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Kistenmacher S, Schwämmle M, Martin G, Ulrich E, Tholen S, Schilling O, Gießl A, Schlötzer-Schrehardt U, Bucher F, Schlunck G, Nazarenko I, Reinhard T, Polisetti N. Enrichment, Characterization, and Proteomic Profiling of Small Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Human Limbal Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Melanocytes. Cells 2024; 13:623. [PMID: 38607062 PMCID: PMC11011788 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Limbal epithelial progenitor cells (LEPC) rely on their niche environment for proper functionality and self-renewal. While extracellular vesicles (EV), specifically small EVs (sEV), have been proposed to support LEPC homeostasis, data on sEV derived from limbal niche cells like limbal mesenchymal stromal cells (LMSC) remain limited, and there are no studies on sEVs from limbal melanocytes (LM). In this study, we isolated sEV from conditioned media of LMSC and LM using a combination of tangential flow filtration and size exclusion chromatography and characterized them by nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy, Western blot, multiplex bead arrays, and quantitative mass spectrometry. The internalization of sEV by LEPC was studied using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. The isolated sEVs exhibited typical EV characteristics, including cell-specific markers such as CD90 for LMSC-sEV and Melan-A for LM-sEV. Bioinformatics analysis of the proteomic data suggested a significant role of sEVs in extracellular matrix deposition, with LMSC-derived sEV containing proteins involved in collagen remodeling and cell matrix adhesion, whereas LM-sEV proteins were implicated in other cellular bioprocesses such as cellular pigmentation and development. Moreover, fluorescently labeled LMSC-sEV and LM-sEV were taken up by LEPC and localized to their perinuclear compartment. These findings provide valuable insights into the complex role of sEV from niche cells in regulating the human limbal stem cell niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Kistenmacher
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Schwämmle
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schaenzlestrasse 1, D–79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gottfried Martin
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eva Ulrich
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Tholen
- Institute of Surgical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, 79085 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Oliver Schilling
- Institute of Surgical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, 79085 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Andreas Gießl
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlan-gen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ursula Schlötzer-Schrehardt
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlan-gen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Felicitas Bucher
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Irina Nazarenko
- Institute for Infection Prevention and Hospital Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Naresh Polisetti
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
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2
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Wolfram L, Gimpel C, Schwämmle M, Clark SJ, Böhringer D, Schlunck G. The impact of substrate stiffness on morphological, transcriptional and functional aspects in RPE. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7488. [PMID: 38553490 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56661-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Alterations in the structure and composition of Bruch's membrane (BrM) and loss of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells are associated with various ocular diseases, notably age-related macular degeneration (AMD) as well as several inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). We explored the influence of stiffness as a major BrM characteristic on the RPE transcriptome and morphology. ARPE-19 cells were plated on soft ( E = 30 kPa ) or stiff ( E = 80 kPa ) polyacrylamide gels (PA gels) or standard tissue culture plastic (TCP). Next-generation sequencing (NGS) data on differentially expressed small RNAs (sRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were validated by qPCR, immunofluorescence or western blotting. The microRNA (miRNA) fraction of sRNAs grew with substrate stiffness and distinct miRNAs such as miR-204 or miR-222 were differentially expressed. mRNA targets of differentially expressed miRNAs were stably expressed, suggesting a homeostatic effect of miRNAs. mRNA transcription patterns were substrate stiffness-dependent, including components of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling, Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor (MITF) and Dicer. These findings highlight the relevance of mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in cell culture experiments, especially those focusing on ECM-related diseases, such as AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lasse Wolfram
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- Department for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- Department for Ophthalmology, University Eye Clinic, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Clara Gimpel
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Schlosspark-Klinik Charlottenburg, Berlin, Germany
| | - Melanie Schwämmle
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simon J Clark
- Department for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department for Ophthalmology, University Eye Clinic, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Daniel Böhringer
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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Rapp J, Ness J, Wolf J, Hospach A, Liang P, Hug MJ, Agostini H, Schlunck G, Lange C, Bucher F. 2D and 3D in vitro angiogenesis assays highlight different aspects of angiogenesis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167028. [PMID: 38244944 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
In angiogenesis research, scientists need to carefully select appropriate in vitro models to test their hypotheses to minimize the risk for false negative or false positive study results. In this study, we investigate molecular differences between simple two-dimensional and more complex three-dimensional angiogenesis assays and compare them to in vivo data from cancer-associated angiogenesis using an unbiased transcriptomic analysis. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were treated with VEGF in 2D wound healing and proliferation assays and the 3D spheroid sprouting assay. VEGF-induced transcriptomic shifts were assessed in both settings by bulk RNA sequencing. Immunocytochemistry was used for protein detection. The data was linked to the transcriptomic profile of vascular endothelial cells from a single cell RNA sequencing dataset of various cancer tissue compared to adjacent healthy tissue control. VEGF induced a more diverse transcriptomic shift in vascular endothelial cells in a 3D experimental setting (767 differentially expressed genes) compared to the 2D settings (167 differentially expressed genes). Particularly, VEGF-induced changes in cell-matrix interaction, tip cell formation, and glycolysis were pronounced in the 3D spheroid sprouting experiments. Immunocytochemistry for VCAM1 and CD34 confirmed enhanced expression in response to VEGF-treatment in 3D settings. In vivo, vascular endothelial cells within various cancer tissue were characterized by strong transcriptomic changes in cell-matrix interaction and glycolysis similar to the 3D setting. Consequently, 3D assays may better address certain key aspects of angiogenesis in comparison to fast and scalable 2D assays. This should be taken into consideration within the context of each research question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Rapp
- Eye Center, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jan Ness
- Eye Center, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany; Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alban Hospach
- Eye Center, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Paula Liang
- Eye Center, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Martin J Hug
- Pharmacy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany; Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, St. Franziskus Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Felicitas Bucher
- Eye Center, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany.
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Lapp T, Kammrath Betancor P, Schlunck G, Auw-Hädrich C, Maier P, Lange C, Reinhard T, Wolf J. Transcriptional profiling specifies the pathogen-specific human host response to infectious keratitis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 13:1285676. [PMID: 38274739 PMCID: PMC10808294 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1285676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Corneal infections are a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness worldwide. Here we applied high-resolution transcriptomic profiling to assess the general and pathogen-specific molecular and cellular mechanisms during human corneal infection. Methods Clinical diagnoses of herpes simplex virus (HSV) (n=5) and bacterial/fungal (n=5) keratitis were confirmed by histology. Healthy corneas (n=7) and keratoconus (n=4) samples served as controls. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) human corneal specimens were analyzed using the 3' RNA sequencing method Massive Analysis of cDNA Ends (MACE RNA-seq). The cellular host response was investigated using comprehensive bioinformatic deconvolution (xCell and CYBERSORTx) analyses and by integration with published single cell RNA-seq data of the human cornea. Results Our analysis identified 216 and 561 genes, that were specifically overexpressed in viral or bacterial/fungal keratitis, respectively, and allowed to distinguish the two etiologies. The virus-specific host response was driven by adaptive immunity and associated molecular signaling pathways, whereas the bacterial/fungal-specific host response mainly involved innate immunity signaling pathways and cell types. We identified several genes and pathways involved in the host response to infectious keratitis, including CXCL9, CXCR3, and MMP9 for viral, and S100A8/A9, MMP9, and the IL17 pathway for bacterial/fungal keratitis. Conclusions High-resolution molecular profiling provides new insights into the human corneal host response to viral and bacterial/fungal infection. Pathogen-specific molecular profiles may provide the foundation for novel diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic approaches that target inflammation-induced damage to corneal host cells with the goal to improve the outcome of infectious keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thabo Lapp
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, St. Franziskus Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - Paola Kammrath Betancor
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Claudia Auw-Hädrich
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Philip Maier
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, St. Franziskus Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Omics Laboratory, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
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Rapp J, Hospach A, Liang P, Schwämmle M, Renz L, Agostini H, Schlunck G, Bucher F. Oncostatin M Reduces Pathological Neovascularization in the Retina Through Müller Cell Activation. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:22. [PMID: 38190125 PMCID: PMC10777876 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.1.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Continuous vision loss due to vasoproliferative eye disease still represents an unsolved issue despite anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. The impact of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling on retinal angiogenesis and its potential use as a therapeutic target remain controversial. In vitro, oncostatin M (OSM), as a strong STAT3 activator, possesses robust proangiogenic activity. This study investigated to what extent the proangiogenic effects of OSM translate to the in vivo setting of vasoproliferative eye disease. Methods The in vitro effect of OSM on endothelial cells was investigated in the spheroid sprouting assay and through RNA sequencing. The mouse model for oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) was used to evaluate the impact of OSM in vivo. Signaling patterns were measured by western blot and retinal cryosections. Primary Müller cell cultures were used to evaluate the effect of OSM on the Müller cell secretome. Murine retinal vascular endothelial cells were isolated from OIR retinas using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and were used for RNA sequencing. Results Although OSM induced pro-angiogenic responses in vitro, in the OIR model intravitreal injection of OSM reduced retinal neovascularization by 65.2% and vaso-obliteration by 45.5% in Müller cells. Injecting OSM into the vitreous activated the STAT3 signaling pathway in multiple retinal cell types, including Müller cells. In vitro, OSM treatment increased CXCL10 secretion. RNA sequencing of sorted vascular endothelial cells at OIR P17 following OSM treatment indicated downregulation of angiogenesis- and mitosis-associated genes. Conclusions In vivo, OSM reveals a beneficial angiomodulatory effect by activating Müller cells and changing their secretome. The data highlight contradictions between cytokine-induced effects in vitro and in vivo depending on the cell types mediating the effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Rapp
- Eye Center, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alban Hospach
- Eye Center, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Paula Liang
- Eye Center, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Schwämmle
- Eye Center, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Renz
- Eye Center, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Felicitas Bucher
- Eye Center, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Pauleikhoff L, Boneva S, Boeck M, Schlecht A, Schlunck G, Agostini H, Lange C, Wolf J. Transcriptional Comparison of Human and Murine Retinal Neovascularization. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:46. [PMID: 38153746 PMCID: PMC10756240 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.15.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retinal neovascularization (RNV) is the leading cause of vision loss in diseases like proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). A significant failure rate of current treatments indicates the need for novel treatment targets. Animal models are crucial in this process, but current diabetic retinopathy models do not develop RNV. Although the nondiabetic oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mouse model is used to study RNV development, it is largely unknown how closely it resembles human PDR. Methods We therefore performed RNA sequencing on murine (C57BL/6J) OIR retinas (n = 14) and human PDR RNV membranes (n = 7) extracted during vitrectomy, each with reference to control tissue (n=13/10). Differentially expressed genes (DEG) and associated biological processes were analyzed and compared between human and murine RNV to assess molecular overlap and identify phylogenetically conserved factors. Results In total, 213 murine- and 1223 human-specific factors were upregulated with a small overlap of 94 DEG (7% of human DEG), although similar biological processes such as angiogenesis, regulation of immune response, and extracellular matrix organization were activated in both species. Phylogenetically conserved mediators included ANGPT2, S100A8, MCAM, EDNRA, and CCR7. Conclusions Even though few individual genes were upregulated simultaneously in both species, similar biological processes appeared to be activated. These findings demonstrate the potential and limitations of the OIR model to study human PDR and identify phylogenetically conserved potential treatment targets for PDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurenz Pauleikhoff
- Eye Center, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Stefaniya Boneva
- Eye Center, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Myriam Boeck
- Eye Center, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Anja Schlecht
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center at St. Franziskus Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Molecular Surgery Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, United States
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Polisetti N, Martin G, Ulrich E, Glegola M, Schlötzer-Schrehardt U, Schlunck G, Reinhard T. Influence of Organ Culture on the Characteristics of the Human Limbal Stem Cell Niche. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16856. [PMID: 38069177 PMCID: PMC10706739 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Organ culture storage techniques for corneoscleral limbal (CSL) tissue have improved the quality of corneas for transplantation and allow for longer storage times. Cultured limbal tissue has been used for stem cell transplantation to treat limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) as well as for research purposes to assess homeostasis mechanisms in the limbal stem cell niche. However, the effects of organ culture storage conditions on the quality of limbal niche components are less well described. Therefore, in this study, the morphological and immunohistochemical characteristics of organ-cultured limbal tissue are investigated and compared to fresh limbal tissues by means of light and electron microscopy. Organ-cultured limbal tissues showed signs of deterioration, such as edema, less pronounced basement membranes, and loss of the most superficial layers of the epithelium. In comparison to the fresh limbal epithelium, organ-cultured limbal epithelium showed signs of ongoing proliferative activity (more Ki-67+ cells) and exhibited an altered limbal epithelial phenotype with a loss of N-cadherin and desmoglein expression as well as a lack of precise staining patterns for cytokeratin ((CK)14, CK17/19, CK15). The analyzed extracellular matrix composition was mainly intact (collagen IV, fibronectin, laminin chains) except for Tenascin-C, whose expression was increased in organ-cultured limbal tissue. Nonetheless, the expression patterns of cell-matrix adhesion proteins varied in organ-cultured limbal tissue compared to fresh limbal tissue. A decrease in the number of melanocytes (Melan-A+ cells) and Langerhans cells (HLA-DR+, CD1a+, CD18+) was observed in the organ-cultured limbal tissue. The organ culture-induced alterations of the limbal epithelial stem cell niche might hamper its use in the treatment of LSCD as well as in research studies. In contrast, reduced numbers of donor-derived Langerhans cells seem associated with better clinical outcomes. However, there is a need to consider the preferential use of fresh CSL for limbal transplants and to look at ways of improving the limbal stem cell properties of stored CSL tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naresh Polisetti
