Automating iPSC generation to enable autologous photoreceptor cell replacement therapy

AMD and Stem Cell-Based Therapies

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a prevalent and complex disease leading to severe vision loss. Stem cells offer promising prospects for AMD treatment as they can be differentiated into critical retinal cell types that could replace lost host retinal cells or provide trophic support to promote host retinal cell survival. However, challenges such as immune rejection, concerns regarding tumorigenicity, and genomic integrity must be addressed. Clinical trials with stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelial cells have shown preliminary safety in treating dry AMD, but improvements in manufacturing and surgical techniques cell delivery are needed. Late-stage AMD poses additional hurdles, possibly requiring multi-layered grafts. Advancements in automation technologies and gene correction strategies show potential to enhance iPSC-based therapies. Stem cell-based treatments offer hope for AMD management, but further research and optimization are essential for successful clinical implementation.

Automated human induced pluripotent stem cell colony segmentation for use in cell culture automation applications

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have demonstrated great promise for a variety of applications that include cell therapy and regenerative medicine. Production of clinical grade hiPSCs requires reproducible manufacturing methods with stringent quality-controls such as those provided by image-controlled robotic processing systems. In this paper we present an automated image analysis method for identifying and picking hiPSC colonies for clonal expansion using the CellXTM robotic cell processing system. This method couples a light weight deep learning segmentation approach based on the U-Net architecture to automatically segment the hiPSC colonies in full field of view (FOV) high resolution phase contrast images with a standardized approach for suggesting pick locations. The utility of this method is demonstrated using images and data obtained from the CellXTM system where clinical grade hiPSCs were reprogrammed, clonally expanded, and differentiated into retinal organoids for use in treatment of patients with inherited retinal degenerative blindness.

Application of patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells and organoids in inherited retinal diseases

Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) can induce severe sight-threatening retinal degeneration and impose a considerable economic burden on patients and society, making efforts to cure blindness imperative. Transgenic animals mimicking human genetic diseases have long been used as a primary research tool to decipher the underlying pathogenesis, but there are still some obvious limitations. As an alternative strategy, patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), particularly three-dimensional (3D) organoid technology, are considered a promising platform for modeling different forms of IRDs, including retinitis pigmentosa, Leber congenital amaurosis, X-linked recessive retinoschisis, Batten disease, achromatopsia, and best vitelliform macular dystrophy. Here, this paper focuses on the status of patient-derived iPSCs and organoids in IRDs in recent years concerning disease modeling and therapeutic exploration, along with potential challenges for translating laboratory research to clinical application. Finally, the importance of human iPSCs and organoids in combination with emerging technologies such as multi-omics integration analysis, 3D bioprinting, or microfluidic chip platform are highlighted. Patient-derived retinal organoids may be a preferred choice for more accurately uncovering the mechanisms of human retinal diseases and will contribute to clinical practice.

Comparison of osteoclast differentiation protocols from human induced pluripotent stem cells of different tissue origins

BACKGROUND

Ever since their discovery, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been extensively differentiated into a large variety of cell types. However, a limited amount of work has been dedicated to differentiating iPSCs into osteoclasts. While several differentiation protocols have been published, it remains unclear which protocols or differentiation methods are preferable regarding the differentiation of osteoclasts.

METHODS

In this study, we compared the osteoclastogenesis capacity of a peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-derived iPSC line to a fibroblast-derived iPSC line in conjunction with either embryoid body-based or monolayer-based differentiation strategies. Both cell lines and differentiation protocols were investigated regarding their ability to generate osteoclasts and their inherent robustness and ease of use. The ability of both cell lines to remain undifferentiated while propagating using a feeder-free system was assessed using alkaline phosphatase staining. This was followed by evaluating mesodermal differentiation and the characterization of hematopoietic progenitor cells using flow cytometry. Finally, osteoclast yield and functionality based on resorptive activity, Cathepsin K and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) expression were assessed. The results were validated using qRT-PCR throughout the differentiation stages.

