1
|
Rajendran Nair DS, Camarillo JCM, Lu G, Thomas BB. Measuring spatial visual loss in rats by retinotopic mapping of the superior colliculus using a novel multi-electrode array technique. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 405:110095. [PMID: 38403001 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2024.110095] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The retinotopic map property of the superior colliculus (SC) is a reliable indicator of visual functional changes in rodents. Electrophysiological mapping of the SC using a single electrode has been employed for measuring visual function in rat and mouse disease models. Single electrode mapping is highly laborious requiring long-term exposure to the SC surface and prolonged anesthetic conditions that can adversely affect the mapping data. NEW METHOD To avoid the above-mentioned issues, we fabricated a fifty-six (56) electrode multi-electrode array (MEA) for rapid and reliable visual functional mapping of the SC. Since SC is a dome-shaped structure, the array was made of electrodes with dissimilar tip lengths to enable simultaneous and uniform penetration of the SC. RESULTS SC mapping using the new MEA was conducted in retinal degenerate (RD) Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats and rats with focal retinal damage induced by green diode laser. For SC mapping, the MEA was advanced into the SC surface and the visual activities were recorded during full-filed light stimulation of the eye. Based on the morphological examination, the MEA electrodes covered most of the exposed SC area and penetrated the SC surface at a relatively uniform depth. MEA mapping in RCS rats (n=9) demonstrated progressive development of a scotoma in the SC that corresponded to the degree of photoreceptor loss. MEA mapping in the laser damaged rats demonstrated the presence of a scotoma in the SC area that corresponded to the location of retinal laser injury. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS AND CONCLUSIONS The use of MEA for SC mapping is advantageous over single electrode recording by enabling faster recordings and reducing anesthesia time. This study establishes the feasibility of the MEA technique for rapid and efficient SC mapping, particularly advantageous for evaluating therapeutic effects in retinal degenerate rat disease models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepthi S Rajendran Nair
- Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, United States
| | - Juan Carlos-Martinez Camarillo
- Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, United States; USC Ginsburg Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, United States
| | - Gengxi Lu
- Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, United States
| | - Biju B Thomas
- Roski Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, United States; USC Ginsburg Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics, University of Southern California, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hadady H, Karamali F, Ejeian F, Soroushzadeh S, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Potential neuroprotective effect of stem cells from apical papilla derived extracellular vesicles enriched by lab-on-chip approach during retinal degeneration. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:350. [PMID: 35672609 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04375-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Retinal degeneration (RD) is recognized as a frequent cause of visual impairments, including inherited (Retinitis pigmentosa) and degenerative (age-related macular) eye diseases. Dental stem cells (DSCs) have recently demonstrated a promising neuroprotection potential for ocular diseases through a paracrine manner carried out by extracellular vesicles (EVs). However, effective isolation of EVs is still challenging, and isolation methods determine the composition of enriched EVs and the subsequent biological and functional effects. In the present study, we assessed two enrichment methods (micro-electromechanical systems and ultrafiltration) to isolate the EVs from stem cells from apical papilla (SCAP). The size distribution of the corresponding isolates exhibited the capability of each method to enrich different subsets of EVs, which significantly impacts their biological and functional effects. We confirmed the neuroprotection and anti-inflammatory capacity of the SCAP-EVs in vitro. Further experiments revealed the possible therapeutic effects of subretinal injection of SCAP-EVs in the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat model. We found that EVs enriched by the micro-electromechanical-based device (MEMS-EVs) preserved visual function, reduced retinal cell apoptosis, and prevented thinning of the outer nuclear layer (ONL). Interestingly, the effect of MEMS-EVs was extended to the retinal ganglion cell/retinal nerve fiber layer (GCL/RNFL). This study supports the use of the microfluidics approach to enrich valuable subsets of EVs, together with the choice of SCAP as a source to derive EVs for cell-free therapy of RD.