- Eye Center, Medical Center—Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gottfried Martin
- Eye Center, Medical Center—Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eva Ulrich
- Eye Center, Medical Center—Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Mateusz Glegola
- Eye Center, Medical Center—Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ursula Schlötzer-Schrehardt
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center—Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Medical Center—Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
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8
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Rapp J, Böhringer D, Schlunck G, Agostini H, Reinhard T, Bucher F. Addressing bias in manual segmentation of spheroid sprouting assays with U-Net. Mol Vis 2023; 29:197-205. [PMID: 38222450 PMCID: PMC10784213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Angiogenesis research faces the issue of false-positive findings due to the manual analysis pipelines involved in many assays. For example, the spheroid sprouting assay, one of the most prominent in vitro angiogenesis models, is commonly based on manual segmentation of sprouts. In this study, we propose a method for mitigating subconscious or fraudulent bias caused by manual segmentation. This approach involves training a U-Net model on manual segmentations and using the readout of this U-Net model instead of the potentially biased original segmentations. Our hypothesis is that U-Net will mitigate any bias in the manual segmentations because this will impose only random noise during model training. We assessed this idea using a simulation study. Methods The training data comprised 1531 phase contrast images and manual segmentations from various spheroid sprouting assays. We randomly divided the images 1:1 into two groups: a fictitious intervention group and a control group. Bias was simulated exclusively in the intervention group. We simulated two adversarial scenarios: 1) removal of a single randomly selected sprout and 2) systematic shortening of all sprouts. For both scenarios, we compared the original segmentation, adversarial segmentation, and respective U-Net readouts. In the second step, we assessed the sensitivity of this approach to detect a true positive effect. We sampled multiple treatment and control groups with decreasing treatment effects based on unbiased ground truth segmentation. Results This approach was able to mitigate bias in both adversarial scenarios. However, in both scenarios, U-Net detected the real treatment effects based on a comparison to the ground truth. Conclusions This method may prove useful for verifying positive findings in angiogenesis experiments with a manual analysis pipeline when full investigator masking has been neglected or is not feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Rapp
- Eye Center, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Böhringer
- Eye Center, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Felicitas Bucher
- Eye Center, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
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9
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Wiedenmann CJ, Gottwald C, Zeqiri K, Frömmichen J, Bungert E, Gläser M, Ströble J, Lohmüller R, Reinhard T, Lübke J, Schlunck G. Slow Interstitial Fluid Flow Activates TGF-β Signaling and Drives Fibrotic Responses in Human Tenon Fibroblasts. Cells 2023; 12:2205. [PMID: 37681937 PMCID: PMC10486805 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibrosis limits the success of filtering glaucoma surgery. We employed 2D and 3D in vitro models to assess the effects of fluid flow on human tenon fibroblasts (HTF). METHODS HTF were exposed to continuous or pulsatile fluid flow for 48 or 72 h, at rates expected at the transscleral outflow site after filtering surgery. In the 2D model, the F-actin cytoskeleton and fibronectin 1 (FN1) were visualized by confocal immunofluorescence microscopy. In the 3D model, mRNA and whole cell lysates were extracted to analyze the expression of fibrosis-associated genes by qPCR and Western blot. The effects of a small-molecule inhibitor of the TGF-β receptor ALK5 were studied. RESULTS Slow, continuous fluid flow induced fibrotic responses in the 2D and 3D models. It elicited changes in cell shape, the F-actin cytoskeleton, the deposition of FN1 and activated the intracellular TGF-β signaling pathway to induce expression of fibrosis-related genes, such as CTGF, FN1 and COL1A1. ALK5-inhibition reduced this effect. Intermittent fluid flow also induced fibrotic changes, which decreased with increasing pause duration. CONCLUSIONS Slow interstitial fluid flow is sufficient to induce fibrosis, could underlie the intractable nature of fibrosis following filtering glaucoma surgery and might be a target for antifibrotic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelius Jakob Wiedenmann
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany (E.B.); (R.L.); (J.L.); (G.S.)
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10
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Ross AKM, Schlunck G, Böhringer D, Maier P, Eberwein P, Reinhard T, Lang SJ. Characterization of the Immediate and Delayed Biomechanical Response to UV-A Crosslinking of Human Corneas. Cornea 2023; Publish Ahead of Print:00003226-990000000-00318. [PMID: 37335854 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000003336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Keratoconus leads to visual deterioration due to irregular astigmatism and corneal thinning. Riboflavin-based corneal UV-A crosslinking (CXL) induces novel intramolecular and intermolecular links resulting in corneal tissue stiffening, thereby halting disease progression. The purpose of this study was to analyze the immediate and delayed biomechanical responses of human donor corneas to CXL. METHODS CXL was performed according to the Dresden protocol to corneas not suitable for transplantation. Biomechanical properties were subsequently monitored by measuring the Young modulus using nanoindentation. The immediate tissue response was determined after 0, 1, 15, and 30 minutes of irradiation. Delayed biomechanical effects were investigated with follow-up measurements immediately and 1, 3, and 7 days after CXL. RESULTS Young's modulus indicated a linear trend in direct response to increasing irradiation times (mean values: total 61.31 kPa [SD 25.53], 0 minutes 48.82 kPa [SD 19.73], 1 minute 53.44 kPa [SD 25.95], 15 minutes 63.56 kPa [SD 20.99], and 30 minutes 76.76 kPa [SD 24.92]). The linear mixed model for the elastic response of corneal tissue was 49.82 kPa + (0.91 kPa/min × time [minutes]); P < 0.001. The follow-up measurements showed no significant delayed changes in the Young modulus (mean values: total 55,28 kPa [SD 15.95], immediately after CXL 56,83 kPa [SD 18.74], day 1 50.28 kPa [SD 14.15], day 3 57.08 kPa [SD 14.98], and day 7 56.83 kPa [SD 15.07]). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests a linear increase of corneal Young modulus as a function of CXL timing. No significant short-term delayed biomechanical changes posttreatment were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea K M Ross
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; and
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; and
| | - Daniel Böhringer
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; and
| | - Philip Maier
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; and
| | | | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; and
| | - Stefan Johann Lang
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; and
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11
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Lohmüller R, Böhringer D, Maier PC, Ross AK, Schlunck G, Reinhard T, Lang SJ. [Keratoconus: biomechanics ex vivo]. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 2023. [PMID: 37146635 DOI: 10.1055/a-2062-3633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Keratoconus is associated with an impairment in corneal biomechanics. Using nanoindentation, spatially resolved measurement of biomechanical properties can be performed on corneal tissue. The aim of this study is to assess the biomechanical properties of corneas with keratoconus in comparison to healthy controls. METHODS 17 corneas with keratoconus and 10 healthy corneas unsuitable for transplantation were included in the study. After explantation, corneas were kept in culture medium containing 15% dextran for at least 24 h. Nanoindentation was then performed to a depth of 25 µm at a force increase of 300 µN/min. RESULTS A total of 2328 individual indentations were performed for this study. In the keratoconus group; the mean modulus of elasticity was 23.2 kPa (± 15.0 kPa) for a total of 1802 indentations. In the control group, the mean modulus of elasticity was 48.7 kPa (± 20.5 kPa) with a total of 526 indentations. The Wilcoxon test showed that the differences were statistically significant. CONCLUSION Using nanoindentation, a significantly lower elastic modulus was found in corneas with keratoconus compared to corneas without keratoconus. Further studies are needed to gain a better understanding of how keratoconus affects corneal biomechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Lohmüller
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Deutschland
| | - Daniel Böhringer
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Deutschland
| | - Philip Christian Maier
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Deutschland
| | - Andrea Karin Ross
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Deutschland
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Deutschland
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Deutschland
| | - Stefan J Lang
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Deutschland
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12
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Polisetti N, Reinhard T, Schlunck G. Efficient Isolation and Expansion of Limbal Melanocytes for Tissue Engineering. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097827. [PMID: 37175529 PMCID: PMC10177947 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Limbal melanocytes (LMs) are found in the corneoscleral limbus basal epithelial layer and interact with neighboring limbal epithelial progenitor cells. The difficulty of isolating and cultivating LMs is due to the small fraction of LMs in the overall limbal population and the frequent contamination of primary cultures by other cell types. This has limited the research on freshly isolated LMs and the investigation of their biological significance in the maintenance of the limbal stem cell niche. Here, we describe an optimized protocol for the efficient isolation and expansion of LMs from cadaveric corneal limbal tissue using CD90 and CD117 as selective markers in fluorescence-activated cell sorting to obtain a pure population of LMs (CD90- CD117+) with self-renewal capacity and sustained melanin production. The isolation of pure LMs from a single preparation enables direct transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, as well as functional studies on freshly isolated LMs, which can be considered the proper counterparts of LMs in vivo and have potential applications in tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naresh Polisetti
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
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13
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Polisetti N, Martin G, Cristina Schmitz HR, Schlötzer-Schrehardt U, Schlunck G, Reinhard T. Characterization of Porcine Ocular Surface Epithelial Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087543. [PMID: 37108705 PMCID: PMC10145510 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The porcine ocular surface is used as a model of the human ocular surface; however, a detailed characterization of the porcine ocular surface has not been documented. This is due, in part, to the scarcity of antibodies produced specifically against the porcine ocular surface cell types or structures. We performed a histological and immunohistochemical investigation on frozen and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded ocular surface tissue from domestic pigs using a panel of 41 different antibodies related to epithelial progenitor/differentiation phenotypes, extracellular matrix and associated molecules, and various niche cell types. Our observations suggested that the Bowman's layer is not evident in the cornea; the deep invaginations of the limbal epithelium in the limbal zone are analogous to the limbal interpalisade crypts of human limbal tissue; and the presence of goblet cells in the bulbar conjunctiva. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that the epithelial progenitor markers cytokeratin (CK)15, CK14, p63α, and P-cadherin were expressed in both the limbal and conjunctival basal epithelium, whereas the basal cells of the limbal and conjunctival epithelium did not stain for CK3, CK12, E-cadherin, and CK13. Antibodies detecting marker proteins related to the extracellular matrix (collagen IV, Tenascin-C), cell-matrix adhesion (β-dystroglycan, integrin α3 and α6), mesenchymal cells (vimentin, CD90, CD44), neurons (neurofilament), immune cells (HLA-ABC; HLA-DR, CD1, CD4, CD14), vasculature (von Willebrand factor), and melanocytes (SRY-homeobox-10, human melanoma black-45, Tyrosinase) on the normal human ocular surface demonstrated similar immunoreactivity on the normal porcine ocular surface. Only a few antibodies (directed against N-cadherin, fibronectin, agrin, laminin α3 and α5, melan-A) appeared unreactive on porcine tissues. Our findings characterize the main immunohistochemical properties of the porcine ocular surface and provide a morphological and immunohistochemical basis useful to research using porcine models. Furthermore, the analyzed porcine ocular structures are similar to those of humans, confirming the potential usefulness of pig eyes to study ocular surface physiology and pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naresh Polisetti
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gottfried Martin
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Heidi R Cristina Schmitz
- CEMT-Freiburg, Experimental Surgery, Hospital-Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 66, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ursula Schlötzer-Schrehardt
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
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14
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Liang P, Wacker K, Schlunck G, Agostini H, Raffelhüschen B, Reinhard T, Bucher F. [The economic importance of individual health services (IGeL) in ophthalmology over time: survey results from 2010 and 2020]. Ophthalmologie 2023; 120:390-399. [PMID: 36331599 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-022-01743-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individual health services (IGeL) enable patients to receive medical services not covered by social health care; however, there is no central data collection on IGeL in Germany. OBJECTIVE This study illustrates the spectrum of IGeL provided in the field of ophthalmology as an example of the importance of IGeL in Germany based on survey results. MATERIAL AND METHODS Nationwide, 10% of ophthalmologists in private practice were randomly selected in this anonymous survey in 2010 and 2020 while in 2020 in addition to the randomized 10% of ophthalmologists the same ophthalmologists from 2010 were contacted. By means of a written questionnaire, ophthalmologists were asked about their practice structure, total revenue from IGeL as well as the frequency and price of specific IGeL. RESULTS Income from IGeL was estimated at an average of 21% of the regular service volume in 2010 and 23% in 2020. Glaucoma IGeL and medical report IGeL were offered by almost all ophthalmologists and glaucoma screening being performed most frequently with an average frequency of over 150 examinations/month. IGeL, such as HRT IGeL were offered by significantly fewer ophthalmologists in 2020 than in 2010, while IGeL based on other technological procedures such as glaucoma OCT were offered more frequently in 2020. CONCLUSION The volume of IGeL provided in established ophthalmological practices was stable between 2010 and 2020. The range of services offered in 2020 compared to 2010 reflects a dynamic change associated with the entry of new technologies into routine care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Liang
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - Katrin Wacker
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - Bernd Raffelhüschen
- Institut für Finanzwissenschaften I, Forschungszentrum Generationenverträge, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - Felicitas Bucher
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Deutschland.