RESULTS

Embryoid body-based differentiation yielded CD45+, CD14+, CD11b+ subpopulations which in turn differentiated into osteoclasts which demonstrated TRAP positivity, Cathepsin K expression and mineral resorptive capabilities. This was regardless of which iPSC line was used. Monolayer-based differentiation yielded lower quantities of hematopoietic cells that were mostly CD34+ and did not subsequently differentiate into osteoclasts.

CONCLUSIONS

The outcome of this study demonstrates the successful differentiation of osteoclasts from iPSCs in conjunction with the embryoid-based differentiation method, while the monolayer-based method did not yield osteoclasts. No differences were observed regarding osteoclast differentiation between the PBMC and fibroblast-derived iPSC lines.

Comparison of osteoclast differentiation protocols from human induced pluripotent stem cells of different tissue origins

Background

Ever since their discovery, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been extensively differentiated into a large variety of cell types. However, a limited amount of work has been dedicated to differentiating iPSCs into osteoclasts. While several differentiation protocols have been published, it remains unclear which protocols or differentiation methods are preferrable regarding the differentiation of osteoclasts.

Methods

In this study we compare the osteoclastogenesis capacity of a peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-derived iPSC line to a fibroblast-derived iPSC line in conjunction with either embryoid body-based or monolayer-based differentiation strategies. Both cell lines and differentiation protocols were investigated regarding their ability to generate osteoclasts and their inherent robustness and ease of use. The ability of both cell lines to remain undifferentiated while propagating using a feeder-free system was assessed using alkaline phosphatase staining. This was followed by evaluating mesodermal differentiation and the characterization of hematopoietic progenitor cells using flow cytometry. Finally, osteoclast yield and functionality based on resorptive activity, Cathepsin K and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) expression were assessed. Results were validated using qRT-PCR throughout the differentiation stages.

Results

Embryoid-body based differentiation yielded CD45+, CD14+, CD11b+ subpopulations which in turn differentiated into osteoclasts which demonstrated TRAP positivity, Cathepsin K expression and mineral resorptive capabilities. This was regardless of which iPSC line was used. Monolayer-based differentiation yielded lower quantities of hematopoietic cells that were mostly CD34+ and did not subsequently differentiate into osteoclasts.

Conclusions

The outcome of this study demonstrates the successful differentiation of osteoclasts from iPSCs in conjunction with the embryoid-based differentiation method, while the monolayer-based method did not yield osteoclasts. No differences were observed regarding osteoclast differentiation between the PBMC and fibroblast-derived iPSC lines.

Advancing cell therapy for neurodegenerative diseases

Cell-based therapies are being developed for various neurodegenerative diseases that affect the central nervous system (CNS). Concomitantly, the roles of individual cell types in neurodegenerative pathology are being uncovered by genetic and single-cell studies. With a greater understanding of cellular contributions to health and disease and with the arrival of promising approaches to modulate them, effective therapeutic cell products are now emerging. This review examines how the ability to generate diverse CNS cell types from stem cells, along with a deeper understanding of cell-type-specific functions and pathology, is advancing preclinical development of cell products for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Cytocentric measurement for regenerative medicine

Any Regenerative Medicine (RM) business requires reliably predictable cell and tissue products. Regulatory agencies expect control and documentation. However, laboratory tissue production is currently not predictable or well-controlled. Before conditions can be controlled to meet the needs of cells and tissues in culture for RM, we have to know what those needs are and be able to quantify them. Therefore, identification and measurement of critical cell quality attributes at a cellular or pericellular level is essential to generating reproducible cell and tissue products. Here, we identify some of the critical cell and process parameters for cell and tissue products as well as technologies available for sensing them. We also discuss available and needed technologies for monitoring both 2D and 3D cultures to manufacture reliable cell and tissue products for clinical and non-clinical use. As any industry matures, it improves and standardizes the quality of its products. Cytocentric measurement of cell and tissue quality attributes are needed for RM.