides in the limbal region, named the limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs). As LESCs proliferate, they generate TACs that move centripetally into the cornea and differentiate into corneal epithelial cells. Upon limbal injury, research suggests a population of progenitor-like cells that exists within the cornea can move centrifugally into the limbus, where they dedifferentiate into LESCs. Herein, we summarize recent advances made in understanding the mechanism that governs the differentiation of LESCs into TACs, and thereafter, into corneal epithelial cells. We also outline the evidence in support of the existence of progenitor-like cells in the cornea and whether TACs could represent a population of cells with progenitor-like capabilities within the cornea. Furthermore, to gain further insights into the dynamics of TACs in the cornea, we outline the most recent findings in other organ systems that support the hypothesis that TACs can dedifferentiate into SCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhir Verma
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, 4901 Calhoun Road, Houston, TX 77204, USA;
- Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110078, India
| | - Xiao Lin
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, 4901 Calhoun Road, Houston, TX 77204, USA;
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2
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Hernáez-Moya R, González S, Urkaregi A, Pijoan JI, Deng SX, Andollo N. Expansion of Human Limbal Epithelial Stem/Progenitor Cells Using Different Human Sera: A Multivariate Statistical Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176132. [PMID: 32854428 PMCID: PMC7503296 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transplantation of human cultured limbal epithelial stem/progenitor cells (LESCs) has demonstrated to restore the integrity and functionality of the corneal surface in about 76% of patients with limbal stem cell deficiency. However, there are different protocols for the expansion of LESCs, and many of them use xenogeneic products, being a risk for the patients’ health. We compared the culture of limbal explants on the denuded amniotic membrane in the culture medium—supplemental hormone epithelial medium (SHEM)—supplemented with FBS or two differently produced human sera. Cell morphology, cell size, cell growth rate, and the expression level of differentiation and putative stem cell markers were examined. Several bioactive molecules were quantified in the human sera. In a novel approach, we performed a multivariate statistical analysis of data to investigate the culture factors, such as differently expressed molecules of human sera that specifically influence the cell phenotype. Our results showed that limbal cells cultured with human sera grew faster and contained similar amounts of small-sized cells, higher expression of the protein p63α, and lower of cytokeratin K12 than FBS cultures, thus, maintaining the stem/progenitor phenotype of LESCs. Furthermore, the multivariate analysis provided much data to better understand the obtaining of different cell phenotypes as a consequence of the use of different culture methodologies or different culture components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Hernáez-Moya
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain;
| | - Sheyla González
- Cornea Division, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (S.G.); (S.X.D.)
| | - Arantza Urkaregi
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics and Operational Research, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain;
| | - Jose Ignacio Pijoan
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Cruces University Hospital, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain;
| | - Sophie X. Deng
- Cornea Division, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (S.G.); (S.X.D.)
| | - Noelia Andollo
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine and Nursing, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-94-601-3295
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3
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Cao H, He Q, von Eyben R, Bloomstein J, Nambiar DK, Viswanathan V, Aggarwal S, Kwok S, Liang R, Koong AJ, Lewis JS, Kong C, Xiao N, Le QT. The role of Glial cell derived neurotrophic factor in head and neck cancer. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229311. [PMID: 32084217 PMCID: PMC7034888 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is reported to promote the survival of neurons and salivary gland regeneration after radiation damage. This study investigated the effect of GDNF on cell migration, growth, and response to radiation in preclinical models of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and correlated GDNF expression to treatment outcomes in HNSCC patients. Our ultimate goal is to determine whether systemic administration of GDNF at high dose is safe for the management of hyposalivation or xerostomia in HNSCC patients. Three HPV-positive and three HPV-negative cell lines were examined for cell migration, growth, and clonogenic survival in vitro and tumor growth assay in vivo. Immunohistochemical staining of GDNF, its receptors GFRα1 and its co-receptor RET was performed on two independent HNSCC tissue microarrays (TMA) and correlated to treatment outcomes. Results showed that GDNF only enhanced cell migration in two