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Tjoa K, Nadhif MH, Utami SS, Kusuma SR, Astagiri PY, Adriono GA. Mechanical, optical, chemical, and biological evaluations of fish scale-derived scaffold for corneal replacements: A systematic review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 267:131183. [PMID: 38580016 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131183] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Corneal blindness is commonly treated through corneal replacement with allogeneic corneal donors, which may face shortage. Regarding this issue, xenogeneic alternatives are explored. Fish scale-derived scaffolds (FSSs) are among the alternatives due to the lower risk of infection and abundant sources of raw materials. Unfortunately, the information about mechanical, optical, chemical, and biological performances of FSSs for corneal replacements is still scattered, as well as about the fabrication techniques. This study aims to gather scattered pieces of information about the mentioned performances and fabrication techniques of FSSs for corneal replacements. Sorted from four scientific databases and using the PRISMA checklist, eleven relevant articles are collected. FSSs are commonly fabricated using decellularization and decalcification processes, generating FSSs with parallel multilayers or crossed fibers with topographic microchannels. In the collected studies, similar mechanical properties of FSSs to native tissues are discovered, as well as good transparency, light remittance, but poorer refractive indexes than native tissues. Biological evaluations mostly discuss histology, cell proliferations, and immune responses on FSSs, while only a few studies examine the vascularization. No studies completed comprehensive evaluations on the four properties. The current progress of FSS developments demonstrates the potential of FSS use for corneal replacements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Tjoa
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Hanif Nadhif
- Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Department of Medical Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia; Medical Technology Cluster, Indonesian Medical Education and Research Institute, Jakarta, Indonesia.
| | | | | | - Prasandhya Yusuf Astagiri
- Department of Medical Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia; Medical Technology Cluster, Indonesian Medical Education and Research Institute, Jakarta, Indonesia
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Alonso-Alonso S, Vázquez N, Chacón M, Caballero-Sánchez N, Del Olmo-Aguado S, Suárez C, Alfonso-Bartolozzi B, Fernández-Vega-Cueto L, Nagy L, Merayo-Lloves J, Meana A. An effective method for culturing functional human corneal endothelial cells using a xenogeneic free culture medium. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19492. [PMID: 37945668 PMCID: PMC10636196 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46590-2] [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: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction is a leading cause of corneal blindness in developed countries and the only available treatment is the endothelial transplantation. However, the limited availability of suitable donors remains a significant challenge, driving the exploration of alternative regenerative therapies. Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products show promise but must adhere to strict regulations that prohibit the use of animal-derived substances. This study investigates a novel culture methodology using Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF) as the only source of growth factors for primary cultures of human corneal endothelial cells (CECs). CECs were obtained from discarded corneas or endothelial rings and cultured in two different media: one supplemented with xenogeneic factors and other xenogeneic-free, using PRGF. Comprehensive characterization through immunofluorescence, morphological analyses, trans-endothelial electrical resistance measurements, RNA-seq, and qPCR was conducted on the two groups. Results demonstrate that CECs cultured in the xenogeneic-free medium exhibit comparable gene expression, morphology, and functionality to those cultured in the xenogeneic medium. Notably, PRGF-expanded CECs share 46.9% of the gene expression profile with native endothelium and express all studied endothelial markers. In conclusion, PRGF provides an effective source of xenogeneic-free growth factors for the culture of CECs from discarded corneal tissue. Further studies will be necessary to demonstrate the applicability of these cultures to cell therapies that make clinical translation possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Alonso-Alonso
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo, Avenida Doctores Fernández Vega, 33012, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Avenida del Hospital Universitario, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - N Vázquez
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo, Avenida Doctores Fernández Vega, 33012, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Avenida del Hospital Universitario, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
| | - M Chacón
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo, Avenida Doctores Fernández Vega, 33012, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Avenida del Hospital Universitario, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - N Caballero-Sánchez
- Doctoral School of Molecular Cell and Immunobiology. Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Krt, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nuclear Receptor Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Krt, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - S Del Olmo-Aguado