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15
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Wolf J, Lapp T, Reinhard T, Agostini H, Schlunck G, Lange C. Web-based gene expression analysis-paving the way to decode healthy and diseased ocular tissue. Ophthalmologie 2023; 120:59-65. [PMID: 36098765 PMCID: PMC9469811 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-022-01721-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gene expression analysis using RNA sequencing has helped to improve the understanding of many diseases. Databases, such as the Gene Expression Omnibus database of the National Center for Biotechnology Information provide RNA sequencing raw data from various diseased tissue types but their analysis requires advanced bioinformatics skills. Therefore, specific ocular databases provide the transcriptional profiles of different ocular tissues and in addition enable intuitive web-based data analysis. OBJECTIVE The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview of ocular transcriptome databases and to compare them with the Human Eye Transcriptome Atlas newly established in Freiburg. METHODS PubMed literature search. RESULTS A total of nine ocular transcriptome databases focusing on different aspects were identified. The iSyTE and Express platforms specialize in gene expression during lens and retinal development in mice, whereas retina.tigem.it, Eye in a Disk, and Spectacle focus on selected ocular tissues such as the retina. Spectacle, UCSC Cell Browser and Single Cell Portal allow intuitive exploration of single cell RNA sequencing data derived from retinal, choroid, cornea, iris, trabecular meshwork and sclera specimens. The microarray profiles of a variety of healthy ocular tissues are included in the Ocular Tissue Database. The Human Eye Transcriptome Atlas provides the largest collection of different ocular tissue types, contains the highest number of ocular diseases and is characterized by a high level of quality achieved by methodological consistency. CONCLUSION Ocular transcriptome databases provide comprehensive and intuitive insights into the transcriptional profiles of a variety of healthy and diseased ocular tissues. Thus, they improve our understanding of the underlying molecular mediators, support hypothesis generation and help in the search for new diagnostic and therapeutic targets for various ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Thabo Lapp
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. .,Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, St. Franziskus Hospital Muenster, Münster, Germany.
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16
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Rapp J, Jung M, Klar RFU, Wolf J, Arnold J, Gorka O, Groß O, Lange C, Agostini H, Schlunck G, Bucher F. STAT3 signaling induced by the IL-6 family of cytokines modulates angiogenesis. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:286214. [PMID: 36458801 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant angiogenesis is a hallmark of cardiovascular and retinal neovascular disease. The STAT3 signaling pathway represents a potential pharmacological target for these diseases due to its impact on angiogenesis. Surprisingly, some STAT3 activators, such as the IL-6 cytokine family member oncostatin M (OSM), enhance angiogenesis, whereas others, such as ciliary neurotropic factor (CNTF), reduce it. This study aimed to clarify these conflicting effects. In contrast to the anti-angiogenic cytokine CNTF, the pro-angiogenic cytokine OSM was able to activate intracellular signaling pathways beyond the STAT3 pathway, including the ERK and AKT pathways. These differences translated into transcriptomic and metabolic shifts. siRNA-mediated STAT3 knockdown experiments showed a decrease in VEGF-induced endothelial migration and sprouting, enhancing the pro-angiogenic drive of OSM and switching the CNTF response from anti-angiogenic to pro-angiogenic. These effects correlated with a transcriptomic shift representing enhanced STAT1 and ERK activity following STAT3 knockdown, including a compensatory prolonged phosphorylated STAT1 activity. In conclusion, the angiogenic effect of STAT3 appears to be determined by cytokine-induced STAT3 specificity and simultaneous activity of other intracellular signaling pathways, whereas the STAT3 pathway, predominantly recognized for its pro-angiogenic phenotypes, reveals novel anti-angiogenic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Rapp
- Eye Center, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Malte Jung
- Eye Center, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rhena F U Klar
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jakob Arnold
- Eye Center, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Oliver Gorka
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Olaf Groß
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany.,Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModulBasics), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany.,Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, St. Franziskus Hospital Muenster, 48145 Muenster, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Felicitas Bucher
- Eye Center, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
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17
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Wolf J, Lange C, Reinhard T, Schlunck G. [Next-generation sequencing in ophthalmology]. Ophthalmologie 2022; 119:1317-1328. [PMID: 36418561 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-022-01765-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
New methods for basic research are finding their way into ophthalmology and expand the options for research, diagnostics and treatment. This article centers on the study of gene activity in cells and tissues by next-generation sequencing (NGS). Following a brief introduction to the basic principles of NGS, this article focuses on transcriptome analysis by RNA sequencing using examples from ophthalmology. The RNA sequencing provides a comprehensive and unbiased overview of gene activity in cells and tissues and thus forms an important foundation for generating new testable scientific hypotheses. It thus contributes to the in-depth characterization of pathological changes and supports the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Wolf
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Deutschland.,Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland.,Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Clemens Lange
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Deutschland.,Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland.,Ophtha-Lab, Augenzentrum am St. Franziskus-Hospital, Münster, Deutschland
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Deutschland.,Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Deutschland. .,Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland.
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18
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Wolf J, Kammrath Betancor P, Maier P, Heinzelmann SU, Jiang J, Lange C, Reinhard T, Schlunck G, Lapp T. Transcriptional Profiling Provides New Insights into Organ Culture-Induced Changes in Human Donor Corneas. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314507. [PMID: 36498835 PMCID: PMC9735924 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal transplantation is one of the most common forms of tissue transplantation worldwide. Donor corneal tissue used in transplantation is provided by eye banks, which store the tissue in culture medium after procurement. To date, the effects of cell culture on human corneal tissue have not been fully elucidated. Using the 3' RNA sequencing method for massive analysis of cDNA ends (MACE), we show that cultivation of corneal tissue leads to significant changes in a variety of molecular processes in human corneal tissue that go well beyond aspects of previously known culture effects. Functionally grouped network analysis revealed nine major groups of biological processes that were affected by corneal organ culture, among them keratinization, hypoxia, and angiogenesis, with genes from each group being affected by culture time. A cell type deconvolution analysis revealed significant modulations of the corneal immune cell profile in a time dependent manner. The results suggest that current culture conditions should be further refined and that prolonged cultivation may be detrimental. Recently, we showed that MACE enables transcriptional profiling of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) conjunctival tissue with high accuracy even after more than 10 years of storage. Here we demonstrate that MACE provides comparable results for native and FFPE corneal tissue, confirming that the technology is suitable for transcriptome analysis of a wide range of archived diseased corneal samples stored in histological archives. Finally, our data underscore the feasibility of bioinformatics cell-type enrichment analysis in bulk RNA-seq data to profile immune cell composition in fixed and archived corneal tissue samples, for which RNA-seq analysis of individual cells is often not possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Omics Laboratory, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
- Correspondence: (J.W.); (T.L.)
| | - Paola Kammrath Betancor
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Philip Maier
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Sonja Ute Heinzelmann
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Jana Jiang
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, St. Franziskus Hospital, 48145 Münster, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Thabo Lapp
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Correspondence: (J.W.); (T.L.)
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Polisetti N, Sharaf L, Reinhard T, Schlunck G. Isolation and ex vivo Expansion of Limbal Mesenchymal Stromal Cells. Bio Protoc 2022; 12:e4471. [PMID: 35978577 PMCID: PMC9350925 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Limbal mesenchymal stromal cells (LMSC), a cellular component of the limbal stem cell niche, have the capability of determining the fate of limbal epithelial progenitor cells (LEPC), which are responsible for the homeostasis of corneal epithelium. However, the isolation of these LMSC has proven to be difficult due to the small fraction of LMSC in the total limbal population, and primary cultures are always hampered by contamination with other cell types. We recently published the efficient isolation and functional characterization of LMSC from the human corneal limbus using CD90 as a selective marker. We observed that flow sorting yielded a pure population of LMSC with superior self-renewal capacity and transdifferentiation potential, and supported the maintenance of the LEPC phenotype. Here, we describe an optimized protocol for the isolation of LMSC from cadaveric corneal limbal tissue by combined collagenase digestion and flow sorting with expansion of LMSC on plastic. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naresh Polisetti
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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*For correspondence:
| | - Lyne Sharaf
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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20
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Betting F, Schlunck G, Agostini HT, Martin G. Methylglyoxal and high glucose inhibit VEGFR2 phosphorylation at specific tyrosine residues. Z NATURFORSCH C 2022; 77:493-500. [PMID: 35767310 DOI: 10.1515/znc-2022-0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes is characterized by hyperglycemia and a significant risk of vascular complications. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its main receptor VEGFR2 (KDR), which is highly expressed in vascular endothelial cells, are essential mediators of vascular maintenance and angiogenesis. During glycolysis after high calorie food intake, methylglyoxal (MGO) is formed and MGO blood levels are elevated in diabetes. MGO reacts with arginine residues to generate MG-H1 or with lysine residues to carboxyethyl lysine which are common components of advanced glycation end-products. Therefore, the question arises whether hyperglycemic conditions affect VEGF signaling via a ligand-independent direct modification of signaling components. As a first step, the effect of MGO on VEGFR2 activation was investigated in cultured endothelial cells from human umbilical vein by determination of VEGFR2 phosphorylation at selected tyrosine residues by ELISA and immunoblotting using phospho-specific antibodies. Phosphorylation of VEGFR2-Y996, VEGFR2-Y1054, or VEGFR2-Y1175 reached a maximum 5 min after stimulation of endothelial cells with VEGF. Phosphorylation was significantly inhibited by 100 µM MGO and to a lesser extent by high glucose treatment. 2,3-Pentanedione and glyoxal were investigated for comparison. In summary, VEGFR2 phosphorylation is sensitive to MGO or high glucose concentrations which may be relevant in the pathophysiology of microvascular disease in diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Betting
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen T Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gottfried Martin
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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21
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Scheid S, Goeller M, Baar W, Wollborn J, Buerkle H, Schlunck G, Lagrèze W, Goebel U, Ulbrich F. Inhalative as well as Intravenous Administration of H 2S Provides Neuroprotection after Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury in the Rats' Retina. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5519. [PMID: 35628328 PMCID: PMC9143628 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuronal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), such as it can occur in glaucoma or strokes, is associated with neuronal cell death and irreversible loss of function of the affected tissue. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is considered a potentially neuroprotective substance, but the most effective route of application and the underlying mechanism remain to be determined. METHODS Ischemia-reperfusion injury was induced in rats by a temporary increase in intraocular pressure (1 h). H2S was then applied by inhalation (80 ppm at 0, 1.5, and 3 h after reperfusion) or by intravenous administration of the slow-releasing H2S donor GYY 4137. After 24 h, the retinas were harvested for Western blotting, qPCR, and immunohistochemical staining. Retinal ganglion cell survival was evaluated 7 days after ischemia. RESULTS Both inhalative and intravenously delivered H2S reduced retinal ganglion cell death with a better result from inhalative application. H2S inhalation for 1.5 h, as well as GYY 4137 treatment, increased p38 phosphorylation. Both forms of application enhanced the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation, and inhalation showed a significant increase at all three time points. H2S treatment also reduced apoptotic and inflammatory markers, such as caspase-3, intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). The protective effect of H2S was partly abolished by the ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059. Inhalative H2S also reduced the heat shock response including heme oxygenase (HO-1) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP-70) and the expression of radical scavengers such as superoxide dismutases (SOD1, SOD2) and catalase. CONCLUSION Hydrogen sulfide acts, at least in part, via the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) ERK1/2 to reduce apoptosis and inflammation. Both inhalative H2S and intravenous GYY 4137 administrations can improve neuronal cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Scheid
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (S.S.); (M.G.); (W.B.); (J.W.); (H.B.)
| | - Max Goeller
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (S.S.); (M.G.); (W.B.); (J.W.); (H.B.)
| | - Wolfgang Baar
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (S.S.); (M.G.); (W.B.); (J.W.); (H.B.)
| | - Jakob Wollborn
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (S.S.); (M.G.); (W.B.); (J.W.); (H.B.)