HPV-positive cells at supra-physiologic doses, but not in HPV-negative cells. GDNF did not increase cell survival in the tested cell lines post-irradiation. Likewise, GDNF treatment affected neither tumor growth in vitro nor response to radiation in xenografts in two HPV-positive and two HPV-negative HNSCC models. High stromal expression of GDNF protein was associated with worse overall survival in HPV-negative HNSCC on multivariate analysis in a combined cohort of patients from Stanford University (n = 82) and Washington University (n = 189); however, the association between GDNF gene expression and worse survival was not confirmed in a separate group of HPV-negative HNSCC patients identified from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Based on these data, we do not believe that GNDF is a safe systemic treatment to prevent or treat xerostomia in HNSCC and a local delivery approach such as intraglandular injection needs to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbin Cao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Qian He
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Rie von Eyben
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Joshua Bloomstein
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Dhanya K. Nambiar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Vignesh Viswanathan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Sonya Aggarwal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Shirley Kwok
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Rachel Liang
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Amanda Jeanette Koong
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - James S. Lewis
- Department of Pathology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Christina Kong
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Nan Xiao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Quynh-Thu Le
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
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Mertsch S, Alder J, Dua HS, Geerling G. [Pathogenesis and epidemiology of neurotrophic keratopathy]. Ophthalmologe 2019; 116:109-119. [PMID: 30478498 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-018-0823-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) is a degenerative corneal disease that is based on an impairment of the corneal innervation. The damage to the sensory innervation, which is delivered through the 1st branch of the trigeminal nerve (ophthalmic nerve), can occur throughout the entire length of the nerve from the nucleus in the brainstem, e.g. caused by brain tumors, to the terminal nerve fibers in the cornea, caused for example by refractive corneal surgery (e. g. LASIK). Due to the loss of the sensory innervation, a reduced lacrimation and a reduction in the secretion of trophic factors occur. This in turn inhibits the regeneration potential of the corneal epithelium. In the most severe cases of the disease, the reduction or loss of lacrimation, together with the impaired regeneration potential of the epithelial cells, can lead to persistent epithelial defects, ulcers and corneal perforation. The NK has a prevalence of 5 or fewer individuals per 10,000 and is classified as a rare, i. e. orphan disease (ORPHA137596). A fundamental understanding of the pathogenesis and epidemiology of NK supports the early diagnosis and therefore the initiation of a specific treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Mertsch
- Univ.-Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Deutschland. .,Univ.-Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Pius-Hospital Oldenburg, Medizinischer Campus Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Deutschland.
| | - J Alder
- Univ.-Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Deutschland
| | - H S Dua
- Academic Section of Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Großbritannien
| | - G Geerling
- Univ.-Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Deutschland
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Patruno M, Perazzi A, Martinello T, Gomiero C, Maccatrozzo L, Iacopetti I. Investigations of the corneal epithelium in Veterinary Medicine: State of the art on corneal stem cells found in different mammalian species and their putative application. Res Vet Sci 2018; 118:502-507. [PMID: 29758534 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2018.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The existence of progenitor cells that can readily differentiate into a specific cell type is a common cellular strategy for physiological tissue growth and repair mechanisms. In the mammalian cornea, many aspects regarding the nature and location of these cells are still unclear. In the human limbus (peripheral area of the cornea) progenitor cells have been found and characterized but in non-human mammals, the picture is not so clear. In this review, we examine current knowledge about the morphology of limbus and the localization of corneal epithelial stem cells in all species studied so far, comparing data with humans. We have also explored different research directions in the veterinary field in order to discuss the: i) currently used protocols and ii) best range of treatments for ocular pathologies in which corneal stem cells are involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Patruno
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro - Agripolis, Padova, Italy.