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo, Avenida Doctores Fernández Vega, 33012, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Avenida del Hospital Universitario, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - C Suárez
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo, Avenida Doctores Fernández Vega, 33012, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Avenida del Hospital Universitario, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - B Alfonso-Bartolozzi
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Avenida del Hospital Universitario, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Instituto Oftalmológico Fernández-Vega. Avenida Doctores Fernández-Vega, 33012, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - L Fernández-Vega-Cueto
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Avenida del Hospital Universitario, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Instituto Oftalmológico Fernández-Vega. Avenida Doctores Fernández-Vega, 33012, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - L Nagy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nuclear Receptor Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Krt, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
- Department of Medicine and Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, 6Th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, USA
| | - J Merayo-Lloves
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo, Avenida Doctores Fernández Vega, 33012, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Avenida del Hospital Universitario, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - A Meana
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica, Universidad de Oviedo, Avenida Doctores Fernández Vega, 33012, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Avenida del Hospital Universitario, 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
- Unidad de Ingeniería Tisular, Centro Comunitario Sangre y Tejidos de Asturias (CCST), Unidad 714 CIBERER, Calle Emilio Rodríguez Vigil, 33006, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
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3
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Chi M, Yuan B, Xie Z, Hong J. The Innovative Biomaterials and Technologies for Developing Corneal Endothelium Tissue Engineering Scaffolds: A Review and Prospect. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:1284. [PMID: 38002407 PMCID: PMC10669703 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10111284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal transplantation is the only treatment for corneal endothelial blindness. However, there is an urgent need to find substitutes for corneal endothelium grafts due to the global shortage of donor corneas. An emerging research field focuses on the construction of scaffold-based corneal endothelium tissue engineering (CETE). Long-term success in CETE transplantation may be achieved by selecting the appropriate biomaterials as scaffolds of corneal endothelial cells and adding bioactive materials to promote cell activity. This article reviews the research progress of CETE biomaterials in the past 20 years, describes the key characteristics required for corneal endothelial scaffolds, and summarizes the types of materials that have been reported. Based on these, we list feasible improvement strategies for biomaterials innovation. In addition, we describe the improved techniques for the scaffolds' surface topography and drug delivery system. Some promising technologies for constructing CETE are proposed. However, some questions have not been answered yet, and clinical trials and industrialization should be carried out with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Chi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; (M.C.); (B.Y.); (Z.X.)
- Key Laboratory of Vision Loss and Restoration, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Bowei Yuan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; (M.C.); (B.Y.); (Z.X.)
- Key Laboratory of Vision Loss and Restoration, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zijun Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; (M.C.); (B.Y.); (Z.X.)
- Key Laboratory of Vision Loss and Restoration, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jing Hong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; (M.C.); (B.Y.); (Z.X.)
- Key Laboratory of Vision Loss and Restoration, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
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4
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Sasseville S, Karami S, Tchatchouang A, Charpentier P, Anney P, Gobert D, Proulx S. Biomaterials used for tissue engineering of barrier-forming cell monolayers in the eye. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1269385. [PMID: 37840667 PMCID: PMC10569698 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1269385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell monolayers that form a barrier between two structures play an important role for the maintenance of tissue functionality. In the anterior portion of the eye, the corneal endothelium forms a barrier that controls fluid exchange between the aqueous humor of the anterior chamber and the corneal stroma. This monolayer is central in the pathogenesis of Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD). FECD is a common corneal disease, in which corneal endothelial cells deposit extracellular matrix that increases the thickness of its basal membrane (Descemet's membrane), and forms excrescences (guttae). With time, there is a decrease in endothelial cell density that generates vision loss. Transplantation of a monolayer of healthy corneal endothelial cells on a Descemet membrane substitute could become an interesting alternative for the treatment of this pathology. In the back of the eye, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) forms the blood-retinal barrier, controlling fluid exchange between the choriocapillaris and the photoreceptors of the outer retina. In the retinal disease dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD), deposits (drusen) form between the RPE and its basal membrane (Bruch's membrane). These deposits hinder fluid exchange, resulting in progressive RPE cell death, which in turn generates photoreceptor cell death, and vision loss. Transplantation of a RPE monolayer on a Bruch's membrane/choroidal stromal substitute to replace the RPE before photoreceptor cell death could become a treatment alternative for this eye disease. This review will present the different biomaterials that are proposed for the engineering of a monolayer of corneal endothelium for the treatment of FECD, and a RPE monolayer for the treatment of dry AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Sasseville