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Woman’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Hartmut Buerkle
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (S.S.); (M.G.); (W.B.); (J.W.); (H.B.)
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye-Center, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (G.S.); (W.L.)
| | - Wolf Lagrèze
- Eye-Center, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (G.S.); (W.L.)
| | - Ulrich Goebel
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, St. Franziskus-Hospital, 48145 Muenster, Germany;
| | - Felix Ulbrich
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (S.S.); (M.G.); (W.B.); (J.W.); (H.B.)
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22
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Laich Y, Wolf J, Hajdu RI, Schlecht A, Bucher F, Pauleikhoff L, Busch M, Martin G, Faatz H, Killmer S, Bengsch B, Stahl A, Lommatzsch A, Schlunck G, Agostini H, Boneva S, Lange C. Single-Cell Protein and Transcriptional Characterization of Epiretinal Membranes From Patients With Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:17. [PMID: 35579905 PMCID: PMC9123517 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.5.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) remains an unresolved clinical challenge and can lead to frequent revision surgery and blindness vision loss. The aim of this study was to characterize the microenvironment of epiretinal PVR tissue, in order to shed more light on the complex pathophysiology and to unravel new treatment options. Methods A total of 44 tissue samples were analyzed in this study, including 19 epiretinal PVRs, 13 epiretinal membranes (ERMs) from patients with macular pucker, as well as 12 internal limiting membranes (ILMs). The cellular and molecular microenvironment was assessed by cell type deconvolution analysis (xCell), RNA sequencing data and single-cell imaging mass cytometry. Candidate drugs for PVR treatment were identified in silico via a transcriptome-based drug-repurposing approach. Results RNA sequencing of tissue samples demonstrated distinct transcriptional profiles of PVR, ERM, and ILM samples. Differential gene expression analysis revealed 3194 upregulated genes in PVR compared with ILM, including FN1 and SPARC, which contribute to biological processes, such as extracellular matrix (ECM) organization. The xCell and IMC analyses showed that PVR membranes were composed of macrophages, retinal pigment epithelium, and α-SMA-positive myofibroblasts, the latter predominantly characterized by the co-expression of immune cell signature markers. Finally, 13 drugs were identified as potential therapeutics for PVR, including aminocaproic acid and various topoisomerase-2A inhibitors. Conclusions Epiretinal PVR membranes exhibit a unique and complex transcriptional and cellular profile dominated by immune cells and myofibroblasts, as well as a variety of ECM components. Our findings provide new insights into the pathophysiology of PVR and suggest potential targeted therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannik Laich
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rozina Ida Hajdu
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anja Schlecht
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Julius Maximilian University Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Felicitas Bucher
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Laurenz Pauleikhoff
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Martin Busch
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Gottfried Martin
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Henrik Faatz
- Achim Wessing Institute for Imaging in Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology at St. Franziskus Hospital, Muenster, Germany
| | - Saskia Killmer
- Department of Medicine II (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, and Infectious Diseases), Freiburg University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bertram Bengsch
- Department of Medicine II (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, and Infectious Diseases), Freiburg University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Signaling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Stahl
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Albrecht Lommatzsch
- Achim Wessing Institute for Imaging in Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology at St. Franziskus Hospital, Muenster, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefaniya Boneva
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology at St. Franziskus Hospital, Muenster, Germany
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Wolf J, Boneva S, Rosmus DD, Agostini H, Schlunck G, Wieghofer P, Schlecht A, Lange C. In-Depth Molecular Profiling Specifies Human Retinal Microglia Identity. Front Immunol 2022; 13:863158. [PMID: 35371110 PMCID: PMC8971200 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.863158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia are the tissue-resident macrophages of the retina and brain, being critically involved in organ development, tissue homeostasis, and response to cellular damage. Until now, little is known about the molecular signature of human retinal microglia and how it differs from the one of brain microglia and peripheral monocytes. In addition, it is not yet clear to what extent murine retinal microglia resemble those of humans, which represents an important prerequisite for translational research. The present study applies fluorescence-activated cell sorting to isolate human retinal microglia from enucleated eyes and compares their transcriptional profile with the one of whole retinal tissue, human brain microglia as well as classical, intermediate and non-classical monocytes. Finally, human retinal microglia are compared to murine retinal microglia, isolated from Cx3cr1GFP/+ mice. Whereas human retinal microglia exhibited a high grade of similarity in comparison to their counterparts in the brain, several enriched genes were identified in retinal microglia when compared to whole retinal tissue, as well as classical, intermediate, and non-classical monocytes. In relation to whole retina sequencing, several risk genes associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) were preferentially expressed in retinal microglia, indicating their potential pathophysiological involvement. Although a high degree of similarity was observed between human and murine retinal microglia, several species-specific genes were identified, which should be kept in mind when employing mouse models to investigate retinal microglia biology. In summary, this study provides detailed insights into the molecular profile of human retinal microglia, identifies a plethora of tissue-specific and species-specific genes in comparison to human brain microglia and murine retinal microglia, and thus highlights the significance of retinal microglia in human retinal diseases and for translational research approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefaniya Boneva
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter Wieghofer
- Institute of Anatomy, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Theoretical Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Anja Schlecht
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Julius-Maximilians-University Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology at St. Franziskus Hospital, Muenster, Germany
- *Correspondence: Clemens Lange,
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24
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Wolf J, Boneva S, Rosmus DD, Agostini H, Schlunck G, Wieghofer P, Schlecht A, Lange C. Deciphering the Molecular Signature of Human Hyalocytes in Relation to Other Innate Immune Cell Populations. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:9. [PMID: 35266958 PMCID: PMC8934546 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.3.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Hyalocytes are the tissue-resident innate immune cell population of the vitreous body with important functions in health and vitreoretinal disease. The purpose of this study is to gain new insights into the biology and function of human hyalocytes in comparison to other innate immune cells. Methods The present study applies fluorescence-activated cell sorting and RNA sequencing to compare the transcriptional profiles of human hyalocytes, retinal microglia (rMG) and classical, intermediate, and non-classical monocytes isolated from the same patients. Immunohistochemistry was applied for morphological characterization of human hyalocytes. Results Pairwise analysis indicates distinct differences between hyalocytes and monocytes, whereas a high degree of similarity to rMG is apparent, with comparable expression levels of established microglia markers, such as TREM2, P2RY12, and TMEM119. Among the top expressed genes in hyalocytes, SPP1, CD74, and C3, were significantly upregulated when compared with monocytes. Despite the high level of similarity of hyalocytes and rMG, ten highly expressed genes in hyalocytes compared to microglia were identified, among them FOS, DUSP1, and EGR2. Conclusions This study reveals a high degree of similarity between hyalocytes and retinal microglia. Nevertheless, hyalocytes exhibit some expression differences that may adapt them to the specific needs of the vitreous and provide the basis for deciphering the multiple roles of this fascinating cell population in health and vitreoretinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
| | - Stefaniya Boneva
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
| | | | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
| | - Peter Wieghofer
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany.,Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Theoretical Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Anja Schlecht
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany.,Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Julius-Maximilians-University Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany.,Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, St. Franziskus Hospital, Muenster, Germany
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25
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Wolf J, Lapp T, Reinhard T, Agostini H, Schlunck G, Lange C. [Web-based gene expression analysis-paving the way to decode healthy and diseased ocular tissue]. Ophthalmologe 2022; 119:929-936. [PMID: 35194679 PMCID: PMC8863098 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-022-01592-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gene expression analysis using RNA sequencing has helped to improve the understanding of many diseases. Databases, such as the Gene Expression Omnibus database of the National Center for Biotechnology Information provide RNA sequencing raw data from various diseased tissue types but their analysis requires advanced bioinformatics skills. Therefore, specific ocular databases provide the transcriptional profiles of different ocular tissues and in addition enable intuitive web-based data analysis. OBJECTIVE The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview of ocular transcriptome databases and to compare them with the Human Eye Transcriptome Atlas newly established in Freiburg. METHODS PubMed literature search. RESULTS A total of nine ocular transcriptome databases focusing on different aspects were identified. The iSyTE and Express platforms specialize in gene expression during lens and retinal development in mice, whereas retina.tigem.it, Eye in a Disk, and Spectacle focus on selected ocular tissues such as the retina. Spectacle, UCSC Cell Browser and Single Cell Portal allow intuitive exploration of single cell RNA sequencing data derived from retinal, choroid, cornea, iris, trabecular meshwork and sclera specimens. The microarray profiles of a variety of healthy ocular tissues are included in the Ocular Tissue Database. The Human Eye Transcriptome Atlas provides the largest collection of different ocular tissue types, contains the highest number of ocular diseases and is characterized by a high level of quality achieved by methodological consistency. CONCLUSION Ocular transcriptome databases provide comprehensive and intuitive insights into the transcriptional profiles of a variety of healthy and diseased ocular tissues. Thus, they improve our understanding of the underlying molecular mediators, support hypothesis generation and help in the search for new diagnostic and therapeutic targets for various ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Wolf
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland.
| | - Thabo Lapp
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - Clemens Lange
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland. .,Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, St. Franziskus Hospital, Muenster, Muenster, Deutschland.
