1
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West EL, Majunder P, Naeem A, Fernando M, O'Hara-Wright M, Lanning E, Kloc M, Ribeiro J, Ovando-Roche P, Shum IO, Jumbu N, Sampson R, Hayes M, Bainbridge JWB, Georgiadis A, Smith AJ, Gonzalez-Cordero A, Ali RR. Antioxidant and lipid supplementation improve the development of photoreceptor outer segments in pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal organoids. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:775-788. [PMID: 35334217 PMCID: PMC9023802 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.02.019] [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] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The generation of retinal organoids from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC) is now a well-established process that in part recapitulates retinal development. However, hPSC-derived photoreceptors that exhibit well-organized outer segment structures have yet to be observed. To facilitate improved inherited retinal disease modeling, we determined conditions that would support outer segment development in maturing hPSC-derived photoreceptors. We established that the use of antioxidants and BSA-bound fatty acids promotes the formation of membranous outer segment-like structures. Using new protocols for hPSC-derived retinal organoid culture, we demonstrated improved outer segment formation for both rod and cone photoreceptors, including organized stacked discs. Using these enhanced conditions to generate iPSC-derived retinal organoids from patients with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, we established robust cellular phenotypes that could be ameliorated following adeno-associated viral vector-mediated gene augmentation. These findings should aid both disease modeling and the development of therapeutic approaches for the treatment of photoreceptor disorders. Antioxidants and lipids are required for the formation of organized outer segments Both rod and cone hPSC-derived photoreceptors generate well-formed outer segments Improved conditions provide a robust model of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa type 3 Enhanced segment formation permits the evaluation of therapeutic interventions
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L West
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Paromita Majunder
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Arifa Naeem
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Milan Fernando
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | | | - Emily Lanning
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Magdalena Kloc
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Joana Ribeiro
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | | | - Ian O Shum
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Neeraj Jumbu
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Robert Sampson
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Matt Hayes
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - James W B Bainbridge
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, City Road, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | | | - Alexander J Smith
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | | | - Robin R Ali
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, City Road, London EC1V 2PD, UK; Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA.
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2
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Kalargyrou AA, Basche M, Hare A, West EL, Smith AJ, Ali RR, Pearson RA. Nanotube-like processes facilitate material transfer between photoreceptors. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e53732. [PMID: 34494703 PMCID: PMC8567251 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202153732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [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: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal communication is typically mediated via synapses and gap junctions. New forms of intercellular communication, including nanotubes (NTs) and extracellular vesicles (EVs), have been described for non-neuronal cells, but their role in neuronal communication is not known. Recently, transfer of cytoplasmic material between donor and host neurons ("material transfer") was shown to occur after photoreceptor transplantation. The cellular mechanism(s) underlying this surprising finding are unknown. Here, using transplantation, primary neuronal cultures and the generation of chimeric retinae, we show for the first time that mammalian photoreceptor neurons can form open-end NT-like processes. These processes permit the transfer of cytoplasmic and membrane-bound molecules in culture and after transplantation and can mediate gain-of-function in the acceptor cells. Rarely, organelles were also observed to transfer. Strikingly, use of chimeric retinae revealed that material transfer can occur between photoreceptors in the intact adult retina. Conversely, while photoreceptors are capable of releasing EVs, at least in culture, these are taken up by glia and not by retinal neurons. Our findings provide the first evidence of functional NT-like processes forming between sensory neurons in culture and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini A Kalargyrou
- University College London Institute of OphthalmologyLondonUK
- Centre for Cell and Gene TherapyKing’s College LondonGuy’s HospitalLondonUK
| | - Mark Basche
- University College London Institute of OphthalmologyLondonUK
- Centre for Cell and Gene TherapyKing’s College LondonGuy’s HospitalLondonUK
| | - Aura Hare
- University College London Institute of OphthalmologyLondonUK