- Axe Médecine Régénératrice, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX; Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Département d’ophtalmologie et d’oto-rhino-laryngologie-chirurgie cervico-faciale, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Samira Karami
- Axe Médecine Régénératrice, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX; Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Département d’ophtalmologie et d’oto-rhino-laryngologie-chirurgie cervico-faciale, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Ange Tchatchouang
- Axe Médecine Régénératrice, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX; Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Département d’ophtalmologie et d’oto-rhino-laryngologie-chirurgie cervico-faciale, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Pascale Charpentier
- Axe Médecine Régénératrice, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX; Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Département d’ophtalmologie et d’oto-rhino-laryngologie-chirurgie cervico-faciale, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Princia Anney
- Axe Médecine Régénératrice, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX; Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Département d’ophtalmologie et d’oto-rhino-laryngologie-chirurgie cervico-faciale, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Delphine Gobert
- Département d’ophtalmologie et d’oto-rhino-laryngologie-chirurgie cervico-faciale, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre universitaire d’ophtalmologie (CUO), Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Stéphanie Proulx
- Axe Médecine Régénératrice, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX; Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Département d’ophtalmologie et d’oto-rhino-laryngologie-chirurgie cervico-faciale, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
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Sun P, Shen L, Li YB, Du LQ, Wu XY. Long-term observation after transplantation of cultured human corneal endothelial cells for corneal endothelial dysfunction. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:228. [PMID: 35659288 PMCID: PMC9166479 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02889-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Corneal transplantation is the only way to treat serious corneal diseases caused by corneal endothelial dysfunction. However, the shortage of donor corneal tissues and human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs) remains a worldwide challenge. We cultivated HCECs by the use of a conditioned medium from orbital adipose-derived stem cells (OASC-CM) in vitro. Then the HCECs were used to treat animal corneal endothelial dysfunction models via cell transplantation. The purpose of this study was to conduct a long-term observation and evaluation after cell transplantation. Methods Orbital adipose-derived stem cells (OASCs) were isolated to prepare the conditioned medium (CM). HCECs were cultivated and expanded by the usage of the CM (CM-HCECs). Then, related corneal endothelial cell (CEC) markers were analyzed by immunofluorescence. The cell proliferation ability was also tested. CM-HCECs were then transplanted into monkey corneal endothelial dysfunction models by injection. We carried out a 24-month postoperative preclinical observation and verified the long-term effect by histological examination and transcriptome sequencing. Results CM-HCECs strongly expressed CEC-related markers and maintained polygonal cell morphology even after 10 passages. At 24 months after cell transplantation, there was a CEC density of more than 2400 cells per square millimeter (range, 2408–2685) in the experimental group. A corneal thickness (CT) of less than 550 μm (range, 490–510) was attained. Gene sequencing showed that the gene expression pattern of CM-HCECs was similar to that of transplanted cells and HCECs. Conclusions Transplantation of CM-HCECs into monkey corneal endothelial dysfunction models resulted in a transparent cornea after 24 months. This research provided a promising prospect of cell-based therapy for corneal endothelial diseases. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-02889-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Lin Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuan-Bin Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Li-Qun Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xin-Yi Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