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26
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Wolf J, Boneva S, Schlecht A, Lapp T, Auw-Haedrich C, Lagrèze W, Agostini H, Reinhard T, Schlunck G, Lange C. The Human Eye Transcriptome Atlas: A searchable comparative transcriptome database for healthy and diseased human eye tissue. Genomics 2022; 114:110286. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2022.110286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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27
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Wolf J, Hajdu RI, Boneva S, Schlecht A, Lapp T, Wacker K, Agostini H, Reinhard T, Auw-Hädrich C, Schlunck G, Lange C. Characterization of the Cellular Microenvironment and Novel Specific Biomarkers in Pterygia Using RNA Sequencing. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 8:714458. [PMID: 35174178 PMCID: PMC8841401 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.714458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
With a worldwide prevalence of ~12%, pterygium is a common degenerative and environmentally triggered ocular surface disorder characterized by wing-shaped growth of conjunctival tissue onto the cornea that can lead to blindness if left untreated. This study characterizes the transcriptional profile and the cellular microenvironment of conjunctival pterygia and identifies novel pterygia-specific biomarkers. Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded pterygia as well as healthy conjunctival specimens were analyzed using MACE RNA sequencing (n = 8 each) and immunohistochemistry (pterygia n = 7, control n = 3). According to the bioinformatic cell type enrichment analysis using xCell, the cellular microenvironment of pterygia was characterized by an enrichment of myofibroblasts, T-lymphocytes and various antigen-presenting cells, including dendritic cells and macrophages. Differentially expressed genes that were increased in pterygia compared to control tissue were mainly involved in autophagy (including DCN, TMBIM6), cellular response to stress (including TPT1, DDX5) as well as fibroblast proliferation and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (including CTNNB1, TGFBR1, and FN1). Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed a significantly increased FN1 stromal immunoreactivity in pterygia when compared to control tissue. In addition, a variety of factors involved in apoptosis were significantly downregulated in pterygia, including LCN2, CTSD, and NISCH. Furthermore, 450 pterygia-specific biomarkers were identified by including transcriptional data of different ocular surface pathologies serving as controls (training group), which were then validated using transcriptional data of cultured human pterygium cells. Among the most pterygia-specific factors were transcripts such as AHNAK, RTN4, TPT1, FSTL1, and SPARC. Immunohistochemical validation of SPARC revealed a significantly increased stromal immunoreactivity in pterygia when compared to controls, most notably in vessels and intravascular vessel wall-adherent mononuclear cells. Taken together, the present study provides new insights into the cellular microenvironment and the transcriptional profile of pterygia, identifies new and specific biomarkers and in addition to fibrosis-related genes, uncovers autophagy, stress response and apoptosis modulation as pterygium-associated processes. These findings expand our understanding of the pathophysiology of pterygia, provide new diagnostic tools, and may enable new targeted therapeutic options for this common and sight-threatening ocular surface disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Rozina Ida Hajdu
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Stefaniya Boneva
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Anja Schlecht
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Wuerzburg University, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Thabo Lapp
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Katrin Wacker
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Claudia Auw-Hädrich
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, St. Franziskus Hospital, Münster, Germany
- *Correspondence: Clemens Lange
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Wolf J, Schlecht A, Rosmus DD, Boneva S, Agostini H, Schlunck G, Wieghofer P, Lange C. Comparative transcriptome analysis of human and murine choroidal neovascularization identifies fibroblast growth factor inducible-14 as phylogenetically conserved mediator of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166340. [PMID: 35032596 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visual outcome of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration has significantly improved during the last years following the introduction of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. However, about one third of patients show persistent exudation and decreasing visual acuity despite recurrent anti-VEGF treatment, which implies a role of other, still unknown proangiogenic mediators. METHODS The present study applied transcriptional profiling of human and mouse (C57BL/6J wildtype) choroidal neovascularization (CNV) membranes each with reference to healthy control tissue to identify yet unrecognized mediators of CNV formation. Key factors were further investigated by immunohistochemistry as well as by intravitreal inhibition experiments and multiplex protein assays in the laser-induced CNV mouse model. FINDINGS Transcriptional profiles of CNV membranes were characterized by enhanced activation of blood vessel development, cytoskeletal organization, and cytokine production, with angiogenesis and wound healing processes predominating in humans and activation of immune processes in mice. Besides several species-specific factors, 95 phylogenetically conserved CNV-associated genes were detected, among which fibroblast growth factor inducible-14 (FN14), a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family, was identified as a key player of CNV formation. Blocking the pathway by intravitreal injection of a FN14 decoy receptor modulated the cytokine profile - most notably IL-6 - and led to a significant reduction of CNV size in vivo. INTERPRETATION This study characterizes the transcriptome of human and mouse CNV membranes in an unprejudiced manner and identifies FN14 as a phylogenetically conserved mediator of CNV formation and a promising new therapeutic target for neovascular AMD. FUNDING This study was funded by the Helmut Ecker Foundation and the Volker Homann Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anja Schlecht
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany; Institute of Anatomy, Wuerzburg University, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | | | - Stefaniya Boneva
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter Wieghofer
- Institute of Anatomy, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany; Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Theoretical Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany; Ophtha-Lab, Department of Ophthalmology, St. Franziskus Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany.
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Boneva SK, Wolf J, Hajdú RI, Prinz G, Salié H, Schlecht A, Killmer S, Laich Y, Faatz H, Lommatzsch A, Busch M, Bucher F, Stahl A, Böhringer D, Bengsch B, Schlunck G, Agostini H, Lange CAK. In-Depth Molecular Characterization of Neovascular Membranes Suggests a Role for Hyalocyte-to-Myofibroblast Transdifferentiation in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:757607. [PMID: 34795670 PMCID: PMC8593213 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.757607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Retinal neovascularization (RNV) membranes can lead to a tractional retinal detachment, the primary reason for severe vision loss in end-stage disease proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). The aim of this study was to characterize the molecular, cellular and immunological features of RNV in order to unravel potential novel drug treatments for PDR. Methods A total of 43 patients undergoing vitrectomy for PDR, macular pucker or macular hole (control patients) were included in this study. The surgically removed RNV and epiretinal membranes were analyzed by RNA sequencing, single-cell based Imaging Mass Cytometry and conventional immunohistochemistry. Immune cells of the vitreous body, also known as hyalocytes, were isolated from patients with PDR by flow cytometry, cultivated and characterized by immunohistochemistry. A bioinformatical drug repurposing approach was applied in order to identify novel potential drug options for end-stage diabetic retinopathy disease. Results The in-depth transcriptional and single-cell protein analysis of diabetic RNV tissue samples revealed an accumulation of endothelial cells, macrophages and myofibroblasts as well as an abundance of secreted ECM proteins such as SPARC, FN1 and several types of collagen in RNV tissue. The immunohistochemical staining of cultivated vitreal hyalocytes from patients with PDR showed that hyalocytes express α-SMA (alpha-smooth muscle actin), a classic myofibroblast marker. According to our drug repurposing analysis, imatinib emerged as a potential immunomodulatory drug option for future treatment of PDR. Conclusion This study delivers the first in-depth transcriptional and single-cell proteomic characterization of RNV tissue samples. Our data suggest an important role of hyalocyte-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation in the pathogenesis of diabetic vitreoretinal disease and their modulation as a novel possible clinical approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rozina Ida Hajdú
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gabriele Prinz
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Henrike Salié
- Department of Medicine II, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology and Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anja Schlecht
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Saskia Killmer
- Department of Medicine II, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology and Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Yannik Laich
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Martin Busch
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Felicitas Bucher
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Stahl
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Daniel Böhringer
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bertram Bengsch
- Department of Medicine II, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology and Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Clemens A K Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Martin G, Wolf J, Lapp T, Agostini HT, Schlunck G, Auw-Hädrich C, Lange CAK. Viral S protein histochemistry reveals few potential SARS-CoV-2 entry sites in human ocular tissues. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19140. [PMID: 34580409 PMCID: PMC8476534 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98709-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the reported low expression of the primary SARS-CoV-2 receptor ACE2 in distinct ocular tissues, some clinical evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 can infect the eye. In this study, we explored potential entry sites for SARS-CoV-2 by viral S protein histochemistry on various ocular tissues and compared the staining patterns with RNA and protein expression of TMPRSS2 and ACE2. Potential viral entry sites were investigated by histochemistry using tagged recombinant viral S protein on 52 ocular tissue samples including specimens of the cornea, conjunctiva, lid margin, lacrimal gland tissue, retina, choroid, and RPE. In addition, ACE2 and TMPRSS2 immunohistochemistry were performed on the same ocular tissue, each with distinct antibodies binding to different epitopes. Lung tissue samples were used as positive controls. Finally, bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was used to determine the expression of ACE2 and its auxiliary factors in the tissues mentioned above. S protein histochemistry revealed a positive staining in lung tissue but absent staining in the cornea, the conjunctiva, eye lid samples, the lacrimal glands, the retina and the optic nerve which was supported by hardly any immunoreactivity for ACE2 and TMPRSS2 and scarce ACE2 and TMPRSS2 RNA expression. Negligible staining with antibodies targeting ACE2 or TMPRSS2 was seen in the main and accessory lacrimal glands. In contrast, ocular staining (S protein, ACE2, TMPRSS2) was distinctly present in pigmented cells of the RPE and choroid, as well as in the ciliary body and the iris stroma. S protein histochemistry revealed hardly any SARS-CoV-2 entry sites in all ocular tissues examined. Similarly, no significant ACE2 or TMPRSS2 expression was found in extra- and intraocular tissue. While this study suggest a rather low risk of ocular infection with SARS-CoV-2, it should be noted, that potential viral entry sites may increase in response to inflammation or in certain disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gottfried Martin
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thabo Lapp
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen T Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Auw-Hädrich
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Clemens A K Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
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31
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Schlecht A, Boneva S, Salie H, Killmer S, Wolf J, Hajdu RI, Auw-Haedrich C, Agostini H, Reinhard T, Schlunck G, Bengsch B, Lange CA. Imaging mass cytometry for high-dimensional tissue profiling in the eye. BMC Ophthalmol 2021; 21:338. [PMID: 34544377 PMCID: PMC8454101 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-021-02099-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Imaging mass cytometry (IMC) combines the principles of flow cytometry and mass spectrometry (MS) with laser scanning spatial resolution and offers unique advantages for the analysis of tissue samples in unprecedented detail. In contrast to conventional immunohistochemistry, which is limited in its application by the number of possible fluorochrome combinations, IMC uses isoptope-coupled antibodies that allow multiplex analysis of up to 40 markers in the same tissue section simultaneously. Methods In this report we use IMC to analyze formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded conjunctival tissue. We performed a 18-biomarkers IMC analysis of conjunctival tissue to determine and summarize the possibilities, relevance and limitations of IMC for deciphering the biology and pathology of ocular diseases. Results Without modifying the manufacturer’s protocol, we observed positive and plausible staining for 12 of 18 biomarkers. Subsequent bioinformatical single-cell analysis and phenograph clustering identified 24 different cellular clusters with distinct expression profiles with respect to the markers used. Conclusions IMC enables highly multiplexed imaging of ocular samples at subcellular resolution. IMC is an innovative and feasible method, providing new insights into ocular disease pathogenesis that will be valuable for basic research, drug discovery and clinical diagnostics. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12886-021-02099-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Schlecht
- Faculty of Medicine, Eye Center, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.,Institute of Anatomy, Wuerzburg University, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Stefaniya Boneva
- Faculty of Medicine, Eye Center, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Henrike Salie
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medicine II, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology and Infectious Disease, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Saskia Killmer
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medicine II, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology and Infectious Disease, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julian Wolf
- Faculty of Medicine, Eye Center, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rozina Ida Hajdu
- Faculty of Medicine, Eye Center, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Claudia Auw-Haedrich
- Faculty of Medicine, Eye Center, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Faculty of Medicine, Eye Center, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Faculty of Medicine, Eye Center, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Faculty of Medicine, Eye Center, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bertram Bengsch
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medicine II, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology and Infectious Disease, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Clemens Ak Lange
- Faculty of Medicine, Eye Center, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
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Zhang P, Schlecht A, Wolf J, Boneva S, Laich Y, Koch J, Ludwig F, Boeck M, Thien A, Härdtner C, Kierdorf K, Agostini H, Schlunck G, Prinz M, Hilgendorf I, Wieghofer P, Lange C. The role of interferon regulatory factor 8 for retinal tissue homeostasis and development of choroidal neovascularisation. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:215. [PMID: 34544421 PMCID: PMC8454118 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02230-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microglia cells represent the resident innate immune cells of the retina and are important for retinal development and tissue homeostasis. However, dysfunctional microglia can have a negative impact on the structural and functional integrity of the retina under native and pathological conditions. METHODS In this study, we examined interferon-regulatory factor 8 (Irf8)-deficient mice to determine the transcriptional profile, morphology, and temporospatial distribution of microglia lacking Irf8 and to explore the effects on retinal development, tissue homeostasis, and formation of choroidal neovascularisation (CNV). RESULTS Our study shows that Irf8-deficient MG exhibit a considerable loss of microglial signature genes accompanied by a severely altered MG morphology. An in-depth characterisation by fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography and electroretinography revealed no major retinal abnormalities during steady state. However, in the laser-induced CNV model, Irf8-deficient microglia showed an increased activity of biological processes critical for inflammation and cell adhesion and a reduced MG cell density near the lesions, which was associated with significantly increased CNV lesion size. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that loss of Irf8 in microglia has negligible effects on retinal homeostasis in the steady state. However, under pathological conditions, Irf8 is crucial for the transformation of resident microglia into a reactive phenotype and thus for the suppression of retinal inflammation and CNV formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Zhang
- Medical Faculty, Eye Center, University Hospital, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Anja Schlecht
- Medical Faculty, Eye Center, University Hospital, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.,Institute of Anatomy, Wuerzburg University, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Julian Wolf
- Medical Faculty, Eye Center, University Hospital, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Stefaniya Boneva
- Medical Faculty, Eye Center, University Hospital, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Yannik Laich