Collapse
|
3
|
Pelé T, Giraud S, Joffrion S, Ameteau V, Delwail A, Goujon JM, Macchi L, Hauet T, Dkhissi F, Benzakour O. Study of the Role of the Tyrosine Kinase Receptor MerTK in the Development of Kidney Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in RCS Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12103. [PMID: 34829984 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal ischaemia reperfusion (I/R) triggers a cascade of events including oxidative stress, apoptotic body and microparticle (MP) formation as well as an acute inflammatory process that may contribute to organ failure. Macrophages are recruited to phagocytose cell debris and MPs. The tyrosine kinase receptor MerTK is a major player in the phagocytosis process. Experimental models of renal I/R events are of major importance for identifying I/R key players and for elaborating novel therapeutical approaches. A major aim of our study was to investigate possible involvement of MerTK in renal I/R. We performed our study on both natural mutant rats for MerTK (referred to as RCS) and on wild type rats referred to as WT. I/R was established by of bilateral clamping of the renal pedicles for 30' followed by three days of reperfusion. Plasma samples were analysed for creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), kidney injury molecule -1 (KIM-1), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels and for MPs. Kidney tissue damage and CD68-positive cell requirement were analysed by histochemistry. monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), myeloperoxidase (MPO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and histone 3A (H3A) levels in kidney tissue lysates were analysed by western blotting. The phagocytic activity of blood-isolated monocytes collected from RCS or WT towards annexin-V positive bodies derived from cultured renal cell was assessed by fluorescence-activated single cell sorting (FACS) and confocal microscopy analyses. The renal I/R model for RCS rat described for the first time here paves the way for further investigations of MerTK-dependent events in renal tissue injury and repair mechanisms.
Collapse
|
4
|
Li QY, Zou T, Gong Y, Chen SY, Zeng YX, Gao LX, Weng CH, Xu HW, Yin ZQ. Functional assessment of cryopreserved clinical grade hESC-RPE cells as a qualified cell source for stem cell therapy of retinal degenerative diseases. Exp Eye Res 2020; 202:108305. [PMID: 33080300 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The biosafety and efficiency of transplanting retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells derived from both human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been evaluated in phase I and phase II clinical trials. For further large-scale application, cryopreserved RPE cells must be used; thus, it is highly important to investigate the influence of cryopreservation and thawing on the biological characteristics of hESC-RPE cells and their post-transplantation vision-restoring function. Here, via immunofluorescence, qPCR, transmission electron microscopy, transepithelial electrical resistance, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), we showed that cryopreserved hESC-RPE cells retained the specific gene expression profile, morphology, ultrastructure, and maturity-related functions of induced RPE cells. Additionally, cryopreserved hESC-RPE cells exhibited a polarized monolayer, tight junction, and gap junction structure and an in vitro nanoparticle phagocytosis capability similar to those of induced hESC-RPE cells. However, the level of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) secretion was significantly decreased in cryopreserved hESC-RPE cells. Royal College of Surgeons rats with cryopreserved hESC-RPE cells engrafted into the subretinal space exhibited a significant decrease in the b-wave amplitude compared with rats engrafted with induced hESC-RPE cells at 4 weeks post transplantation. However, the difference disappeared at 8 weeks and 12 weeks post operation. No significant difference in the outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness was observed between the two groups. Our data showed that even after cryopreservation and thawing, cryopreserved hESC-RPE cells are still qualified as a donor cell source for cell-based therapy of retinal degenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi-You Li
- Southwest Hospital/ Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, PR China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, PR China
| | - Ting Zou
- Southwest Hospital/ Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, PR China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, PR China
| | - Yu Gong
- Southwest Hospital/ Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, PR China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, PR China
| | - Si-Yu Chen
- Southwest Hospital/ Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, PR China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, PR China
| | - Yu-Xiao Zeng
- Southwest Hospital/ Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, PR China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, PR China
| | - Li-Xiong Gao
- Southwest Hospital/ Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, PR China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, PR China; Department of Ophthalmology, The 6th Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chuan-Huang Weng
- Southwest Hospital/ Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, PR China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, PR China
| | - Hai-Wei Xu
- Southwest Hospital/ Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, PR China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, PR China.