- Centre for Cell and Gene TherapyKing’s College LondonGuy’s HospitalLondonUK
| | - Emma L West
- University College London Institute of OphthalmologyLondonUK
- Centre for Cell and Gene TherapyKing’s College LondonGuy’s HospitalLondonUK
| | - Alexander J Smith
- University College London Institute of OphthalmologyLondonUK
- Centre for Cell and Gene TherapyKing’s College LondonGuy’s HospitalLondonUK
| | - Robin R Ali
- University College London Institute of OphthalmologyLondonUK
- Centre for Cell and Gene TherapyKing’s College LondonGuy’s HospitalLondonUK
- Kellogg Eye CenterUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - Rachael A Pearson
- University College London Institute of OphthalmologyLondonUK
- Centre for Cell and Gene TherapyKing’s College LondonGuy’s HospitalLondonUK
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Ribeiro J, Procyk CA, West EL, O'Hara-Wright M, Martins MF, Khorasani MM, Hare A, Basche M, Fernando M, Goh D, Jumbo N, Rizzi M, Powell K, Tariq M, Michaelides M, Bainbridge JWB, Smith AJ, Pearson RA, Gonzalez-Cordero A, Ali RR. Restoration of visual function in advanced disease after transplantation of purified human pluripotent stem cell-derived cone photoreceptors. Cell Rep 2021; 35:109022. [PMID: 33882303 PMCID: PMC8065177 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration and other macular diseases result in the loss of light-sensing cone photoreceptors, causing irreversible sight impairment. Photoreceptor replacement may restore vision by transplanting healthy cells, which must form new synaptic connections with the recipient retina. Despite recent advances, convincing evidence of functional connectivity arising from transplanted human cone photoreceptors in advanced retinal degeneration is lacking. Here, we show restoration of visual function after transplantation of purified human pluripotent stem cell-derived cones into a mouse model of advanced degeneration. Transplanted human cones elaborate nascent outer segments and make putative synapses with recipient murine bipolar cells (BCs), which themselves undergo significant remodeling. Electrophysiological and behavioral assessments demonstrate restoration of surprisingly complex light-evoked retinal ganglion cell responses and improved light-evoked behaviors in treated animals. Stringent controls exclude alternative explanations, including material transfer and neuroprotection. These data provide crucial validation for photoreceptor replacement therapy and for the potential to rescue cone-mediated vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Ribeiro
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | | | - Emma L West
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | | | - Monica F Martins
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | | | - Aura Hare
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Mark Basche
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Milan Fernando
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Debbie Goh
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Neeraj Jumbo
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Matteo Rizzi
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Kate Powell
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Menahil Tariq
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | | | | | - Alexander J Smith
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Rachael A Pearson
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | | | - Robin R Ali
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK; Kellogg Eye Centre, University of Michigan, 1000 Wall St., Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA.
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Moreno-Leon L, West EL, O’Hara-Wright M, Li L, Nair R, He J, Anand M, Sahu B, Chavali VRM, Smith AJ, Ali RR, Jacobson SG, Cideciyan AV, Khanna H. RPGR isoform imbalance causes ciliary defects due to exon ORF15 mutations in X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP). Hum Mol Genet 2021; 29:3706-3716. [PMID: 33355362 PMCID: PMC7823108 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) cause severe retinal ciliopathy, X-linked retinitis pigmentosa. Although two major alternatively spliced isoforms, RPGRex1-19 and RPGRORF15, are expressed, the relative importance of these isoforms in disease pathogenesis is unclear. Here, we analyzed fibroblast samples from eight patients and found that all of them form longer cilia than normal controls, albeit to different degrees. Although all mutant RPGRORF15 messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are unstable, their steady-state levels were similar or higher than those in the control cells, suggesting there may be increased transcription. Three of the fibroblasts that had higher levels of mutant RPGRORF15 mRNA also exhibited significantly higher levels of RPGRex1-19 mRNA. Four samples with unaltered RPGRex1-19 levels carried mutations in RPGRORF15 that resulted in this isoform being relatively less stable. Thus, in all cases, the RPGRex1-19/RPGRORF15 isoform ratio was increased, and this was highly correlative to the cilia extension defect. Moreover, overexpression of RPGRex1-19 (mimicking the increase in RPGRex1-19 to RPGRORF15 isoform ratio) or RPGRORF15 (mimicking reduction of the ratio) resulted in significantly longer or shorter cilia, respectively. Notably, the cilia length defect appears to be attributable to both the loss of the wild-type RPGRORF15 protein and to the higher levels of the RPGRex1-19 isoform, indicating that the observed defect is due to the altered isoform ratios. These results suggest that maintaining the optimal RPGRex1-9 to RPGRORF15 ratio is critical for cilia growth and that designing strategies that focus on the best ways to restore the RPGRex1-19/RPGRORF15 ratio may lead to better therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Moreno-Leon