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Romano V, Parekh M, Kazaili A, Steger B, Akhtar R, Ferrari S, Kaye SB, Levis HJ. Eye bank versus surgeon prepared Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty tissues: Influence on adhesion force in a pilot study. Indian J Ophthalmol 2022; 70:523-528. [PMID: 35086230 PMCID: PMC9023930 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_3637_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate and compare the biomechanical properties of the eye bank-prepared and surgeon prepared Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) tissues. METHODS In this laboratory study, corneal tissues for research were randomly allocated in the following groups: a) surgeon-cut DSAEK and b) eye bank-prepared (pre-cut and pre-loaded) DSAEK. Endothelial cell loss (ECL), immunostaining for tight junction protein ZO-1, elastic modulus, and adhesion force were investigated. RESULTS ECL was not found to be significantly different between surgeon-cut DSAEK (7.8% ±6.5%), pre-cut DSAEK (8.6% ±2.3%), and pre-loaded DSAEK (11.1% ±4.8%) (P = 0.5910). ZO-1 was expressed equally across all groups. Surgeon-cut DSAEK grafts showed a significantly higher elastic modulus compared to pre-cut and pre-loaded DSAEK groups (P = 0.0047 and P < 0.0001, respectively). Adhesion force was significantly greater in the surgeon-cut DSAEK compared to pre-cut (P < 0.0001) or pre-loaded DSAEK groups (P = 0.0101). CONCLUSION The laboratory data on the biomechanics of DSAEK grafts suggests that surgeon-cut DSAEK grafts present higher elastic modulus and adhesion force compared to eye bank-prepared DSAEK grafts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Romano
- St. Paul’s Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital London, London, UK
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool London, London, UK
- Instituto Universitario Fernandez-Vega, Universidad de Oviedo and Fundacion de Investigacion Oftalmologica, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Mohit Parekh
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ahmed Kazaili
- Department of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Liverpool London, London, UK
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Babylon, Hillah, Iraq
- Babylon Health Directorate, Ministry of Health, Babylon, Iraq
| | - Bernhard Steger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Riaz Akhtar
- Department of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Liverpool London, London, UK
| | - Stefano Ferrari
- International Centre for Ocular Physiopathology, Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto Onlus, Venice, Italy
| | - Stephen B Kaye
- St. Paul’s Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital London, London, UK
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool London, London, UK
| | - Hannah J Levis
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool London, London, UK
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7
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Baird PN, Machin H, Brown KD. Corneal supply and the use of technology to reduce its demand: A review. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2021; 49:1078-1090. [PMID: 34310836 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.13978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Recovery and access to end-of-life corneal tissue for corneal transplantation, training and research is globally maldistributed. The reasons for the maldistribution are complex and multifaceted, and not well defined or understood. Currently there are few solutions available to effectively address these issues. This review provides an overview of the system, key issues impacting recovery and allocation and emphasises how end-user ophthalmologists and researchers, with support from administrators and the wider sector, can assist in increasing access long-term through sustaining eye banks nationally and globally. We posit that prevention measures and improved surgical techniques, together with the development of novel therapies will play a significant role in reducing demand and enhance the equitable allocation of corneas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul N Baird
- Department of Surgery, Ophthalmology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Heather Machin
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Lions Eye Donation Service, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Karl D Brown
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
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8
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Spinozzi D, Miron A, Lie JT, Rafat M, Lagali N, Melles GRJ, Dhubhghaill SN, Dapena I, Oellerich S. In Vitro Evaluation and Transplantation of Human Corneal Endothelial Cells Cultured on Biocompatible Carriers. Cell Transplant 2021; 29:963689720923577. [PMID: 32363924 PMCID: PMC7586272 DOI: 10.1177/0963689720923577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal transplantation is currently the only effective treatment option for dysfunctional corneal endothelial cells (CEC). In this study, we test in vitro the surgical potential of cultivated human corneal endothelial cells (hCEC) on human anterior lens capsule (HALC), LinkCell™ bioengineered collagen sheets of 20-µm thickness (LK20), and denuded Descemet membrane (dDM) as tissue-engineered grafts for Descemet membrane (DM) endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) to bypass the problem of donor tissue availability. Primary hCEC cultured on all carriers formed a monolayer of tightly packed cells with a high cell viability rate (96% ± 4%). hCEC on HALC and LK20 showed unremarkable expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Na+/K+-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase), while Na+/K+-ATPase expression of cells seeded on dDM was mainly cytoplasmic. All hCEC-carrier constructs were evaluated by simulating DMEK surgery in vitro using a human donor cornea without DM mounted on an artificial anterior chamber (AC) and a regular DMEK-graft used as a surgical reference model. During in vitro surgery, hCEC-HALC constructs behaved most similarly to a DMEK-graft during implantation and unfolding, showing good adhesion to the bare stroma. On the other hand, hCEC-LK20 and hCEC-dDM constructs required some additional handling because of challenges related to the surgical procedure, although they were both successfully unfolded and implanted in the artificial AC. The hCEC-dDM constructs showed similar graft adherence as hCEC-HALC constructs, while adherence of hCEC-LK20 constructs was less effective. After the in vitro surgery, the estimated area populated by viable cells on the hCEC-HALC and hCEC-LK20 constructs was ∼83% and ∼67%, respectively. Overall, hCEC-HALC constructs behaved most similarly to a DMEK-graft during in vitro DMEK surgery, while graft adhesion and surgical handling, respectively, are parameters still requiring optimization for hCEC-LK20 and hCEC-dDM constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Spinozzi
- Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Alina Miron
- Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Amnitrans EyeBank Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jessica T Lie
- Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Amnitrans EyeBank Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mehrdad Rafat
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Linköping University, Sweden.,LinkoCare Life Science AB, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Neil Lagali
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Sweden
| | - Gerrit R J Melles
- Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Amnitrans EyeBank Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Melles Cornea Clinic Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sorcha Ni Dhubhghaill
- Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Melles Cornea Clinic Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Isabel Dapena
- Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Melles Cornea Clinic Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Silke Oellerich
- Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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9
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Parekh M, Ramos T, O’Sullivan F, Meleady P, Ferrari S, Ponzin D, Ahmad S. Human corneal endothelial cells from older donors can be cultured and passaged on cell-derived extracellular matrix. Acta Ophthalmol 2021; 99:e512-e522. [PMID: 32914525 DOI: 10.1111/aos.14614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the effect of culturing human corneal endothelial cells (HCEnCs) from older donors on extracellular matrix (ECM) derived from human corneal endothelial cell line (HCEC-12). METHODS HCEC-12 cells were cultured on lab-tek chamber slides for 9 days. Upon confluence, the cells were ruptured using ammonium hydroxide leaving the released ECM on the slide surface which was visualized using scanning electron microscope (SEM). HCEnCs from old aged donor tissues (n = 40) were isolated and cultured on either fibronectin-collagen (FNC) or HCEC-12 ECM at passage (P) 0. At subsequent passages (P1 and P2), cells were sub-cultured on FNC and ECM separately. Live/dead analysis and tight junction using ZO-1 staining were used to record percentage viability and morphological changes. The protein composition of HCEC-12 ECM was then analysed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS SEM images showed long fibrillar-like structures and a fully laid ECM upon confluence. HCEnCs cultured from older donor tissues on this ECM showed significantly better proliferation and morphometric characteristics at subsequent passages. Out of 1307 proteins found from the HCEC-12 derived ECM, 93 proteins were evaluated to be matrix oriented out of which 20 proteins were exclusively found to be corneal endothelial specific. CONCLUSIONS ECM derived from HCEC-12 retains protein and growth factors that stimulate the growth of HCEnCs. As the current clinical trials are from younger donors that are not available routinely for cell culture, HCEnCs from older donors can be cultured on whole ECM and passaged successfully.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Parekh
- Institute of Ophthalmology University College London London UK
| | - Tiago Ramos
- Institute of Ophthalmology University College London London UK
| | | | | | | | - Diego Ponzin
- Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto Onlus Venice Italy
| | - Sajjad Ahmad
- Institute of Ophthalmology University College London London UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust London UK
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10
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Current development of alternative treatments for endothelial decompensation: Cell-based therapy. Exp Eye Res 2021; 207:108560. [PMID: 33811914 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Current treatment for corneal endothelial dysfunction consists in the replacement of corneal endothelium by keratoplasty. Owing to the scarcity of donor corneas and the increasing number of transplants, alternative treatments such as cell-based therapies are necessary. In this article, we highlight the biological aspects of the cornea and the corneal endothelium, as well as the context that surrounds the need for new alternatives to conventional keratoplasty. We then review some of those experimental treatments in more detail, focusing on the development of the in vitro and preclinical phases of two cell-based therapies: tissue-engineered endothelial keratoplasty (TE-EK) and cell injection. In the case of TE-EK graft construction, we analyse the current progress, considering all the requirements it must meet in order to be functional. Moreover, we discuss the inherent drawbacks of endothelial keratoplasties, which TE-EK grafts should overcome in order to make surgical intervention easier and to improve the outcomes of current endothelial keratoplasties. Finally, we analyse the development of preclinical trials and their limitations in terms of performing an optimal functional evaluation of cell-based therapy, and we conclude by discussing early clinical trials in humans.