- Medical Faculty, Eye Center, University Hospital, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Jana Koch
- Medical Faculty, Eye Center, University Hospital, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Franziska Ludwig
- Medical Faculty, Eye Center, University Hospital, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Myriam Boeck
- Medical Faculty, Eye Center, University Hospital, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Adrian Thien
- Medical Faculty, Eye Center, University Hospital, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Carmen Härdtner
- Cardiology and Angiology, University Heart Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.,Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg Bad Krozingen, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katrin Kierdorf
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.,CIBSS-Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Medical Faculty, Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModulBasics), University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Medical Faculty, Eye Center, University Hospital, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Medical Faculty, Eye Center, University Hospital, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Marco Prinz
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.,Medical Faculty, Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModulBasics), University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.,Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Ingo Hilgendorf
- Cardiology and Angiology, University Heart Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.,Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg Bad Krozingen, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter Wieghofer
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. .,Institute of Anatomy, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Clemens Lange
- Medical Faculty, Eye Center, University Hospital, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
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Zhuang X, Schlunck G, Wolf J, Rosmus DD, Bleul T, Luo R, Böhringer D, Wieghofer P, Lange C, Reinhard T, Lapp T. Time- and Stimulus-Dependent Characteristics of Innate Immune Cells in Organ-Cultured Human Corneal Tissue. J Innate Immun 2021; 14:98-111. [PMID: 34182556 DOI: 10.1159/000516669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The pattern of immune cells infiltrating the corneal stroma has been extensively studied in mice, but data on human tissue have been far less elaborate. To further characterize the number and differentiation state of resident immune cells in organ-cultured human corneal tissue, we employed a comprehensive bioinformatic deconvolution (xCell) of bulk RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and flow cytometry (FC). METHODS A transcriptome-based analysis of immune cell types in human corneal samples was performed. The results were validated by IHC, focusing on the identification of pro-inflammatory (M1) and regulatory (M2) macrophages. A protocol was established to identify these 2 different macrophage populations in human corneal tissue by means of FC. Subsequently, corneal samples in organ culture were differentially stimulated by IL-10, IL-4 & IL-13, or LPS and macrophage populations were evaluated regarding their response to these stimuli. Furthermore, cell survival was analyzed in correlation with time in organ culture. RESULTS xCell-based mathematical deconvolution of bulk RNA-seq data revealed the presence of CD8 T cells, Th17 cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages as the predominant immune cell types in organ-cultured human corneal tissue. Furthermore, RNA-seq allowed the detection of different macrophage marker genes in corneal samples, including PTPRC (CD45), ITGAM (CD11b), CD14, and CD74. Our RNA-seq data showed no evidence of a relevant presence of monocytes in human corneal tissue. The presence of different macrophage subtypes was confirmed by IHC. The disintegration and subsequent FC analysis of human corneal samples showed the presence of both M1 (HLA-DR+, CD282+, CD86+, and CD284+) and M2 (CD163+ and CD206+) macrophage subtypes. Furthermore, we found that the total number of macrophages in corneal samples decreased more than the total cell count with increasing tissue culture time. Treatment with IL-10 led to higher total cell counts per cornea and to an increased expression of the M2 marker CD163 (p < 0.05) while expression levels of various M1 macrophage markers were not significantly reduced by interleukin treatment. CONCLUSIONS Regarding different macrophage populations, untreated human corneas showed more M1 than M2 macrophages. With increasing organ culture time, these macrophages decreased. In terms of cell dynamics, adding interleukins to the organ culture medium influenced the phenotype of macrophages within the cornea as detected by FC. Modifying the immunomodulatory properties of human grafts appears a promising approach to further reduce the risk of graft rejection in patients. In this context, treatment with interleukins was more effective in upregulating M2 macrophages than in suppressing M1 macrophages in corneal tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Zhuang
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | | | - Tim Bleul
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Ren Luo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Böhringer
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | | | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Thabo Lapp
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
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Polisetti N, Schmid A, Schlötzer-Schrehardt U, Maier P, Lang SJ, Steinberg T, Schlunck G, Reinhard T. A decellularized human corneal scaffold for anterior corneal surface reconstruction. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2992. [PMID: 33542377 PMCID: PMC7862698 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82678-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Allogenic transplants of the cornea are prone to rejection, especially in repetitive transplantation and in scarred or highly vascularized recipient sites. Patients with these ailments would particularly benefit from the possibility to use non-immunogenic decellularized tissue scaffolds for transplantation, which may be repopulated by host cells in situ or in vitro. So, the aim of this study was to develop a fast and efficient decellularization method for creating a human corneal extracellular matrix scaffold suitable for repopulation with human cells from the corneal limbus. To decellularize human donor corneas, sodium deoxycholate, deoxyribonuclease I, and dextran were assessed to remove cells and nuclei and to control tissue swelling, respectively. We evaluated the decellularization effects on the ultrastructure, optical, mechanical, and biological properties of the human cornea. Scaffold recellularization was studied using primary human limbal epithelial cells, stromal cells, and melanocytes in vitro and a lamellar transplantation approach ex vivo. Our data strongly suggest that this approach allowed the effective removal of cellular and nuclear material in a very short period of time while preserving extracellular matrix proteins, glycosaminoglycans, tissue structure, and optical transmission properties. In vitro recellularization demonstrated good biocompatibility of the decellularized human cornea and ex vivo transplantation revealed complete epithelialization and stromal repopulation from the host tissue. Thus, the generated decellularized human corneal scaffold could be a promising biological material for anterior corneal reconstruction in the treatment of corneal defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naresh Polisetti
- Eye Center, Medical Center - Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Anke Schmid
- Eye Center, Medical Center - Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ursula Schlötzer-Schrehardt
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Philip Maier
- Eye Center, Medical Center - Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefan J Lang
- Eye Center, Medical Center - Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Steinberg
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, Division of Oral Biotechnology, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Strasse 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center - Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Medical Center - Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
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Schlecht A, Zhang P, Wolf J, Thien A, Rosmus DD, Boneva S, Schlunck G, Lange C, Wieghofer P. Secreted Phosphoprotein 1 Expression in Retinal Mononuclear Phagocytes Links Murine to Human Choroidal Neovascularization. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:618598. [PMID: 33585455 PMCID: PMC7876283 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.618598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) represents the most common cause of blindness in the elderly in the Western world. An impairment of the outer blood-retina barrier and a localized inflammatory microenvironment cause sprouting of choroidal neovascular membranes (CNV) in neovascular AMD that are in intimate contact with surrounding myeloid cells, such as retinal microglia, and ultimately lead to visual impairment. The discovery of novel target molecules to interfere with angiogenesis and inflammation is vital for future treatment approaches in AMD patients. To explore the transcriptional profile and the function of retinal microglia at sites of CNV, we performed a comprehensive RNA-seq analysis of retinal microglia in the mouse model of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (mCNV). Here, we identified the angiogenic factor Osteopontin (Opn), also known as "secreted phosphoprotein 1" (Spp1), as one of the most highly expressed genes in retinal microglia in the course of CNV formation. We confirmed the presence of SPP1 at the lesion site in recruited retinal microglia in Cx3cr1 CreER:Rosa26-tdTomato reporter mice by confocal microscopy and in whole retinal tissue lysates by ELISA highlighting a massive local production of SPP1. Inhibition of SPP1 by intravitreal injection of an anti-SPP1 antibody significantly increased the lesion size compared to IgG-treated control eyes. In line with our results in rodents, we found an increased SPP1 mRNA expression in surgically extracted human choroidal neovascular (hCNV) membranes by the quantitative RNA-seq approach of massive analysis of cDNA ends (MACE). Numerous IBA1+SPP1+ myeloid cells were detected in human CNV membranes. Taken together, these results highlight the importance of SPP1 in the formation of CNV and potentially offer new opportunities for therapeutic intervention by modulating the SPP1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Schlecht
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peipei Zhang
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Adrian Thien
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Stefaniya Boneva
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Lange C, Wolf J, Auw-Haedrich C, Schlecht A, Boneva S, Lapp T, Agostini H, Martin G, Reinhard T, Schlunck G. What is the significance of the conjunctiva as a potential transmission route for SARS-CoV-2 infections? Ophthalmologe 2021; 118:85-88. [PMID: 33141332 PMCID: PMC7607541 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-020-01255-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have described conjunctivitis in approximately 1% of COVID-19 patients and speculated that SARS-CoV‑2 can be transmitted via the conjunctiva. In this article we recapitulate the molecular mechanisms of host cell entry of SARS-CoV‑2 and discuss the current evidence for a potential conjunctival transmission of SARS-CoV‑2. The current body of evidence indicates that SARS-CoV‑2 requires the membrane-bound angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and the membrane-bound serine protease TMPRSS2 to enter cells. Recent studies suggest that COVID-19 patients rarely exhibit viral RNA in tear film and conjunctival smears and that, ACE2 and TMPRSS2 are only expressed in small amounts in the conjunctiva, making conjunctival infection with SARS-CoV‑2 via these mediators unlikely. Nevertheless, we consider the current evidence to be still too limited to provide a conclusive statement and recommend appropriate protective measures for healthcare personnel who are in close contact with suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Lange
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
- Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, 79110, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Julian Wolf
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Auw-Haedrich
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anja Schlecht
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefaniya Boneva
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thabo Lapp
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gottfried Martin
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
- Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, 79110, Freiburg, Germany.
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Bucher F, Aguilar E, Marra KV, Rapp J, Arnold J, Diaz-Aguilar S, Lange C, Agostini H, Schlunck G, Stahl A, Friedlander M. CNTF Prevents Development of Outer Retinal Neovascularization Through Upregulation of CxCl10. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 61:20. [PMID: 32780864 PMCID: PMC7441336 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.10.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is a well-characterized neurotrophic factor currently in clinical trials for the treatment of macular telangiectasia type II. Our previous work showed that CNTF-induced STAT3 signaling is a potent inhibitor of pathologic preretinal neovascular tuft formation in the mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy. In this study, we investigated the effect of CNTF on outer retinal and choroidal angiogenesis and the mechanisms that underpin the observed decrease in outer retinal neovascularization following CNTF treatment. Methods In the Vldlr–/– and laser-CNV mouse models, mice received a one-time injection (on postnatal day [P] 12 in the Vldlr–/– model and 1 day after laser in the Choroidal Neovascularization (CNV) model) of recombinant CNTF or CxCl10, and the extent of neovascular lesions was assessed 6 days posttreatment. STAT3 downstream targets affected by CNTF treatment were identified using quantitative PCR analysis. A proteome array was used to compare media conditioned by CNTF-treated and control-treated primary Müller cells to screen for CNTF-induced changes in secreted angiogenic factors. Results Intravitreal treatment with recombinant CNTF led to significant reduction in neovascularization in the Vldlr–/– and laser-CNV mouse models. Treatment effect in the Vldlr–/– was long-lasting but time sensitive, requiring intravitreal treatment before P19. Mechanistic workup in vitro as well as in vivo confirmed significant activation of the STAT3-signaling pathway in Müller cells in response to CNTF treatment and upregulation of CxCl10. Intravitreal injections of recombinant CxCl10 significantly reduced outer retinal neovascularization in vivo in both the Vldlr–/– and laser-CNV mouse models. Conclusions CNTF treatment indirectly affects outer retinal and choroidal neovascularization by inducing CxCl10 secretion from retinal Müller cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicitas Bucher
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States.,Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Edith Aguilar
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Kyle V Marra
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, United States
| | - Julian Rapp
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jakob Arnold
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sophia Diaz-Aguilar
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States.,Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Stahl
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Martin Friedlander
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States.,The Lowy Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States
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Wolf J, Zhuang X, Hildebrand A, Boneva S, Schwämmle M, Kammrath Betancor P, Fan J, Böhringer D, Maier P, Lange C, Reinhard T, Schlunck G, Lapp T. Corneal tissue induces transcription of metallothioneins in monocyte-derived human macrophages. Mol Immunol 2020; 128:188-194. [PMID: 33137607 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2020.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Immune reactions following corneal transplantation are the most common cause of transplant failure. However, the underlying mechanisms of corneal graft rejection are not yet fully understood but increasing evidence points to a crucial role of the innate immune system in this context. Using a human in vitro model, we aimed to assess the response of human macrophages to stimulation with human corneal tissue and whether corneal endothelial cells (CEC) have immune-modulating properties. METHODS Human monocytes were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and differentiated into monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM). A standardized protocol was used for disaggregation of human corneas into fragments of defined sizes. MDMs were stimulated using processed corneal material with or without CEC. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or interferon-gamma (IFNγ) served as controls. RNA sequencing was applied to analyze the impact of differential stimulation of MDMs on their transcriptional profile. RNA sequencing results were validated using digital PCR. RESULTS The transcriptional profile of MDMs was significantly modulated by the type of stimulus used for MDM activation as well as by the individual MDM donor. LPS- or IFNγ-stimulation resulted in distinct transcriptional alterations compared to unstimulated MDMs including an upregulation of various cytokines such as CCL3, 4, 5, 19 or CXCL9. Corneal tissue induced the differential expression of 45 genes when compared to unstimulated MDMs, with several metallothioneins (MTs) among the upregulated factors (MT1A, MT1E, MT1F, MT1G, MT1H, MT1L, MT1M, MT1X, MT2A). This effect was independent of the presence or absence of CEC. PCR validation confirmed induction of 3 different metallothioneins (MT1G, MT1H and MT2A) in MDMs stimulated by corneal tissue. CONCLUSIONS The MDM in vitro model proved to be a robust tool to study the effects of LPS, IFNγ and corneal tissue homogenates on the transcriptional activity of MDM. Human macrophages showed a distinct upregulation of various MTs when challenged with human corneal allogen with or without corneal endothelium, which might have an immune-modulatory effect. As a general observation, it appears that in MDM-based studies a significant donor-dependent effect on the transcriptional profile of MDMs needs to be considered and adjusted before downstream analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Xinyu Zhuang
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Antonia Hildebrand
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefaniya Boneva
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Schwämmle
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Jiaqi Fan
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Cyberknife Center, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Daniel Böhringer
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Philip Maier
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thabo Lapp
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany.