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, UMass Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Emma L West
- Division of Molecular Therapy, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9El, UK
| | | | - Linjing Li
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, UMass Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Rohini Nair
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jie He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Manisha Anand
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, UMass Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Bhubanananda Sahu
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, UMass Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | | | - Alexander J Smith
- Division of Molecular Therapy, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9El, UK
| | - Robin R Ali
- Division of Molecular Therapy, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9El, UK
| | - Samuel G Jacobson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Artur V Cideciyan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hemant Khanna
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, UMass Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
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5
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Abstract
Degenerative retinal disease is the major cause of sight loss in the developed world and currently there is a lack of effective treatments. As the loss of vision is directly the result of the loss of retinal cells, effective cell replacement through stem-cell-based therapies may have the potential to treat a great number of retinal diseases whatever their underlying etiology. The eye is an ideal organ to develop cell therapies as it is immune privileged, and modern surgical techniques enable precise delivery of cells to the retina. Furthermore, a range of noninvasive diagnostic tests and high-resolution imaging techniques facilitate the evaluation of any therapeutic intervention. In this review, we evaluate the progress to date of current cell therapy strategies for retinal repair, focusing on transplantation of pluripotent stem-cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L West
- Division of Molecular Therapy, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom
| | - Joana Ribeiro
- Division of Molecular Therapy, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom
| | - Robin R Ali
- Division of Molecular Therapy, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom.,Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, USA
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6
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Ovando-Roche P, West EL, Branch MJ, Sampson RD, Fernando M, Munro P, Georgiadis A, Rizzi M, Kloc M, Naeem A, Ribeiro J, Smith AJ, Gonzalez-Cordero A, Ali RR. Use of bioreactors for culturing human retinal organoids improves photoreceptor yields. Stem Cell Res Ther 2018; 9:156. [PMID: 29895313 PMCID: PMC5998504 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-018-0907-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [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: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The use of human pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal cells for cell therapy strategies and disease modelling relies on the ability to obtain healthy and organised retinal tissue in sufficient quantities. Generating such tissue is a lengthy process, often taking over 6 months of cell culture, and current approaches do not always generate large quantities of the major retinal cell types required. Methods We adapted our previously described differentiation protocol to investigate the use of stirred-tank bioreactors. We used immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry and electron microscopy to characterise retinal organoids grown in standard and bioreactor culture conditions. Results Our analysis revealed that the use of bioreactors results in improved laminar stratification as well as an increase in the yield of photoreceptor cells bearing cilia and nascent outer-segment-like structures. Conclusions Bioreactors represent a promising platform for scaling up the manufacture of retinal cells for use in disease modelling, drug screening and cell transplantation studies. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13287-018-0907-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Ovando-Roche
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Emma L West
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Matthew J Branch
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Robert D Sampson
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Milan Fernando
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Peter Munro
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Anastasios Georgiadis
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Matteo Rizzi
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Magdalena Kloc
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Arifa Naeem
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Joana Ribeiro
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Alexander J Smith
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Anai Gonzalez-Cordero
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Robin R Ali
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK. .,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, City Road, London, EC1V 2PD, UK.