| | - Zheng-Qin Yin
- Southwest Hospital/ Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, PR China; Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhai W, Gao L, Qu L, Li Y, Zeng Y, Li Q, Xu H, Yin ZQ. Combined Transplantation of Olfactory Ensheathing Cells With Rat Neural Stem Cells Enhanced the Therapeutic Effect in the Retina of RCS Rats. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:52. [PMID: 32265657 PMCID: PMC7105604 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases (RDDs) are the leading causes of blindness and currently lack effective treatment. Cytotherapy has become a promising strategy for RDDs. The transplantation of olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) or neural stem cells (NSCs) has recently been applied for the experimental treatment of RDDs. However, the long-term outcomes of single-cell transplantation are poor. The combined transplantation of multiple types of cells might achieve better effects. In the present study, OECs [containing olfactory nerve fibroblasts (ONFs)] and NSCs were cotransplanted into the subretinal space of Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats. Using electroretinogram (ERG), immunofluorescence, Western blot, and in vitro Transwell system, the differences in the electrophysiological and morphological changes of single and combined transplantation as well as the underlying mechanisms were explored at 4, 8, and 12 weeks postoperation. In addition, using the Transwell system, the influence of OECs on the stemness of NSCs was discovered. Results showed that, compared to the single transplantation of OECs or NSCs, the combined transplantation of OECs and NSCs produced greater improvements in b-wave amplitudes in ERGs and the thickness of the outer nuclear layer at all three time points. More endogenous stem cells were found within the retina after combined transplantation. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression decreased significantly when NSCs were cotransplanted with OECs. Both the vertical and horizontal migration of grafted cells were enhanced in the combined transplantation group. Meanwhile, the stemness of NSCs was also better maintained after coculture with OECs. Taken together, the results suggested that the combined transplantation of NSCs and OECs enhanced the improvement in retinal protection in RCS rats, providing a new strategy to treat RDDs in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhai
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Lixiong Gao
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, The 6th Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Linghui Qu
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Yijian Li
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuxiao Zeng
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiyou Li
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Haiwei Xu
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Zheng Qin Yin
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tzameret A, Sher I, Edelstain V, Belkin M, Kalter-Leibovici O, Solomon AS, Rotenstreich Y. Evaluation of visual function in Royal College of Surgeon rats using a depth perception visual cliff test. Vis Neurosci 2019; 36:E002. [PMID: 30700338 DOI: 10.1017/S095252381800007X] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Preserving of vision is the main goal in vision research. The presented research evaluates the preservation of visual function in Royal College of Surgeon (RCS) rats using a depth perception test. Rats were placed on a stage with one side containing an illusory steep drop ("cliff") and another side with a minimal drop ("table"). Latency of stage dismounting and the percentage of rats that set their first foot on the "cliff" side were determined. Nondystrophic Long-Evans (LE) rats were tested as control. Electroretinogram and histology analysis were used to determine retinal function and structure. Four-week-old RCS rats presented a significantly shorter mean latency to dismount the stage compared with 6-week-old rats (mean ± standard error, 13.7 ± 1.68 vs. 20.85 ± 6.5 s, P = 0.018). Longer latencies were recorded as rats aged, reaching 45.72 s in 15-week-old rats (P < 0.00001 compared with 4-week-old rats). All rats at the age of 4 weeks placed their first foot on the table side. By contrast, at the age of 8 weeks, 28.6% rats dismounted on the cliff side and at the age of 10 and 15 weeks, rats randomly dismounted the stage to either table or cliff side. LE rats dismounted the stage faster than 4-week-old RCS rats, but the difference was not statistically significant (7 ± 1.58 s, P = 0.057) and all LE rats dismounted on the table side. The latency to dismount the stage in RCS rats correlated with maximal electroretinogram b-wave under dark and light adaptation (Spearman's rho test = -0.603 and -0.534, respectively, all P < 0.0001), outer nuclear layer thickness (Spearman's rho test = -0.764, P = 0.002), and number of S- and M-cones (Spearman's rho test = -0.763 [P = 0.002], and -0.733 [P = 0.004], respectively). The cliff avoidance test is an objective, quick, and readily available method for the determination of RCS rats' visual function.