| | - A Perazzi
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro - Agripolis, Padova, Italy
| | - T Martinello
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro - Agripolis, Padova, Italy
| | - C Gomiero
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro - Agripolis, Padova, Italy
| | - L Maccatrozzo
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro - Agripolis, Padova, Italy
| | - I Iacopetti
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro - Agripolis, Padova, Italy
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Fielder GC, Yang TWS, Razdan M, Li Y, Lu J, Perry JK, Lobie PE, Liu DX. The GDNF Family: A Role in Cancer? Neoplasia 2017; 20:99-117. [PMID: 29245123 PMCID: PMC5730419 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2017.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family of ligands (GFLs) comprising of GDNF, neurturin, artemin, and persephin plays an important role in the development and maintenance of the central and peripheral nervous system, renal morphogenesis, and spermatogenesis. Here we review our current understanding of GFL biology, and supported by recent progress in the area, we examine their emerging role in endocrine-related and other non–hormone-dependent solid neoplasms. The ability of GFLs to elicit actions that resemble those perturbed in an oncogenic phenotype, alongside mounting evidence of GFL involvement in tumor progression, presents novel opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mahalakshmi Razdan
- The Centre for Biomedical and Chemical Sciences, School of Science, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yan Li
- The Centre for Biomedical and Chemical Sciences, School of Science, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jun Lu
- The Centre for Biomedical and Chemical Sciences, School of Science, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jo K Perry
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter E Lobie
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore and Department of Pharmacology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Tsinghua Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Dong-Xu Liu
- The Centre for Biomedical and Chemical Sciences, School of Science, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.
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7
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Abstract
PURPOSE To quantify the changes in the subbasal nerve plexus in patients with limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) using in vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy. METHODS In this retrospective cross-sectional comparative study, confocal images of 51 eyes of 37 patients with LSCD collected between 2010 and 2015 by the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III Rostock Corneal Module Confocal Microscope were analyzed. Two independent observers evaluated the scans of the central cornea. Seventeen normal eyes of 13 subjects served as controls. Total subbasal nerve density (SND), density of long nerves (ie, nerves 200 μm or longer), and the degree of tortuosity were quantified. RESULTS The mean (±SD) total SND and long nerve density were 48.0 ± 34.2 and 9.7 ± 10.9 nerves/mm, respectively, in all eyes with LSCD and 97.3 ± 29.9 and 35.3 ± 25.3 nerves/mm, respectively, in eyes of the control group (P < 0.001 for both comparisons). Compared with SND in control subjects, SND was reduced by 34.9% in the early stage, 54.0% in the intermediate stage, and 73.5% in the late stage of LSCD. The degrees of nerve tortuosity were significantly greater in patients with LSCD than in control subjects and differed among the early, intermediate, and late stages of LSCD. Reductions in total SND and long nerve density were positively correlated with the severity of LSCD. CONCLUSIONS Reductions in total SND and long nerve density were accompanied by increases in nerve tortuosity in eyes with LSCD. These parameters could be used as quantifiable measures of LSCD severity.
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Fate Mapping Mammalian Corneal Epithelia. Ocul Surf 2016; 14:82-99. [PMID: 26774909 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2015.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The anterior aspect of the cornea consists of a stratified squamous epithelium, thought to be maintained by a rare population of stem cells (SCs) that reside in the limbal transition zone. Although migration of cells that replenish the corneal epithelium has been studied for over a century, the process is still poorly understood and not well characterized. Numerous techniques have been employed to examine corneal epithelial dynamics, including visualization by light microscopy, the incorporation of vital dyes and DNA labels, and transplantation of genetically marked cells that have acted as cell and lineage beacons. Modern-day lineage tracing utilizes molecular methods to determine the fate of a specific cell and its progeny over time. Classically employed in developmental biology, lineage tracing has been used more recently to track the progeny of adult SCs in a number of organs to pin-point their location and understand their movement and influence on tissue regeneration. This review highlights key discoveries that have led researchers to develop cutting-edge genetic tools to effectively and more accurately monitor turnover and displacement of cells within the mammalian corneal epithelium. Collating information on the basic biology of SCs will have clinical ramifications in furthering our knowledge of the processes that govern their role in homeostasis, wound-healing, transplantation, and how we can improve current unsatisfactory SC-based therapies for patients suffering blinding corneal disease.