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7
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Gonzalez-Cordero A, Goh D, Kruczek K, Naeem A, Fernando M, Kleine Holthaus SM, Takaaki M, Blackford SJI, Kloc M, Agundez L, Sampson RD, Borooah S, Ovando-Roche P, Mehat MS, West EL, Smith AJ, Pearson RA, Ali RR. Assessment of AAV Vector Tropisms for Mouse and Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived RPE and Photoreceptor Cells. Hum Gene Ther 2018; 29:1124-1139. [PMID: 29580100 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2018.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated viral vectors are showing great promise as gene therapy vectors for a wide range of retinal disorders. To date, evaluation of therapeutic approaches has depended almost exclusively on the use of animal models. With recent advances in human stem cell technology, stem cell-derived retina now offers the possibility to assess efficacy in human organoids in vitro. Here we test six adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotypes [AAV2/2, AAV2/9, AAV2/8, AAV2/8T(Y733F), AAV2/5, and ShH10] to determine their efficiency in transducing mouse and human pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptor cells in vitro. All the serotypes tested were capable of transducing RPE and photoreceptor cells in vitro. AAV ShH10 and AAV2/5 are the most efficient vectors at transducing both mouse and human RPE, while AAV2/8 and ShH10 achieved similarly robust transduction of human embryonic stem cell-derived cone photoreceptors. Furthermore, we show that human embryonic stem cell-derived photoreceptors can be used to establish promoter specificity in human cells in vitro. The results of this study will aid capsid selection and vector design for preclinical evaluation of gene therapy approaches, such as gene editing, that require the use of human cells and tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anai Gonzalez-Cordero
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Debbie Goh
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Kamil Kruczek
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Arifa Naeem
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Milan Fernando
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Sophia-Martha Kleine Holthaus
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom .,2 MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Matsuki Takaaki
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel J I Blackford
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Magdalena Kloc
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Leticia Agundez
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Robert D Sampson
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Shyamanga Borooah
- 3 Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh , Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick Ovando-Roche
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Manjit S Mehat
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Emma L West
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander J Smith
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Rachael A Pearson
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
| | - Robin R Ali
- 1 Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
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8
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Gonzalez-Cordero A, Kruczek K, Naeem A, Fernando M, Kloc M, Ribeiro J, Goh D, Duran Y, Blackford SJI, Abelleira-Hervas L, Sampson RD, Shum IO, Branch MJ, Gardner PJ, Sowden JC, Bainbridge JWB, Smith AJ, West EL, Pearson RA, Ali RR. Recapitulation of Human Retinal Development from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Generates Transplantable Populations of Cone Photoreceptors. Stem Cell Reports 2017; 9:820-837. [PMID: 28844659 PMCID: PMC5599247 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2017.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [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: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Transplantation of rod photoreceptors, derived either from neonatal retinae or pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), can restore rod-mediated visual function in murine models of inherited blindness. However, humans depend more upon cone photoreceptors that are required for daylight, color, and high-acuity vision. Indeed, macular retinopathies involving loss of cones are leading causes of blindness. An essential step for developing stem cell-based therapies for maculopathies is the ability to generate transplantable human cones from renewable sources. Here, we report a modified 2D/3D protocol for generating hPSC-derived neural retinal vesicles with well-formed ONL-like structures containing cones and rods bearing inner segments and connecting cilia, nascent outer segments, and presynaptic structures. This differentiation system recapitulates human photoreceptor development, allowing the isolation and transplantation of a pure population of stage-matched cones. Purified human long/medium cones survive and become incorporated within the adult mouse retina, supporting the potential of photoreceptor transplantation for treating retinal degeneration. hPSC-derived photoreceptors express markers in a pattern similar to human development 2D/3D differentiation protocol generates sufficient cones for transplantation hPSC-derived cones incorporate into the adult retina following transplantation
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Affiliation(s)
- Anai Gonzalez-Cordero
- Department of Genetics, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Kamil Kruczek
- Department of Genetics, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Arifa Naeem
- Department of Genetics, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Milan Fernando
- Department of Genetics, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Magdalena Kloc
- Department of Genetics, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Joana Ribeiro
- Department of Genetics, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Debbie Goh
- Department of Genetics, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Yanai Duran
- Department of Genetics, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Samuel J I Blackford
- Department of Genetics, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Laura Abelleira-Hervas
- Department of Genetics, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Robert D Sampson
- Department of Genetics, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Ian O Shum
- Department of Genetics, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Matthew J Branch
- Department of Genetics, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Peter J Gardner
- Department of Genetics, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Jane C Sowden
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - James W B Bainbridge
- Department of Genetics, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Alexander J Smith
- Department of Genetics, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Emma L West
- Department of Genetics, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Rachael A Pearson
- Department of Genetics, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Robin R Ali
- Department of Genetics, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, City Road, London EC1V 2PD, UK.