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11
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Parekh M, Romano V, Hassanin K, Testa V, Wongvisavavit R, Ferrari S, Haneef A, Willoughby C, Ponzin D, Jhanji V, Sharma N, Daniels J, Kaye SB, Ahmad S, Levis HJ. Biomaterials for corneal endothelial cell culture and tissue engineering. J Tissue Eng 2021; 12:2041731421990536. [PMID: 33643603 PMCID: PMC7894589 DOI: 10.1177/2041731421990536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The corneal endothelium is the posterior monolayer of cells that are responsible for maintaining overall transparency of the avascular corneal tissue via pump function. These cells are non-regenerative in vivo and therefore, approximately 40% of corneal transplants undertaken worldwide are a result of damage or dysfunction of endothelial cells. The number of available corneal donor tissues is limited worldwide, hence, cultivation of human corneal endothelial cells (hCECs) in vitro has been attempted in order to produce tissue engineered corneal endothelial grafts. Researchers have attempted to recreate the current gold standard treatment of replacing the endothelial layer with accompanying Descemet's membrane or a small portion of stroma as support with tissue engineering strategies using various substrates of both biologically derived and synthetic origin. Here we review the potential biomaterials that are currently in development to support the transplantation of a cultured monolayer of hCECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Parekh
- Faculty of Brain Sciences, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,International Center for Ocular Physiopathology, Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto Onlus, Venice, Italy
| | - Vito Romano
- St. Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool Broadgreen University Hospital, Liverpool, UK.,Instituto Universitario Fernandez-Vega, Universidad de Oviedo and Fundacion de Investigacion on Oftalmologica, Oviedo, Spain.,Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Kareem Hassanin
- St. Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool Broadgreen University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Valeria Testa
- Eye Clinic, Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
| | - Rintra Wongvisavavit
- Faculty of Brain Sciences, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Sciences, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Stefano Ferrari
- International Center for Ocular Physiopathology, Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto Onlus, Venice, Italy
| | - Atikah Haneef
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Colin Willoughby
- School of biomedical sciences, University of Ulster, Belfast, UK
| | - Diego Ponzin
- International Center for Ocular Physiopathology, Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto Onlus, Venice, Italy
| | - Vishal Jhanji
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Namrata Sharma
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Julie Daniels
- Faculty of Brain Sciences, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Stephen B Kaye
- St. Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool Broadgreen University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sajjad Ahmad
- Faculty of Brain Sciences, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Trust Foundation, London, UK
| | - Hannah J Levis
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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12
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Khalili M, Asadi M, Kahroba H, Soleyman MR, Andre H, Alizadeh E. Corneal endothelium tissue engineering: An evolution of signaling molecules, cells, and scaffolds toward 3D bioprinting and cell sheets. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:3275-3303. [PMID: 33090510 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cornea is an avascular and transparent tissue that focuses light on retina. Cornea is supported by the corneal-endothelial layer through regulation of hydration homeostasis. Restoring vision in patients afflicted with corneal endothelium dysfunction-mediated blindness most often requires corneal transplantation (CT), which faces considerable constrictions due to donor limitations. An emerging alternative to CT is corneal endothelium tissue engineering (CETE), which involves utilizing scaffold-based methods and scaffold-free strategies. The innovative scaffold-free method is cell sheet engineering, which typically generates cell layers surrounded by an intact extracellular matrix, exhibiting tunable release from the stimuli-responsive surface. In some studies, scaffold-based or scaffold-free technologies have been reported to achieve promising outcomes. However, yet some issues exist in translating CETE from bench to clinical practice. In this review, we compare different corneal endothelium regeneration methods and elaborate on the application of multiple cell types (stem cells, corneal endothelial cells, and endothelial precursors), signaling molecules (growth factors, cytokines, chemical compounds, and small RNAs), and natural and synthetic scaffolds for CETE. Furthermore, we discuss the importance of three-dimensional bioprinting strategies and simulation of Descemet's membrane by biomimetic topography. Finally, we dissected the recent advances, applications, and prospects of cell sheet engineering for CETE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Khalili
- Drug Applied Research Center and Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Maryam Asadi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Houman Kahroba
- Biomedicine Institute, and Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Soleyman
- CinnaGen Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Helder Andre
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Effat Alizadeh
- Drug Applied Research Center and Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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13
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Brown KD, Dusting GJ, Daniell M. Emerging Technologies to Solve the Key Issues in Endothelial Keratoplasty. CURRENT OPHTHALMOLOGY REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40135-020-00251-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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14