Collapse
|
7
|
Tzameret A, Ketter-Katz H, Edelshtain V, Sher I, Corem-Salkmon E, Levy I, Last D, Guez D, Mardor Y, Margel S, Rotenstrich Y. In vivo MRI assessment of bioactive magnetic iron oxide/human serum albumin nanoparticle delivery into the posterior segment of the eye in a rat model of retinal degeneration. J Nanobiotechnology 2019; 17:3. [PMID: 30630490 PMCID: PMC6327435 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-018-0438-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [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: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Retinal degeneration diseases affect millions of patients worldwide and lead to incurable vision loss. These diseases are caused by pathologies in the retina and underlying choroid, located in the back of the eye. One of the major challenges in the development of treatments for these blinding diseases is the safe and efficient delivery of therapeutics into the back of the eye. Previous studies demonstrated that narrow size distribution core–shell near infra-red fluorescent iron oxide (IO) nanoparticles (NPs) coated with human serum albumin (HSA, IO/HSA NPs) increase the half-life of conjugated therapeutic factors, suggesting they may be used for sustained release of therapeutics. In the present study, the in vivo tracking by MRI and the long term safety of IO/HSA NPs delivery into the suprachoroid of a rat model of retinal degeneration were assessed. Results Twenty-five Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) pigmented rats received suprachoroidal injection of 20-nm IO/HSA NPs into the right eye. The left eye was not injected and used as control. Animals were examined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroretinogram (ERG) and histology up to 30 weeks following injection. IO/HSA NPs were detected in the back part of the rats’ eyes up to 30 weeks following injection by MRI, and up to 6 weeks by histology. No significant differences in retinal structure and function were observed between injected and non-injected eyes. There was no significant difference in the weight of IO/HSA NP-injected animals compared to non-injected rats. Conclusions MRI could track the nanoparticles in the posterior segment of the injected eyes demonstrating their long-term persistence, and highlighting the possible use of MRI for translational studies in animals and in future clinical studies. Suprachoroidal injection of IO/HSA NPs showed no sign of adverse effects on retinal structure and function in a rat model of retinal degeneration, suggesting that suprachoroidal delivery of IO/HSA NPs is safe and that these NPs may be used in future translational and clinical studies for extended release drug delivery at the back of the eye. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12951-018-0438-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adi Tzameret
- Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, 52621, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, 69978, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Hadas Ketter-Katz
- Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, 52621, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Victoria Edelshtain
- Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, 52621, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, 69978, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Ifat Sher
- Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, 52621, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Enav Corem-Salkmon
- Department of Chemistry, Bar-Ilan Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, 52900, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Itay Levy
- Department of Chemistry, Bar-Ilan Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, 52900, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - David Last
- Advanced Technology Center, Sheba Medical Center, 52621, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - David Guez
- Advanced Technology Center, Sheba Medical Center, 52621, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Yael Mardor
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, 69978, Tel-Aviv, Israel.,Advanced Technology Center, Sheba Medical Center, 52621, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Shlomo Margel
- Department of Chemistry, Bar-Ilan Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, 52900, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Ygal Rotenstrich