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9
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Lakowski J, Gonzalez-Cordero A, West EL, Han YT, Welby E, Naeem A, Blackford SJI, Bainbridge JWB, Pearson RA, Ali RR, Sowden JC. Transplantation of Photoreceptor Precursors Isolated via a Cell Surface Biomarker Panel From Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Self-Forming Retina. Stem Cells 2015; 33:2469-82. [PMID: 25982268 PMCID: PMC4862023 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [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: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 03/21/2015] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Loss of photoreceptors due to retinal degeneration is a major cause of untreatable blindness. Cell replacement therapy, using pluripotent stem cell-derived photoreceptor cells, may be a feasible future treatment. Achieving safe and effective cell replacement is critically dependent on the stringent selection and purification of optimal cells for transplantation. Previously, we demonstrated effective transplantation of post-mitotic photoreceptor precursor cells labelled by fluorescent reporter genes. As genetically labelled cells are not desirable for therapy, here we developed a surface biomarker cell selection strategy for application to complex pluripotent stem cell differentiation cultures. We show that a five cell surface biomarker panel CD73(+)CD24(+)CD133(+)CD47(+)CD15(-) facilitates the isolation of photoreceptor precursors from three-dimensional self-forming retina differentiated from mouse embryonic stem cells. Importantly, stem cell-derived cells isolated using the biomarker panel successfully integrate and mature into new rod photoreceptors in the adult mouse retinae after subretinal transplantation. Conversely, unsorted or negatively selected cells do not give rise to newly integrated rods after transplantation. The biomarker panel also removes detrimental proliferating cells prior to transplantation. Notably, we demonstrate how expression of the biomarker panel is conserved in the human retina and propose that a similar selection strategy will facilitate isolation of human transplantation-competent cells for therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorn Lakowski
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Section, UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Emma L West
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ya-Ting Han
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Section, UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emily Welby
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Section, UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Arifa Naeem
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Rachael A Pearson
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robin R Ali
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jane C Sowden
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Section, UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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10
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Hippert C, Graca AB, Barber AC, West EL, Smith AJ, Ali RR, Pearson RA. Müller glia activation in response to inherited retinal degeneration is highly varied and disease-specific. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0120415. [PMID: 25793273 PMCID: PMC4368159 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [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: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite different aetiologies, most inherited retinal disorders culminate in photoreceptor loss, which induces concomitant changes in the neural retina, one of the most striking being reactive gliosis by Müller cells. It is typically assumed that photoreceptor loss leads to an upregulation of glial fibrilliary acidic protein (Gfap) and other intermediate filament proteins, together with other gliosis-related changes, including loss of integrity of the outer limiting membrane (OLM) and deposition of proteoglycans. However, this is based on a mix of both injury-induced and genetic causes of photoreceptor loss. There are very few longitudinal studies of gliosis in the retina and none comparing these changes across models over time. Here, we present a comprehensive spatiotemporal assessment of features of gliosis in the degenerating murine retina that involves Müller glia. Specifically, we assessed Gfap, vimentin and chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan (CSPG) levels and outer limiting membrane (OLM) integrity over time in four murine models of inherited photoreceptor degeneration that encompass a range of disease severities (Crb1rd8/rd8, Prph2+/Δ307, Rho-/-, Pde6brd1/rd1). These features underwent very different changes, depending upon the disease-causing mutation, and that these changes are not correlated with disease severity. Intermediate filament expression did indeed increase with disease progression in Crb1rd8/rd8 and Prph2+/Δ307, but decreased in the Prph2+/Δ307 and Pde6brd1/rd1 models. CSPG deposition usually, but not always, followed the trends in intermediate filament expression. The OLM adherens junctions underwent significant remodelling in all models, but with differences in the composition of the resulting junctions; in Rho-/- mice, the adherens junctions maintained the typical rod-Müller glia interactions, while in the Pde6brd1/rd1 model they formed predominantly between Müller cells in late stage of degeneration. Together, these results show that gliosis and its associated processes are variable and disease-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Hippert
- Department of Genetics, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, 11–43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom
| | - Anna B. Graca
- Department of Genetics, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, 11–43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda C. Barber
- Department of Genetics, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, 11–43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom