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Ihnatko R, Eden U, Fagerholm P, Lagali N. Congenital Aniridia and the Ocular Surface. Ocul Surf 2015; 14:196-206. [PMID: 26738798 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2015.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Revised: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Aniridia is a congenital pan-ocular disorder caused by haplo-insufficiency of Pax6, a crucial gene for proper development of the eye. Aniridia affects a range of eye structures, including the cornea, iris, anterior chamber angle, lens, and fovea. The ocular surface, in particular, can be severely affected by a progressive pathology termed aniridia-associated keratopathy (AAK), markedly contributing to impaired vision. The purpose of this review is to provide an update of the current knowledge of the genetic, clinical, micro-morphological, and molecular aspects of AAK. We draw upon material presented in the literature and from our own observations in large aniridia cohorts. We summarize signs and symptoms of AAK, describe current options for management, and discuss the latest research findings that may lead to better diagnosis and new treatment or prevention strategies for this debilitating ocular surface condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Ihnatko
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Ulla Eden
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Per Fagerholm
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Neil Lagali
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
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10
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Moving epithelia: Tracking the fate of mammalian limbal epithelial stem cells. Prog Retin Eye Res 2015; 48:203-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2015.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Revised: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Rusmini M, Griseri P, Matera I, Pontarini E, Ravazzolo R, Mavilio D, Ceccherini I. Expression Variability and Function of the RET Gene in Adult Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells. J Cell Physiol 2014; 229:2027-37. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Rusmini
- U.O.C. Genetica Medica; Istituto Giannina Gaslini; Genova Italy
| | - Paola Griseri
- U.O.C. Genetica Medica; Istituto Giannina Gaslini; Genova Italy
| | - Ivana Matera
- U.O.C. Genetica Medica; Istituto Giannina Gaslini; Genova Italy
| | - Elena Pontarini
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology; Humanitas Clinical and Research Center; Rozzano Milan Italy
| | - Roberto Ravazzolo
- U.O.C. Genetica Medica; Istituto Giannina Gaslini; Genova Italy
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Oftalmologia, Genetica e Materno Infantile (DINOGMI); Università di Genova; Genova Italy
| | - Domenico Mavilio
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology; Humanitas Clinical and Research Center; Rozzano Milan Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine; University of Milan; Milan Italy
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12
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Deng SX, Sejpal KD, Tang Q, Aldave AJ, Lee OL, Yu F. Characterization of limbal stem cell deficiency by in vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy: a microstructural approach. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 130:440-5. [PMID: 22159172 DOI: 10.1001/archophthalmol.2011.378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cellular changes in the corneal epithelium and surrounding structures in limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) by using in vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy. METHODS This was a prospective comparative study that included 27 eyes of 20 patients with LSCD and 12 eyes of 10 healthy subjects. All subjects underwent slitlamp examination, and LSCD was classified into 3 groups on the basis of clinical presentation. Confocal imaging of the central cornea and 4 locations of limbus was performed. Morphologic characteristics of the corneal epithelium were studied. The basal epithelial cell density and subbasal nerve density in the central cornea were calculated, and a potential correlation between the decrease in basal epithelial cell density and subbasal nerve density in LSCD was investigated. RESULTS The wing and basal epithelial cells became progressively metaplastic, and the basal epithelial cell density and subbasal nerve density in the early and intermittent stages decreased significantly compared with controls (all P < .01). Normal basal epithelial cell morphology was completely lost and subbasal nerves were absent in the late stage of LSCD. The decrease in basal cell density correlated with the decrease in subbasal nerve density in patients with LSCD (P = .03). CONCLUSIONS There are significant microstructural changes associated with early LSCD. These cellular changes could help to understand the disease process and classify and monitor limbal stem cell dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie X Deng
- Jules Stein Eye Institute, 100 Stein Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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13