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Van Hoorick J, Delaey J, Vercammen H, Van Erps J, Thienpont H, Dubruel P, Zakaria N, Koppen C, Van Vlierberghe S, Van den Bogerd B. Designer Descemet Membranes Containing PDLLA and Functionalized Gelatins as Corneal Endothelial Scaffold. Adv Healthc Mater 2020; 9:e2000760. [PMID: 32603022 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202000760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Corneal blindness is the fourth leading cause of visual impairment. Of specific interest is blindness due to a dysfunctional corneal endothelium which can only be treated by transplanting healthy tissue from a deceased donor. Unfortunately, corneal supply does not meet the demand with only one donor for every 70 patients. Therefore, there is a huge interest in tissue engineering of grafts consisting of an ultra-thin scaffold seeded with cultured endothelial cells. The present research describes the fabrication of such artificial Descemet membranes based on the combination of a biodegradable amorphous polyester (poly (d,l-lactic acid)) and crosslinkable gelatins. Four different crosslinkable gelatin derivatives are compared in terms of processing, membrane quality, and function, as well as biological performance in the presence of corneal endothelial cells. The membranes are fabricated through multi-step spincoating, including a sacrificial layer to allow for straightforward membrane detachment after production. As a consequence, ultrathin (<1 µm), highly transparent (>90%), semi-permeable membranes could be obtained with high biological potential. The membranes supported the characteristic morphology and correct phenotype of corneal endothelial cells while exhibiting similar proliferation rates as the positive control. As a consequence, the proposed membranes prove to be a promising synthetic alternative to donor tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper Van Hoorick
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials GroupCentre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC)Department of Organic and Macromolecular ChemistryGhent University Ghent 9000 Belgium
- Brussels PhotonicsDepartment of Applied Physics and PhotonicsVrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make Brussels 1050 Belgium
| | - Jasper Delaey
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials GroupCentre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC)Department of Organic and Macromolecular ChemistryGhent University Ghent 9000 Belgium
| | - Hendrik Vercammen
- Antwerp Research Group for Ocular Science (ARGOS)Translational NeurosciencesFaculty of MedicineUniversity of Antwerp Wilrijk 2610 Belgium
| | - Jürgen Van Erps
- Brussels PhotonicsDepartment of Applied Physics and PhotonicsVrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make Brussels 1050 Belgium
| | - Hugo Thienpont
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials GroupCentre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC)Department of Organic and Macromolecular ChemistryGhent University Ghent 9000 Belgium
- Brussels PhotonicsDepartment of Applied Physics and PhotonicsVrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make Brussels 1050 Belgium
| | - Peter Dubruel
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials GroupCentre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC)Department of Organic and Macromolecular ChemistryGhent University Ghent 9000 Belgium
| | - Nadia Zakaria
- Antwerp Research Group for Ocular Science (ARGOS)Translational NeurosciencesFaculty of MedicineUniversity of Antwerp Wilrijk 2610 Belgium
- Department of OphthalmologyAntwerp University Hospital Edegem 2650 Belgium
| | - Carina Koppen
- Antwerp Research Group for Ocular Science (ARGOS)Translational NeurosciencesFaculty of MedicineUniversity of Antwerp Wilrijk 2610 Belgium
- Department of OphthalmologyAntwerp University Hospital Edegem 2650 Belgium
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials GroupCentre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC)Department of Organic and Macromolecular ChemistryGhent University Ghent 9000 Belgium
- Brussels PhotonicsDepartment of Applied Physics and PhotonicsVrije Universiteit Brussel and Flanders Make Brussels 1050 Belgium
| | - Bert Van den Bogerd
- Antwerp Research Group for Ocular Science (ARGOS)Translational NeurosciencesFaculty of MedicineUniversity of Antwerp Wilrijk 2610 Belgium
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15
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Exploring the Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome for Corneal Endothelial Proliferation. Stem Cells Int 2020; 2020:5891393. [PMID: 32089707 PMCID: PMC7025074 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5891393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ex vivo grown human corneal endothelial cells (HCEnC) are a new emerging treatment option to treat visually impaired patients aimed at alleviating the current global donor shortage. Expanding HCEnC is still challenging, and obtaining cells in sufficient quantities is a limiting factor. It is already known that conditioned medium obtained from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells can stimulate the proliferation of endothelial cells. The aim of this study was to take this work a step further to identify some of the underlying factors responsible. We confirmed the stimulatory effect of the mesenchymal stem cell secretome seen previously and separated the exosomes from the soluble proteins using size exclusion chromatography. We demonstrated the presence of exosomes and soluble proteins in the early and late fractions, respectively, with transmission electron microscopy and protein assays. Proliferation studies demonstrated that growth stimulation could be reproduced with the later protein-rich fractions but not with the exosome-rich fraction. Antibody assays revealed the presence of the secreted proteins EGF, IGFBP2, and IGFBP6 in protein-high fractions, but the growth enhancement was not seen with purified protein formulations. In conclusion, we confirmed the stimulatory effect of stem cell-conditioned medium and have determined that the effect was attributable to the proteins rather than to the exosomes. We were not able to reproduce the growth stimulation, however, with the pure recombinant protein candidates tested. Specific identification of the underlying proteins using proteomics could render a bioactive protein that can be used for ex vivo expansion of cells or as an in vivo drug to treat early corneal endothelial damage.