| | - Emma L. West
- Department of Genetics, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, 11–43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander J. Smith
- Department of Genetics, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, 11–43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom
| | - Robin R. Ali
- Department of Genetics, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, 11–43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, City Road, London, EC1V 2PD, United Kingdom
| | - Rachael A. Pearson
- Department of Genetics, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, 11–43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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11
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Gonzalez-Cordero A, West EL, Pearson RA, Duran Y, Carvalho LS, Chu CJ, Naeem A, Blackford SJI, Georgiadis A, Lakowski J, Hubank M, Smith AJ, Bainbridge JWB, Sowden JC, Ali RR. Photoreceptor precursors derived from three-dimensional embryonic stem cell cultures integrate and mature within adult degenerate retina. Nat Biotechnol 2013. [PMID: 23873086 DOI: 10.1038/nbt.2643]] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Irreversible blindness caused by loss of photoreceptors may be amenable to cell therapy. We previously demonstrated retinal repair and restoration of vision through transplantation of photoreceptor precursors obtained from postnatal retinas into visually impaired adult mice. Considerable progress has been made in differentiating embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in vitro toward photoreceptor lineages. However, the capability of ESC-derived photoreceptors to integrate after transplantation has not been demonstrated unequivocally. Here, to isolate photoreceptor precursors fit for transplantation, we adapted a recently reported three-dimensional (3D) differentiation protocol that generates neuroretina from mouse ESCs. We show that rod precursors derived by this protocol and selected via a GFP reporter under the control of a Rhodopsin promoter integrate within degenerate retinas of adult mice and mature into outer segment-bearing photoreceptors. Notably, ESC-derived precursors at a developmental stage similar to postnatal days 4-8 integrate more efficiently compared with cells at other stages. This study shows conclusively that ESCs can provide a source of photoreceptors for retinal cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anai Gonzalez-Cordero
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Emma L West
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Rachael A Pearson
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Yanai Duran
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Livia S Carvalho
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Colin J Chu
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Arifa Naeem
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Samuel J I Blackford
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Anastasios Georgiadis
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Jorn Lakowski
- Developmental Biology Unit, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH UK
| | - Mike Hubank
- UCL Genomics, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH UK
| | - Alexander J Smith
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - James W B Bainbridge
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Jane C Sowden
- Developmental Biology Unit, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH UK
| | - Robin R Ali
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK.,Molecular Immunology Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH UK
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12
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Gonzalez-Cordero A, West EL, Pearson RA, Duran Y, Carvalho LS, Chu CJ, Naeem A, Blackford SJI, Georgiadis A, Lakowski J, Hubank M, Smith AJ, Bainbridge JWB, Sowden JC, Ali RR. Photoreceptor precursors derived from three-dimensional embryonic stem cell cultures integrate and mature within adult degenerate retina. Nat Biotechnol 2013. [PMID: 23873086 DOI: 10.1038/nbt.2643].] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Irreversible blindness caused by loss of photoreceptors may be amenable to cell therapy. We previously demonstrated retinal repair and restoration of vision through transplantation of photoreceptor precursors obtained from postnatal retinas into visually impaired adult mice. Considerable progress has been made in differentiating embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in vitro toward photoreceptor lineages. However, the capability of ESC-derived photoreceptors to integrate after transplantation has not been demonstrated unequivocally. Here, to isolate photoreceptor precursors fit for transplantation, we adapted a recently reported three-dimensional (3D) differentiation protocol that generates neuroretina from mouse ESCs. We show that rod precursors derived by this protocol and selected via a GFP reporter under the control of a Rhodopsin promoter integrate within degenerate retinas of adult mice and mature into outer segment-bearing photoreceptors. Notably, ESC-derived precursors at a developmental stage similar to postnatal days 4-8 integrate more efficiently compared with cells at other stages. This study shows conclusively that ESCs can provide a source of photoreceptors for retinal cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anai Gonzalez-Cordero
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Emma L West
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Rachael A Pearson
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Yanai Duran
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Livia S Carvalho
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Colin J Chu
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Arifa Naeem
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Samuel J I Blackford
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Anastasios Georgiadis
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Jorn Lakowski