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Nieto-Miguel T, Calonge M, de la Mata A, López-Paniagua M, Galindo S, de la Paz MF, Corrales RM. A comparison of stem cell-related gene expression in the progenitor-rich limbal epithelium and the differentiating central corneal epithelium. Mol Vis 2011; 17:2102-17. [PMID: 21850186 PMCID: PMC3156782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2011] [Accepted: 07/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Corneal epithelium is maintained by a population of stem cells (SCs) that have not been identified by specific molecular markers. The objective of this study was to find new putative markers for these SCs and to identify associated molecular pathways. METHODS Real time PCR (rt-PCR) was performed in 24 human limbal and central corneal epithelial samples to evaluate the gene expression profile of known corneal epithelial SC-associated markers. A pool of those samples was further analyzed by a rt-PCR array (RT²-PCR-A) for 84 genes related to the identification, growth, maintenance, and differentiation of SCs. RESULTS Cells from the corneal epithelium SC niche showed significant expression of ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 2 (ABCG2) and cytokeratin (KRT)15, KRT14, and KRT5 genes. RT²-PCR-A results indicated an increased or decreased expression in 21 and 24 genes, respectively, in cells from the corneal SC niche compared to cells from the central corneal epithelium. Functional analysis by proprietary software found 4 different associated pathways and a novel network with the highest upregulated genes in the corneal SC niche. This led to the identification of specific molecules, chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 12 (CXCL12), islet-1 transcription factor LIM/homeodomain (ISL1), collagen-type II alpha 1 (COL2A), neural cell adhesion molecule 1 (NCAM1), aggrecan (ACAN), forkhead box A2 (FOXA2), Gap junction protein beta 1/connexin 32 (GJB1/Cnx32), and Msh homeobox 1 (MSX1), that could be used to recognize putative corneal epithelial SCs grown in culture and intended for transplantation. Other molecules, NCAM1 and GJB1/Cnx32, potentially could be used to positively purify them, and Par-6 partitioning defective 6 homolog alpha (PARD6A) to negatively purify them. CONCLUSIONS Knowledge of these gene and molecular pathways has provided a better understanding of the signaling molecular pathways associated with progenitor-rich limbal epithelium. This knowledge potentially could give support to the design and development of innovative therapies with the potential to reverse corneal blindness arising from ocular surface failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Nieto-Miguel
- Institute for Applied Ophthalmobiology (IOBA), University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain,Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Valladolid, Spain
| | - Margarita Calonge
- Institute for Applied Ophthalmobiology (IOBA), University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain,Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Valladolid, Spain
| | - Ana de la Mata
- Institute for Applied Ophthalmobiology (IOBA), University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain,Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Valladolid, Spain
| | - Marina López-Paniagua
- Institute for Applied Ophthalmobiology (IOBA), University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain,Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Valladolid, Spain
| | - Sara Galindo
- Institute for Applied Ophthalmobiology (IOBA), University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain,Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Valladolid, Spain
| | | | - Rosa M. Corrales
- Institute for Applied Ophthalmobiology (IOBA), University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain,Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Valladolid, Spain
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14
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Kulkarni B, Mohammed I, Hopkinson A, Dua HS. Validation of endogenous control genes for gene expression studies on human ocular surface epithelium. PLoS One 2011; 6:e22301. [PMID: 21857920 PMCID: PMC3152287 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0022301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2011] [Accepted: 06/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate a panel of ten known endogenous control genes (ECG) with quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qPCR), for identification of stably expressed endogenous control genes in the ocular surface (OS) epithelial regions including cornea, limbus, limbal epithelial crypt and conjunctiva to normalise the quantitative reverse transcription PCR data of genes of interest expressed in above-mentioned regions. Method The lasermicrodissected (LMD) OS epithelial regions of cryosectioned corneoscleral buttons from the cadaver eyes were processed for RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis to detect genes of interest with qPCR. Gene expression of 10 known ECG—glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), beta actin (ACTB), peptidylprolyl isomerase (PPIA), TATA-box binding protein (TBP1), hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (HPRT1), beta glucuronidase (GUSB), Eucaryotic 18S ribosomal RNA (18S), phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK1), beta-2-microglobulin (B2M), ribosomal protein, large, P0 (RPLP0)—was measured in the OS epithelial regions by qPCR method and the data collected was further analysed using geNorm software. Results The expression stability of ECGs in the OS epithelial regions in increasing order as determined with geNorm software is as follows: ACTB<18S<TBP<B2M<PGK1<HPRT1<GUSB<GAPDH<PPIA-RPLP0. In this study, geNorm analysis has shown the following ECGs pairs to be most stably expressed in individual OS epithelial regions: HPRT1-TBP in cornea, GUSB-PPIA in limbus, B2M-PPIA and RPLP0-TBP in LEC and conjunctiva respectively. However, across the entire ocular surface including all the regions mentioned above, PPIA-RPLP0 pair was shown to be most stable. Conclusion This study has identified stably expressed ECGs on the OS epithelial regions for effective qPCR results in genes of interest. The results from this study are broadly applicable to quantitative reverse transcription PCR studies on human OS epithelium and provide evidence for the use of PPIA-RPLP0 ECGs pair in quantitative reverse transcription PCR across the OS epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bina Kulkarni