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Martin G, Wefelmeyer KL, Bucher F, Schlunck G, Agostini HT. Arteriovenous crossing in retinal vessels of mice, rats, and pigs. Mol Vis 2020; 26:731-741. [PMID: 33273800 PMCID: PMC7700911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retinal vein occlusions (RVOs) are a common disease, but there are no animal models for spontaneous RVO formation. The critical sites of predilection, especially for branch RVO (BRVO), are the arteriovenous crossing sites in the inner retina. To gain more insight into possible animal models, the anatomic structure of retinal arteriovenous crossings was investigated in mice, rats, and pigs and compared to the human situation. Methods Retinal flat mounts and paraffin sections of eyes from mice, rats, pigs, and humans were stained with GS lectin, Masson's trichrome, or immunohistochemistry for ACTA2 and GFAP. Serial sections of arteriovenous crossing sites were investigated. Results Mice usually do not show retinal arteriovenous crossings. Rats have a mean of 2.8±1.4 crossings per eye at a mean distance from the optic nerve head of 2.79±0.53 mm, though the diameters of the crossing vessels are small. The situation in pigs is similar to that in humans, with many arteriovenous crossings of vessels and with similar diameters as found in humans. A mean of 28.4±3.5 crossings per retina was found, and 23% of these were arterial overcrossings. Serial paraffin sections showed that the tunica media of the artery touched that of the vein, but they did not fuse. Conclusions While the retinal arteriovenous crossings of mice and rats are absent or comprised of rather thin vessels, those in the porcine retina are similar to adult humans. Therefore, the porcine retinal vascular bed may serve as a model to assess early steps in the formation of RVOs.
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Boneva SK, Wolf J, Rosmus DD, Schlecht A, Prinz G, Laich Y, Boeck M, Zhang P, Hilgendorf I, Stahl A, Reinhard T, Bainbridge J, Schlunck G, Agostini H, Wieghofer P, Lange CAK. Transcriptional Profiling Uncovers Human Hyalocytes as a Unique Innate Immune Cell Population. Front Immunol 2020; 11:567274. [PMID: 33042148 PMCID: PMC7517040 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.567274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To decipher the transcriptional signature of macrophages of the human vitreous, also known as hyalocytes, and compare it to the profiles of other myeloid cell populations including human blood-derived monocytes, macrophages, and brain microglia. Methods This study involves a total of 13 patients of advanced age with disorders of the vitreoretinal interface undergoing vitrectomy at the University Eye Hospital Freiburg between 2018 and 2019. Vitreal hyalocytes were analyzed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and isolated as CD45+CD11b+CX3CR1+Mat-Mac+ cells using a FACS-based sorting protocol. RNA extraction, library preparation and RNA sequencing were performed and the sequencing data was analyzed using the Galaxy web platform. The transcriptome of human hyalocytes was compared to the transcriptional profile of human blood-derived monocytes, macrophages and brain microglia obtained from public databases. Protein validation for selected factors was performed by immunohistochemistry on paraffin sections from three human donor eyes. Results On average, 383 ± 233 hyalocytes were isolated per patient, resulting in 128 pg/μl ± 76 pg/μl total RNA per sample. RNA sequencing revealed that SPP1, FTL, CD74, and HLA-DRA are among the most abundantly expressed genes in hyalocytes, which was confirmed by immunofluorescence for CD74, FTL, and HLA-DRA. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis showed that biological processes such as “humoral immune response,” “leukocyte migration,” and “antigen processing and presentation of peptide antigen” (adjusted p < 0.001) are dominating in vitreal hyalocytes. While the comparison of the gene expression profiles of hyalocytes and other myeloid cell populations showed an overall strong similarity (R2 > 0.637, p < 0.001), hyalocytes demonstrated significant differences with respect to common leukocyte-associated factors. In particular, transcripts involved in the immune privilege of the eye, such as POMC, CD46, and CD86, were significantly increased in hyalocytes compared to other myeloid cell subsets. Conclusion Human hyalocytes represent a unique and distinct innate immune cell population specialized and adapted for the tissue-specific needs in the human vitreous. Vitreal hyalocytes are characterized by a strong expression of genes related to antigen processing and presentation as well as immune modulation. Thus, hyalocytes may represent an underestimated mediator in vitreoretinal disease and for the immune privilege of the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Anja Schlecht
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gabriele Prinz
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Yannik Laich
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Myriam Boeck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peipei Zhang
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ingo Hilgendorf
- Heart Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Stahl
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - James Bainbridge
- National Institute for Health Research Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital and University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Clemens A K Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Wolf J, Auw-Haedrich C, Schlecht A, Boneva S, Mittelviefhaus H, Lapp T, Agostini H, Reinhard T, Schlunck G, Lange CAK. Transcriptional characterization of conjunctival melanoma identifies the cellular tumor microenvironment and prognostic gene signatures. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17022. [PMID: 33046735 PMCID: PMC7550331 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72864-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This study characterizes the transcriptome and the cellular tumor microenvironment (TME) of conjunctival melanoma (CM) and identifies prognostically relevant biomarkers. 12 formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded CM were analyzed by MACE RNA sequencing, including six cases each with good or poor clinical outcome, the latter being defined by local recurrence and/or systemic metastases. Eight healthy conjunctival specimens served as controls. The TME of CM, as determined by bioinformatic cell type enrichment analysis, was characterized by the enrichment of melanocytes, pericytes and especially various immune cell types, such as plasmacytoid dendritic cells, natural killer T cells, B cells and mast cells. Differentially expressed genes between CM and control were mainly involved in inhibition of apoptosis, proteolysis and response to growth factors. POU3F3, BIRC5 and 7 were among the top expressed genes associated with inhibition of apoptosis. 20 genes, among them CENPK, INHA, USP33, CASP3, SNORA73B, AAR2, SNRNP48 and GPN1, were identified as prognostically relevant factors reaching high classification accuracy (area under the curve: 1.0). The present study provides new insights into the TME and the transcriptional profile of CM and additionally identifies new prognostic biomarkers. These results add new diagnostic tools and may lead to new options of targeted therapy for CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Auw-Haedrich
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anja Schlecht
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefaniya Boneva
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hans Mittelviefhaus
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thabo Lapp
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Clemens A K Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstrasse 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
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Boneva S, Schlecht A, Böhringer D, Mittelviefhaus H, Reinhard T, Agostini H, Auw-Haedrich C, Schlunck G, Wolf J, Lange C. 3' MACE RNA-sequencing allows for transcriptome profiling in human tissue samples after long-term storage. J Transl Med 2020; 100:1345-1355. [PMID: 32467590 PMCID: PMC7498368 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-020-0446-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to compare the potential of standard RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) and 3' massive analysis of c-DNA ends (MACE) RNA-sequencing for the analysis of fresh tissue and describes transcriptome profiling of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) archival human samples by MACE. To compare MACE to standard RNA-Seq on fresh tissue, four healthy conjunctiva from four subjects were collected during vitreoretinal surgery, halved and immediately transferred to RNA lysis buffer without prior fixation and then processed for either standard RNA-Seq or MACE RNA-Seq analysis. To assess the impact of FFPE preparation on MACE, a third part was fixed in formalin and processed for paraffin embedding, and its transcriptional profile was compared with the unfixed specimens analyzed by MACE. To investigate the impact of FFPE storage time on MACE results, 24 FFPE-treated conjunctival samples from 24 patients were analyzed as well. Nineteen thousand six hundred fifty-nine transcribed genes were detected by both MACE and standard RNA-Seq on fresh tissue, while 3251 and 2213 transcripts were identified explicitly by MACE or RNA-Seq, respectively. Standard RNA-Seq tended to yield longer detected transcripts more often than MACE technology despite normalization, indicating that the MACE technology is less susceptible to a length bias. FFPE processing revealed negligible effects on MACE sequencing results. Several quality-control measurements showed that long-term storage in paraffin did not decrease the diversity of MACE libraries. We noted a nonlinear relation between storage time and the number of raw reads with an accelerated decrease within the first 1000 days in paraffin, while the numbers remained relatively stable in older samples. Interestingly, the number of transcribed genes detected was independent on FFPE storage time. RNA of sufficient quality and quantity can be extracted from FFPE samples to obtain comprehensive transcriptome profiling using MACE technology. We thus present MACE as a novel opportunity for utilizing FFPE samples stored in histological archives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefaniya Boneva
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anja Schlecht
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Böhringer
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hans Mittelviefhaus
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Auw-Haedrich
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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Polisetti N, Schlunck G, Reinhard T, Kruse FE, Schlötzer-Schrehardt U. Isolation and ex vivo Expansion of Human Limbal Epithelial Progenitor Cells. Bio Protoc 2020; 10:e3754. [PMID: 33659413 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.3754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Limbal stem cell transplantation has been used successfully to treat patients with limbal stem cell deficiency all over the world. However, long term clinical results often proved less satisfactory due to the low quality of the graft or inadequate properties of transplanted cells. To enhance the ex vivo expansion of human limbal epithelial stem or progenitor cells (LEPC) by preserving stem cell phenotype and to improve subsequent transplantation efficiency, cell-matrix interactions ex vivo should mimic the condition in vivo. The laminin isoforms preferentially expressed in the limbal niche can be used as a culture matrix for epithelial tissue engineering. We recently published the expansion of LEPC on various laminin isoforms and observed that laminin alpha 5-derived matrices support the efficient expansion of LEPC compared to tissue culture plates and other laminin isoforms by preserving stem/progenitor cell phenotype. Here, we describe an optimized protocol for the isolation of LEPC from cadaveric corneal limbal tissue by collagenase digestion and efficient expansion of LEPC using recombinant human laminin-511 E8 fragment (LN-511E8) as culture substrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naresh Polisetti
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Friedrich E Kruse
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Bleul T, Zhuang X, Hildebrand A, Lange C, Böhringer D, Schlunck G, Reinhard T, Lapp T. Different Innate Immune Responses in BALB/c and C57BL/6 Strains following Corneal Transplantation. J Innate Immun 2020; 13:49-59. [PMID: 32906119 DOI: 10.1159/000509716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate immunological differences and the role of CD38+/F4/80 + M1 macrophages in C57BL/6J- and BALB/c-recipient mouse corneal transplantation models. METHODS Allogeneic transplantation was performed crosswise in BALB/c mice and C57BL/6J mice; syngeneic transplantation was performed in both strains. Anterior chamber depth (ACD) was measured before and central corneal thickness (CCT) was measured both before and after transplantation. In vivo graft rejection was monitored using anterior eye segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT) evaluating the CCT and grading of corneal oedema using a well-established clinical score (CS). Histology of corneal grafts was performed 18 or 21 days after surgery. Immunohistochemistry with anti-F4/80 antibody and anti-CD38 antibody was used for detecting M1 macrophages within the grafts. RESULTS High CS and CCT values after allogeneic transplantation persisted in both BALB/c (n = 18) and C57BL/6J recipients (n = 20). After syngeneic transplantation, CS and CCT values increased in both models in the early phase after surgery due to the surgical trauma. Surprisingly, in the syngeneic C57BL/6J model, high CCT values persisted. Furthermore, anterior synechiae developed in C57BL/6 recipients after both syngeneic and allogeneic transplantation, whereas BALB/c recipients showed almost no synechiae - even though C57/BL6J animals tended to have a deeper anterior chamber (281 ± 11 pixels [mean ± SD]) compared with BALB/c animals of the same age (270 ± 9 pixels [mean ± SD]). Immunohistochemistry revealed numerous CD38+/F4/80 + M1 macrophages in grafts of C57BL/6J recipients following both syngeneic and allogeneic transplantation. However, in BALB/c-recipient mice only sparse M1 macrophages were detectable (CD38 + M1 macrophages relative to all F4/80 + cells: 75 vs. 17% [after allogeneic transplantation] and 66 vs. 17% [after syngeneic transplantation]; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Allogeneic corneal transplants are rejected in BALB/c as well as C57BL/6J mice, but tissue alterations with anterior synechiae are more pronounced in C57BL/6J recipients. Following syngeneic transplantation, C57BL/6J-recipient animals show a persistent graft swelling with increased numbers of CD38+/F4/80 + M1 macrophages in grafted tissue, in contrast to the common model using BALB/c-recipient mice. Our data strongly suggest that strain-dependent differences convey different innate immune responses in BALB/c and C57BL/6J strains. Accordingly, in murine keratoplasty experiments, the mouse line of both donor and recipient animals must be carefully considered. C57BL/6J-recipient mice might be particularly suited to study corneal graft rejection in a clinical setting considered "high risk."