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, 69978, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kole C, Klipfel L, Yang Y, Ferracane V, Blond F, Reichman S, Millet-Puel G, Clérin E, Aït-Ali N, Pagan D, Camara H, Delyfer MN, Nandrot EF, Sahel JA, Goureau O, Léveillard T. Otx2-Genetically Modified Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Rescue Photoreceptors after Transplantation. Mol Ther 2017; 26:219-237. [PMID: 28988713 PMCID: PMC5762984 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2017.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [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: 01/30/2015] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal degenerations are blinding diseases characterized by the loss of photoreceptors. Their extreme genetic heterogeneity complicates treatment by gene therapy. This has motivated broader strategies for transplantation of healthy retinal pigmented epithelium to protect photoreceptors independently of the gene causing the disease. The limited clinical benefit for visual function reported up to now is mainly due to dedifferentiation of the transplanted cells that undergo an epithelial-mesenchymal transition. We have studied this mechanism in vitro and revealed the role of the homeogene OTX2 in preventing dedifferentiation through the regulation of target genes. We have overexpressed OTX2 in retinal pigmented epithelial cells before their transplantation in the eye of a model of retinitis pigmentosa carrying a mutation in Mertk, a gene specifically expressed by retinal pigmented epithelial cells. OTX2 increases significantly the protection of photoreceptors as seen by histological and functional analyses. We observed that the beneficial effect of OTX2 is non-cell autonomous, and it is at least partly mediated by unidentified trophic factors. Transplantation of OTX2-genetically modified cells may be medically effective for other retinal diseases involving the retinal pigmented epithelium as age-related macular degeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christo Kole
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Laurence Klipfel
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Ying Yang
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Vanessa Ferracane
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Frederic Blond
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Sacha Reichman
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Géraldine Millet-Puel
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Emmanuelle Clérin
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Najate Aït-Ali
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Delphine Pagan
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Hawa Camara
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Marie-Noëlle Delyfer
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France; Unité Rétine, Uvéite et Neuro-Ophtalmologie, Département d'Ophtalmologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Emeline F Nandrot
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Jose-Alain Sahel
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Olivier Goureau
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France
| | - Thierry Léveillard
- INSERM, U968, Paris 75012, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR_S 968, Institut de la Vision, Paris 75012, France; CNRS, UMR_7210, Paris 75012, France.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Antognazza MR, Di Paolo M, Ghezzi D, Mete M, Di Marco S, Maya-Vetencourt JF, Maccarone R, Desii A, Di Fonzo F, Bramini M, Russo A, Laudato L, Donelli I, Cilli M, Freddi G, Pertile G, Lanzani G, Bisti S, Benfenati F. Characterization of a Polymer-Based, Fully Organic Prosthesis for Implantation into the Subretinal Space of the Rat. Adv Healthc Mater 2016; 5:2271-82. [PMID: 27240295 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201600318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [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: 03/25/2016] [Revised: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Replacement strategies arise as promising approaches in case of inherited retinal dystrophies leading to blindness. A fully organic retinal prosthesis made of conjugated polymers layered onto a silk fibroin substrate is engineered. First, the biophysical and surface properties are characterized; then, the long-term biocompatibility is assessed after implantation of the organic device in the subretinal space of 3-months-old rats for a period of five months. The results indicate a good stability of the subretinal implants over time, with preservation of the physical properties of the polymeric layer and a tight contact with the outer retina. Immunoinflammatory markers detect only a modest tissue reaction to the surgical insult and the foreign body that peaks shortly after surgery and progressively decreases with time to normal levels at five months after implantation. Importantly, the integrity of the polymeric layer in direct contact with the retinal tissue is preserved after five months of implantation. The recovery of the foreign-body tissue reaction is also associated with a normal b-wave in the electroretinographic response. The results demonstrate that the device implanted in nondystrophic eyes is well tolerated, highly biocompatible, and suitable as retinal prosthesis in case of photoreceptor degeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosa Antognazza
- Center for Nano Science and Technology; Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia; Via G. Pascoli 70/3 20133 Milano Italy
| | - Mattia Di Paolo
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Science; University of L'Aquila; Via Vetoio, Coppito 2 67100 L'Aquila Italy
| | - Diego Ghezzi
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology; Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia; Largo Giovanna Benzi 10 16132 Genova Italy