- Division of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Imran Mohammed
- Division of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Andrew Hopkinson
- Division of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Harminder Singh Dua
- Division of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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15
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Bian F, Qi H, Ma P, Zhang L, Yoon KC, Pflugfelder SC, Li DQ. An immunoprotective privilege of corneal epithelial stem cells against Th17 inflammatory stress by producing glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor. Stem Cells 2011; 28:2172-81. [PMID: 20936708 DOI: 10.1002/stem.539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Adult stem cells are well known for their self-renewal and regenerative capacity. The mechanisms protecting these cells from inflammatory damage have not been well elucidated. This study investigated the immunoprotective properties of corneal epithelial stem cells from inflammation by producing glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). Primary human limbal epithelial cells (HLECs) cultured from limbal explants were treated with interleukin (IL)-17A, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, or hyperosmotic media, with or without GDNF or nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) inhibitor (NF-κB-I) for 4-48 hours. Inflammatory mediators and Th17-inducing cytokines were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and immunobead assays. NF-κB activation was detected by p65 phosphorylation, immunostaining and Western blotting. GDNF and its receptor, GDNF family receptor α-1, were exclusively immunolocalized in the basal layer of limbal epithelium, whereas IL-17 receptor was negative in these cells. Exogenous IL-17A stimulated the expression and production of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) and chemokine IL-8 by HLECs. Th17-inducing cytokines, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, IL-6, IL-23, and IL-1β, were significantly increased at mRNA and protein levels by HLECs exposed to TNF-α or hyperosmotic media. IL-17 activated NF-κB by p65 phosphorylation at serine 536 and nuclear translocation. GDNF or NF-κB-I blocked IL-17-induced NF-κB p65 activation and production of inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, GDNF suppressed the production of Th17-inducing cytokines through inhibiting NF-κB activation. These findings demonstrate that limbal progenitor cell-produced neurotrophic factor GDNF suppresses IL-17-mediated inflammation via NF-κB signaling pathway. This may represent a unique immunoprotective property of limbal stem cells against inflammatory challenges on the ocular surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Bian
- Ocular Surface Center, Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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16
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Lu R, Bian F, Zhang X, Qi H, Chuang EY, Pflugfelder SC, Li DQ. The β-catenin/Tcf4/survivin signaling maintains a less differentiated phenotype and high proliferative capacity of human corneal epithelial progenitor cells. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2011; 43:751-9. [PMID: 21292023 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2011.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2010] [Revised: 01/18/2011] [Accepted: 01/24/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
It is clear that the microenvironment or niche plays an important role in determining the fate of stem cells: being stem cells or differentiated. However, the intrinsic pathways controlling the fate of adult stem cells in different niches are largely unknown. This study was to explore the role of β-catenin/Tcf4/survivin signaling in determining the fate of human corneal epithelial stem cells in different media. We observed that the low calcium serum-free media, especially CnT-20, promoted proliferative capacity, colony forming efficiency and stem cell-like phenotype of human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) when compared with the cells cultured in a high calcium serum-containing medium SHEM. Three key factors in Wnt signaling, β-catenin, Tcf4 and survivin, were found to be expressed higher by HCECs grown in CnT-20 than those cultured in SHEM, as evaluated by real-time PCR, Western blotting and immunostaining. Transfection of siRNA-Tcf4 at 10-50nM knocked down Tcf4, and also significantly suppressed its down stream molecule survivin at both mRNA and protein levels in HCECs. Furthermore, Tcf4 silencing significantly suppressed the proliferative capacity of HCECs, measured by WST-1 assay, compared with the control groups, untreated or transfected with non-coding sequence siRNA-fluorescein. These findings demonstrate that low calcium serum free media promote ex vivo expansion of corneal epithelial progenitor cells that retain a less differentiated phenotype and high proliferative capacity via β-catenin/Tcf4/survivin signaling, a novel intrinsic pathway. This study may have high impact and clinic implication on the expansion of corneal epithelial stem cells in regenerative medicine, especially for ocular surface reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Lu