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Bleul
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Xinyu Zhuang
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Antonia Hildebrand
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Daniel Böhringer
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Thabo Lapp
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany,
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Schlunck G, Boneva S, Wolf J, Schlecht A, Reinhard T, Auw-Hädrich C, Lange C. RNA Sequencing of Formalin-Fixed and Paraffin-Embedded Tissue as a Complementary Method in Ophthalmopathology. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 2020; 237:860-866. [PMID: 32659839 DOI: 10.1055/a-1187-1590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The high-throughput method of "Next Generation Sequencing" (NGS) allows cost-effective decoding of the nucleotide sequences of millions of RNA molecules in a sample. This makes it possible to determine the number of distinct RNA molecules in tissues or cells and to use these data to draw conclusions. The entirety of RNAs, in particular mRNAs (messenger RNAs) as potential precursors of proteins, provides a comprehensive insight into the functional state of the cells and tissues under investigation. In addition to cell cultures or unfixed tissue, formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue can also be analysed for this purpose using specific methods. In this overview, the methodological strategy and its application to the field of ophthalmic histopathology are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Günther Schlunck
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs Universität Freiburg
| | - Stefaniya Boneva
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs Universität Freiburg
| | - Julian Wolf
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs Universität Freiburg
| | - Anja Schlecht
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs Universität Freiburg
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs Universität Freiburg
| | - Claudia Auw-Hädrich
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs Universität Freiburg
| | - Clemens Lange
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs Universität Freiburg
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Lange C, Wolf J, Auw-Haedrich C, Schlecht A, Boneva S, Lapp T, Horres R, Agostini H, Martin G, Reinhard T, Schlunck G. Expression of the COVID-19 receptor ACE2 in the human conjunctiva. J Med Virol 2020; 92:2081-2086. [PMID: 32374427 PMCID: PMC7267303 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
SARS‐CoV‐2 is assumed to use angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and other auxiliary proteins for cell entry. Recent studies have described conjunctival congestion in 0.8% of patients with laboratory‐confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), and there has been speculation that SARS‐CoV‐2 can be transmitted through the conjunctiva. However, it is currently unclear whether conjunctival epithelial cells express ACE2 and its cofactors. In this study, a total of 38 conjunctival samples from 38 patients, including 12 healthy conjunctivas, 12 melanomas, seven squamous cell carcinomas, and seven papilloma samples, were analyzed using high‐throughput RNA sequencing to assess messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of the SARS‐CoV‐2 receptor ACE2 and its cofactors including TMPRSS2, ANPEP, DPP4, and ENPEP. ACE2 protein expression was assessed in eight healthy conjunctival samples using immunohistochemistry. Our results show that the SARS‐CoV‐2 receptor ACE2 is not substantially expressed in conjunctival samples on the mRNA (median: 0.0 transcripts per million [TPM], min: 0.0 TPM, max: 1.7 TPM) and protein levels. Similar results were obtained for the transcription of other auxiliary molecules. In conclusion, this study finds no evidence for a significant expression of ACE2 and its auxiliary mediators for cell entry in conjunctival samples, making conjunctival infection with SARS‐CoV‐2 via these mediators unlikely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Auw-Haedrich
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anja Schlecht
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,GenXPro, Frankfurt Innovation Center Biotechnology, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Stefaniya Boneva
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thabo Lapp
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Horres
- GenXPro, Frankfurt Innovation Center Biotechnology, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gottfried Martin
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Takamiya M, Stegmaier J, Kobitski AY, Schott B, Weger BD, Margariti D, Cereceda Delgado AR, Gourain V, Scherr T, Yang L, Sorge S, Otte JC, Hartmann V, van Wezel J, Stotzka R, Reinhard T, Schlunck G, Dickmeis T, Rastegar S, Mikut R, Nienhaus GU, Strähle U. Pax6 organizes the anterior eye segment by guiding two distinct neural crest waves. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008774. [PMID: 32555736 PMCID: PMC7323998 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cranial neural crest (NC) contributes to the developing vertebrate eye. By multidimensional, quantitative imaging, we traced the origin of the ocular NC cells to two distinct NC populations that differ in the maintenance of sox10 expression, Wnt signalling, origin, route, mode and destination of migration. The first NC population migrates to the proximal and the second NC cell group populates the distal (anterior) part of the eye. By analysing zebrafish pax6a/b compound mutants presenting anterior segment dysgenesis, we demonstrate that Pax6a/b guide the two NC populations to distinct proximodistal locations. We further provide evidence that the lens whose formation is pax6a/b-dependent and lens-derived TGFβ signals contribute to the building of the anterior segment. Taken together, our results reveal multiple roles of Pax6a/b in the control of NC cells during development of the anterior segment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanari Takamiya
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Johannes Stegmaier
- Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Andrei Yu Kobitski
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
- Institute of Applied Physics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Benjamin Schott
- Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Benjamin D. Weger
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Dimitra Margariti
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Angel R. Cereceda Delgado
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Victor Gourain
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Tim Scherr
- Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Lixin Yang
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Sebastian Sorge
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Jens C. Otte
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Volker Hartmann
- Institute for Data Processing and Electronics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Jos van Wezel
- Steinbuch Centre for Computing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Rainer Stotzka
- Institute for Data Processing and Electronics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Freiburg University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Freiburg University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Dickmeis
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Sepand Rastegar
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Ralf Mikut
- Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Gerd Ulrich Nienhaus
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
- Institute of Applied Physics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
- Institute of Nanotechnology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Uwe Strähle
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
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48
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Boeck M, Thien A, Wolf J, Hagemeyer N, Laich Y, Yusuf D, Backofen R, Zhang P, Boneva S, Stahl A, Hilgendorf I, Agostini H, Prinz M, Wieghofer P, Schlunck G, Schlecht A, Lange C. Temporospatial distribution and transcriptional profile of retinal microglia in the oxygen‐induced retinopathy mouse model. Glia 2020; 68:1859-1873. [DOI: 10.1002/glia.23810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Boeck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Freiburg Freiburg im Breisgau Germany
| | - Adrian Thien
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Freiburg Freiburg im Breisgau Germany
| | - Julian Wolf
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Freiburg Freiburg im Breisgau Germany
| | - Nora Hagemeyer
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Freiburg Freiburg im Breisgau Germany
| | - Yannik Laich
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Freiburg Freiburg im Breisgau Germany
| | - Dilmurat Yusuf
- Department of BioinformaticsUniversity of Freiburg Freiburg im Breisgau Germany
| | - Rolf Backofen
- Department of BioinformaticsUniversity of Freiburg Freiburg im Breisgau Germany
| | - Peipei Zhang
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Freiburg Freiburg im Breisgau Germany
| | - Stefaniya Boneva
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Freiburg Freiburg im Breisgau Germany
| | - Andreas Stahl
- Department of OphthalmologyUniversity Medical Center Greifswald Greifswald Germany
| | - Ingo Hilgendorf
- Cardiology and AngiologyUniversity Heart Center, University of Freiburg Freiburg im Breisgau Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Freiburg Freiburg im Breisgau Germany
| | - Marco Prinz
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Freiburg Freiburg im Breisgau Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSSUniversity of Freiburg Freiburg im Breisgau Germany
- Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModulBasics), Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Freiburg Freiburg im Breisgau Germany
| | - Peter Wieghofer
- Institute of AnatomyUniversity of Leipzig Freiburg im Breisgau Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Freiburg Freiburg im Breisgau Germany
| | - Anja Schlecht
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Freiburg Freiburg im Breisgau Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Freiburg Freiburg im Breisgau Germany
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49
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Martin G, Lübke J, Schefold S, Jordan JF, Schlunck G, Reinhard T, Kanokwijitsilp T, Prucker O, Rühe J, Anton A. Prevention of Ocular Tenon Adhesion to Sclera by a PDMAA Polymer to Improve Results after Glaucoma Surgery. Macromol Rapid Commun 2020; 41:e1900352. [DOI: 10.1002/marc.201900352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gottfried Martin
- Eye CenterMedical Center ‐ Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Freiburg Killianstraße 5 79106 Freiburg Germany
| | - Jan Lübke
- Eye CenterMedical Center ‐ Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Freiburg Killianstraße 5 79106 Freiburg Germany
| | - Suzanna Schefold
- Eye CenterMedical Center ‐ Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Freiburg Killianstraße 5 79106 Freiburg Germany
- Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK)University of Freiburg Georges‐Köhler‐Allee 103 79110 Freiburg Germany
| | - Jens F. Jordan
- Eye CenterMedical Center ‐ Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Freiburg Killianstraße 5 79106 Freiburg Germany
- Praxisausübungsgemeinschaft Vobig & Jordan Hans‐Thoma‐Straße 24 60596 Frankfurt Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye CenterMedical Center ‐ Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Freiburg Killianstraße 5 79106 Freiburg Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye CenterMedical Center ‐ Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Freiburg Killianstraße 5 79106 Freiburg Germany
| | - Thananthorn Kanokwijitsilp
- Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK)University of Freiburg Georges‐Köhler‐Allee 103 79110 Freiburg Germany
| | - Oswald Prucker
- Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK)University of Freiburg Georges‐Köhler‐Allee 103 79110 Freiburg Germany
| | - Jürgen Rühe
- Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK)University of Freiburg Georges‐Köhler‐Allee 103 79110 Freiburg Germany
| | - Alexandra Anton
- Eye CenterMedical Center ‐ Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Freiburg Killianstraße 5 79106 Freiburg Germany
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50
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Reuer T, Schneider AC, Cakir B, Bühler AD, Walz JM, Lapp T, Lange C, Agostini H, Schlunck G, Cursiefen C, Reinhard T, Bock F, Stahl A. Semaphorin 3F Modulates Corneal Lymphangiogenesis and Promotes Corneal Graft Survival. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:5277-5284. [PMID: 30383199 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-24287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Corneal vascularization significantly increases the risk for graft rejection after keratoplasty. Semaphorin 3F (Sema3F) is a known modulator of physiologic avascularity in the outer retina. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Sema3F is involved in maintaining corneal avascularity and can reduce the risk for corneal graft rejection. Methods Corneal Sema3F expression was investigated using immunohistochemistry and qPCR in human and murine tissue. Pathologic invasion of blood and lymph vessels into corneal tissue was analyzed in the murine corneal suture and high-risk keratoplasty model. The anti-lymphangiogenic effects of Sema3F were further investigated using an in vitro spheroidal sprouting model with supernatant from isolated primary human corneal epithelial cells (hCECs). Results Sema3F is constitutively expressed in human and murine corneal epithelium. In the corneal suture model, lymphangiogenesis was significantly suppressed by topical Sema3F treatment (P = 0.0003). In the murine high-risk keratoplasty model, pretreatment by topical Sema3F in the inflammation phase significantly promoted subsequent graft survival (P = 0.0006). In this model, both lymph- and blood angiogenesis were reduced (P < 0.05). In vitro, hCEC supernatant had a direct anti-lymphangiogenic effect on human lymphatic endothelial cells (P < 0.01). This effect was completely abolished by addition of anti-Sema3F antibodies. Conclusions Sema3F is a novel mediator of corneal avascularity with potent anti-lymphangiogenic properties. Topical treatment with Sema3F eye drops may help to limit corneal vascularization and improve outcomes in high-risk keratoplasty patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan Reuer
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Bertan Cakir
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anima D Bühler
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Johanna M Walz
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thabo Lapp
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Clemens Lange
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hansjürgen Agostini
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Günther Schlunck
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Claus Cursiefen
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Felix Bock
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Andreas Stahl
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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