| | - Maurizio Mete
- Unità Operativa di Oculistica, Ospedale Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria; Via don A. Sempreboni 5; 37024 Negrar (Verona) Italy
| | - Stefano Di Marco
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Science; University of L'Aquila; Via Vetoio, Coppito 2 67100 L'Aquila Italy
| | - José Fernando Maya-Vetencourt
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology; Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia; Largo Giovanna Benzi 10 16132 Genova Italy
| | - Rita Maccarone
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Science; University of L'Aquila; Via Vetoio, Coppito 2 67100 L'Aquila Italy
| | - Andrea Desii
- Center for Nano Science and Technology; Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia; Via G. Pascoli 70/3 20133 Milano Italy
| | - Fabio Di Fonzo
- Center for Nano Science and Technology; Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia; Via G. Pascoli 70/3 20133 Milano Italy
| | - Mattia Bramini
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology; Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia; Largo Giovanna Benzi 10 16132 Genova Italy
| | - Angela Russo
- Unità Operativa di Oculistica, Ospedale Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria; Via don A. Sempreboni 5; 37024 Negrar (Verona) Italy
| | - Lucia Laudato
- Center for Nano Science and Technology; Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia; Via G. Pascoli 70/3 20133 Milano Italy
| | - Ilaria Donelli
- Innovhub-SSI; Silk Division; Via Giuseppe Colombo 83 20133 Milano Italy
| | - Michele Cilli
- Animal Facility; IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino IST Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro; Largo Giovanna Benzi 10 16132 Genova Italy
| | - Giuliano Freddi
- Innovhub-SSI; Silk Division; Via Giuseppe Colombo 83 20133 Milano Italy
| | - Grazia Pertile
- Unità Operativa di Oculistica, Ospedale Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria; Via don A. Sempreboni 5; 37024 Negrar (Verona) Italy
| | - Guglielmo Lanzani
- Center for Nano Science and Technology; Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia; Via G. Pascoli 70/3 20133 Milano Italy
| | - Silvia Bisti
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Science; University of L'Aquila; Via Vetoio, Coppito 2 67100 L'Aquila Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology; Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia; Largo Giovanna Benzi 10 16132 Genova Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Tzameret A, Sher I, Belkin M, Treves AJ, Meir A, Nagler A, Levkovitch-Verbin H, Rotenstreich Y, Solomon AS. Epiretinal transplantation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells rescues retinal and vision function in a rat model of retinal degeneration. Stem Cell Res 2015; 15:387-94. [PMID: 26322852 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2015.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2015] [Revised: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Vision incapacitation and blindness associated with incurable retinal degeneration affect millions of people worldwide. In this study, 0.25×10(6) human bone marrow stem cells (hBM-MSCs) were transplanted epiretinally in the right eye of Royal College Surgeons (RCS) rats at the age of 28 days. Epiretinally transplanted cells were identified as a thin layer of cells along vitreous cavity, in close proximity to the retina or attached to the lens capsule, up to 6 weeks following transplantation. Epiretinal transplantation delayed photoreceptor degeneration and rescued retinal function up to 20 weeks following cell transplantation. Visual functions remained close to normal levels in epiretinal transplantation rats. No inflammation or any other adverse effects were observed in transplanted eyes. Our findings suggest that transplantation of hBM-MSCs as a thin epiretinal layer is effective for treatment of retinal degeneration in RCS rats, and that transplanting the cells in close proximity to the retina enhances hBM-MSC therapeutic effect compared with intravitreal injection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adi Tzameret
- Goldschleger Eye Research Institute, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Ifat Sher
- Goldschleger Eye Research Institute, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Michael Belkin
- Goldschleger Eye Research Institute, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Avraham J Treves
- Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Cancer Research Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Amilia Meir
- Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Cancer Research Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Arnon Nagler
- Hematology Division, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Hani Levkovitch-Verbin
- Rothberg Ophthalmic Molecular Biology Laboratory, Goldschleger Eye Research Institute, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Ygal Rotenstreich
- Goldschleger Eye Research Institute, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Arieh S Solomon
- Goldschleger Eye Research Institute, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|