- Ocular Surface Center, Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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17
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Bian F, Liu W, Yoon KC, Lu R, Zhou N, Ma P, Pflugfelder SC, Li DQ. Molecular signatures and biological pathway profiles of human corneal epithelial progenitor cells. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2010; 42:1142-53. [PMID: 20363357 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2010.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2010] [Revised: 03/06/2010] [Accepted: 03/29/2010] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Identification and isolation of adult stem cells are still challenging for stem cell biologists. For example, no consensus exists yet regarding definitive markers for corneal epithelial stem cells, which have been identified to reside in the limbus for two decades. This study characterized the molecular signatures and biological pathways of limbal epithelial progenitors, the rapid adherent cells (RAC) isolated by adhesion on collagen IV, using human genome microarrays, real-time PCR and immunofluorescent staining. The microarrays produced highly reproducible data not only for all gene transcripts, but also for significantly changed genes, although the total 12 samples of 3 cell populations in 2 arrays were isolated from 4 separate experiments at different time period. The hierarchical clustering heatmap visually revealed that RAC progenitor population displayed distinguishably characteristic gene expression profile. With verification of 27 important genes by quantitative real-time PCR, the microarray data not only confirm the expression patterns of 15 known genes as stem cell associated markers representing limbal stem cell phenotype, but also identified many significantly regulated genes expressed by limbal progenitor cells. Transcription factor TCF4 and cell surface protein SPRRs were identified as potentially positive or negative markers, respectively, for corneal epithelial progenitor cells. Using GenMAPP and MAPPFinder, we have identified three patterns of biological pathway profiles, overexpressed, underexpressed and balanced, by RAC progenitors based on gene ontology categories. These genes and related pathways are interesting targets for further identification and isolation of limbal stem cells as well as other tissue-specific adult stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Bian
- Ocular Surface Center, Cullen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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18
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Kobayashi T, Yoshioka R, Shiraishi A, Ohashi Y. New technique for culturing corneal epithelial cells of normal mice. Mol Vis 2009; 15:1589-93. [PMID: 19693295 PMCID: PMC2728571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2009] [Accepted: 08/11/2009] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe a new method of culturing mouse corneal epithelial cells (MCECs). METHODS MCECs were isolated from C57/BL6 mouse corneas and cultured on type-I collagen-coated plastic dishes in low-calcium progenitor cell targeting medium (CnT-50). Expression of the mRNAs of N-terminal truncated isoform of p63 (DNp63), cytokeratin 12 (K12), and cytokeratin 14 (K14) were determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). To examine the differentiation capabilities, passage 3 (P3) MCECs at confluence were subcultured on amniotic membrane (AM) in a differentiation medium (CnT-30) until confluence. At confluence, 1 mM calcium was added and cultured for 4 more days. The expression of K12 in the stratified MCECs was analyzed by immunostaining. RESULTS The MCECs cultured in CnT-50 proliferated until at least P10. The number of cells at confluency at P3 was 61.8 (SD +/-9.4, n=5) times that at P0. MCECs cultured on AM in CnT-30 with addition of calcium were stratified up to two to three layers, and the stratified MCECs expressed K12. DNp63 mRNA was continuously expressed throughout the different passages, and K12 mRNA was detected in P0 cells and the stratified MCECs on AM. CONCLUSIONS Cultured MCECs maintain their proliferation and differentiation capabilities as well as their corneal epithelial cell characteristics. These results suggest that MCECs produced by this culturing method provide a useful experimental model which can enable further development of research of the corneal epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Kobayashi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Regenerative Medicine, Ehime University School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Ryuji Yoshioka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ehime University School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Atsushi Shiraishi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Regenerative Medicine, Ehime University School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, Japan,Department of Cell Growth and Tumor Regulation, Ehime University School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Yuichi Ohashi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ehime University School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, Japan
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