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16
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The future of keratoplasty: cell-based therapy, regenerative medicine, bioengineering keratoplasty, gene therapy. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2019; 30:286-291. [PMID: 31045881 DOI: 10.1097/icu.0000000000000573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To provide an update on the state of development of novel therapeutic modalities for the treatment of corneal diseases. RECENT FINDINGS Novel corneal therapeutics may be broadly classified as cell therapy, regenerative medicine, bioengineered corneal grafts and gene therapy. Cell therapy encompasses cultivation of cells, such as corneal endothelial cells (CECs) and keratocytes to replenish the depleted native cell population. Regenerative medicine is mainly applicable to the corneal endothelium, and is dependent on the ability of native, healthy CECs to restore the corneal endothelium following trauma or descemetorhexis; this approach may be effective for the treatment of Peter's anomaly and Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD). Bioengineered corneal grafts are synthetic constructs designed to replace cadaveric corneal grafts; tissue-engineered endothelial-keratoplasty grafts and bioengineered stromal grafts have been experimented in animal models with favourable results. Gene therapy with antisense oligonucleotide and CRISPR endonucleases, including deactivated Cas9, may potentially be used to treat FECD and TGFBI-related corneal dystrophies. SUMMARY These novel therapeutic modalities may potentially supersede keratoplasty as the standard of care in the future.
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17
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Hsueh YJ, Ma DHK, Ma KSC, Wang TK, Chou CH, Lin CC, Huang MC, Luo LJ, Lai JY, Chen HC. Extracellular Matrix Protein Coating of Processed Fish Scales Improves Human Corneal Endothelial Cell Adhesion and Proliferation. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2019; 8:27. [PMID: 31171994 PMCID: PMC6543859 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.8.3.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Corneal transplantation can treat corneal endothelial diseases. Implanting cultivated human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs) via a cell carrier has clinical value as an alternative therapeutic strategy. This study was performed to compare the feasibility of fish scales and other biomaterials (gelatin and chitosan) as cell carriers and to investigate the effects of an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein coating to improve the cytocompatibility of fish scales. Methods The physical properties of gelatin, chitosan, and fish scales were compared. Immortalized HCECs (B4G12) were cultured on processed fish scales, which were coated with fibronectin, laminin, collagen IV, or FNC Coating Mix. Cell attachment and proliferation were evaluated by immunofluorescence, cell counting, and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling assays. Immunoblots were used to examine the expression levels of integrin-linked kinase (ILK), phosphate-ILK, β-catenin, p63, and cell cycle mediators (cyclin D1 and p27Kip1). Results The transparency of processed fish scales was better than that of chitosan, while the strength was higher than that of gelatin. The laminin, collagen IV, and FNC coatings facilitated B4G12 cell adhesion and proliferation, while fibronectin only facilitated cell adhesion. The laminin, collagen IV, and FNC coatings also upregulated phosphate-ILK and p63 expression. In addition, the FNC coating activated cell cycle mediators. Conclusion ECM protein-coated processed fish scales can serve as a novel cell carrier to facilitate the development of HCEC transplantation. Translational Relevance Improving the physical properties and cytocompatibility of fish scales as a cell carrier will facilitate the transplantation of HCECs into corneas for the purpose of cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Jen Hsueh
- Limbal Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan.,Center for Tissue Engineering, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
| | - David Hui-Kang Ma
- Limbal Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan.,Center for Tissue Engineering, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan.,Department of Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Kathleen Sheng-Chuan Ma
- Limbal Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
| | - Tze-Kai Wang
- Limbal Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan.,Center for Tissue Engineering, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hung Chou
- Department of Research, Body Organ Biomedical Corporation, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Cheng Lin
- Department of Research, Body Organ Biomedical Corporation, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Min-Chang Huang
- Department of Research, Body Organ Biomedical Corporation, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Jyuan Luo
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Yang Lai
- Center for Tissue Engineering, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan.,Institute of Biochemical and Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Materials Engineering, Ming Chi University of Technology, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chi Chen
- Limbal Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan.,Center for Tissue Engineering, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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