- Developmental Biology Unit, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH UK
| | - Mike Hubank
- UCL Genomics, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH UK
| | - Alexander J Smith
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - James W B Bainbridge
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK
| | - Jane C Sowden
- Developmental Biology Unit, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH UK
| | - Robin R Ali
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL UK.,Molecular Immunology Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH UK
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13
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West EL, Gonzalez-Cordero A, Hippert C, Osakada F, Martinez-Barbera JP, Pearson RA, Sowden JC, Takahashi M, Ali RR. Defining the integration capacity of embryonic stem cell-derived photoreceptor precursors. Stem Cells 2012; 30:1424-35. [PMID: 22570183 PMCID: PMC3580313 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Retinal degeneration is a leading cause of irreversible blindness in the developed world. Differentiation of retinal cells, including photoreceptors, from both mouse and human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), potentially provide a renewable source of cells for retinal transplantation. Previously, we have shown both the functional integration of transplanted rod photoreceptor precursors, isolated from the postnatal retina, in the adult murine retina, and photoreceptor cell generation by stepwise treatment of ESCs with defined factors. In this study, we assessed the extent to which this protocol recapitulates retinal development and also evaluated differentiation and integration of ESC-derived retinal cells following transplantation using our established procedures. Optimized retinal differentiation via isolation of Rax.GFP retinal progenitors recreated a retinal niche and increased the yield of Crx(+) and Rhodopsin(+) photoreceptors. Rod birth peaked at day 20 of culture and expression of the early photoreceptor markers Crx and Nrl increased until day 28. Nrl levels were low in ESC-derived populations compared with developing retinae. Transplantation of early stage retinal cultures produced large tumors, which were avoided by prolonged retinal differentiation (up to day 28) prior to transplantation. Integrated mature photoreceptors were not observed in the adult retina, even when more than 60% of transplanted ESC-derived cells expressed Crx. We conclude that exclusion of proliferative cells from ESC-derived cultures is essential for effective transplantation. Despite showing expression profiles characteristic of immature photoreceptors, the ESC-derived precursors generated using this protocol did not display transplantation competence equivalent to precursors from the postnatal retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L West
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, United Kingdom
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14
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Lange CAK, Luhmann UFO, Mowat FM, Georgiadis A, West EL, Abrahams S, Sayed H, Powner MB, Fruttiger M, Smith AJ, Sowden JC, Maxwell PH, Ali RR, Bainbridge JWB. Von Hippel-Lindau protein in the RPE is essential for normal ocular growth and vascular development. Development 2012; 139:2340-50. [PMID: 22627278 DOI: 10.1242/dev.070813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Molecular oxygen is essential for the development, growth and survival of multicellular organisms. Hypoxic microenvironments and oxygen gradients are generated physiologically during embryogenesis and organogenesis. In the eye, oxygen plays a crucial role in both physiological vascular development and common blinding diseases. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a monolayer of cells essential for normal ocular development and in the mature retina provides support for overlying photoreceptors and their vascular supply. Hypoxia at the level of the RPE is closely implicated in pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration. Adaptive tissue responses to hypoxia are orchestrated by sophisticated oxygen sensing mechanisms. In particular, the von Hippel-Lindau tumour suppressor protein (pVhl) controls hypoxia-inducible transcription factor (HIF)-mediated adaptation. However, the role of Vhl/Hif1a in the RPE in the development of the eye and its vasculature is unknown. In this study we explored the function of Vhl and Hif1a in the developing RPE using a tissue-specific conditional-knockout approach. We found that deletion of Vhl in the RPE results in RPE apoptosis, aniridia and microphthalmia. Increased levels of Hif1a, Hif2a, Epo and Vegf are associated with a highly disorganised retinal vasculature, chorioretinal anastomoses and the persistence of embryonic vascular structures into adulthood. Additional inactivation of Hif1a in the RPE rescues the RPE morphology, aniridia, microphthalmia and anterior vasoproliferation, but does not rescue retinal vasoproliferation. These data demonstrate that Vhl-dependent regulation of Hif1a in the RPE is essential for normal RPE and iris development, ocular growth and vascular development in the anterior chamber, whereas Vhl-dependent regulation of other downstream pathways is crucial for normal development and maintenance of the retinal vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens A K Lange
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Ophthalmology, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK
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15
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Lakowski J, Han YT, Pearson RA, Gonzalez-Cordero A, West EL, Gualdoni S, Barber AC, Hubank M, Ali RR, Sowden JC. Effective transplantation of photoreceptor precursor cells selected via cell surface antigen expression. Stem Cells 2012; 29:1391-404. [PMID: 21774040 DOI: 10.1002/stem.694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases are a major cause of untreatable blindness. Stem cell therapy to replace lost photoreceptors represents a feasible future treatment. We previously demonstrated that postmitotic photoreceptor precursors expressing an NrlGFP transgene integrate into the diseased retina and restore some light sensitivity. As genetic modification of precursor cells derived from stem cell cultures is not desirable for therapy, we have tested cell selection strategies using fluorochrome-conjugated antibodies recognizing cell surface antigens to sort photoreceptor precursors. Microarray analysis of postnatal NrlGFP-expressing precursors identified four candidate genes encoding cell surface antigens (Nt5e, Prom1, Podxl, and Cd24a). To test the feasibility of using donor cells isolated using cell surface markers for retinal therapy, cells selected from developing retinae by fluorescence-activated cell sorting based on Cd24a expression (using CD24 antibody) and/or Nt5e expression (using CD73 antibody) were transplanted into the wild-type or Crb1(rd8/rd8) or Prph2(rd2/rd2) mouse eye. The CD73/CD24-sorted cells migrated into the outer nuclear layer, acquired the morphology of mature photoreceptors and expressed outer segment markers. They showed an 18-fold higher integration efficiency than that of unsorted cells and 2.3-fold higher than cells sorted based on a single genetic marker, NrlGFP, expression. These proof-of-principle studies show that transplantation competent photoreceptor precursor cells can be efficiently isolated from a heterogeneous mix of cells using cell surface antigens without loss of viability for the purpose of retinal stem cell therapy. Refinement of the selection of donorphotoreceptor precursor cells can increase the number of integrated photoreceptor cells,which is a prerequisite for the restoration of sight.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Lakowski
- UCL Institute of Child Health, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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16
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West EL, Pearson RA, Duran Y, Gonzalez-Cordero A, MacLaren RE, Smith AJ, Sowden JC, Ali RR. Manipulation of the recipient retinal environment by ectopic expression of neurotrophic growth factors can improve transplanted photoreceptor integration and survival. Cell Transplant 2012; 21:871-87. [PMID: 22325046 DOI: 10.3727/096368911x623871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Degeneration of the neural retina is the leading cause of untreatable blindness in the developed world. Stem cell replacement therapy offers a novel strategy for retinal repair. Postmitotic photoreceptor precursors derived from the early postnatal (P) retina are able to migrate and integrate into the adult mouse retina following transplantation into the subretinal space, but it is likely that a large number of these cells would be required to restore vision. The adult recipient retina presents a very different environment to that from which photoreceptor precursor donor cells isolated from the developing postnatal retina are derived. Here we considered the possibility that modulation of the recipient environment by ectopic expression of developmentally regulated growth factors, normally present during photoreceptor development, might enhance the migration and integration of transplanted cells into the adult neural retina. Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors were used to introduce three growth factors previously reported to play a role in photoreceptor development, IGF1, FGF2, and CNTF, into the adult retina, prior to transplantation of P4 cells derived from the Nrl.GFP(+ve) neural retina. At 3 weeks posttransplantation the number of integrated, differentiated photoreceptor cells present in AAV-mediated neurotrophic factor-treated eyes was assessed and compared to control treated contralateral eyes. We show, firstly, that it is possible to manipulate the recipient retinal microenvironment via rAAV-mediated gene transfer with respect to these developmentally relevant growth factors. Moreover, when combined with cell transplantation, AAV-mediated expression of IGF1 led to significantly increased levels of cell integration, while overexpression of FGF2 had no significant effect on integrated cell number. Conversely, expression of CNTF led to a significant decrease in cell integration and an exacerbated glial response that led to glial scarring. Together, these findings demonstrate the importance of the extrinsic environment of the recipient retina for photoreceptor cell transplantation and show for the first time that it is possible to manipulate this environment using viral vectors to influence photoreceptor transplantation efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- E L West
- Department of Genetics, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
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17
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Buch PK, Mihelec M, Cottrill P, Wilkie SE, Pearson RA, Duran Y, West EL, Michaelides M, Ali RR, Hunt DM. Dominant cone-rod dystrophy: a mouse model generated by gene targeting of the GCAP1/Guca1a gene. PLoS One 2011; 6:e18089. [PMID: 21464903 PMCID: PMC3065489 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0018089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 12/13/2010] [Accepted: 02/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cone dystrophy 3 (COD3) is a severe dominantly inherited retinal degeneration caused by missense mutations in GUCA1A, the gene encoding Guanylate Cyclase Activating Protein 1 (GCAP1). The role of GCAP1 in controlling cyclic nucleotide levels in photoreceptors has largely been elucidated using knock-out mice, but the disease pathology in these mice cannot be extrapolated directly to COD3 as this involves altered, rather than loss of, GCAP1 function. Therefore, in order to evaluate the pathology of this dominant disorder, we have introduced a point mutation into the murine Guca1a gene that causes an E155G amino acid substitution; this is one of the disease-causing mutations found in COD3 patients. Disease progression in this novel mouse model of cone dystrophy was determined by a variety of techniques including electroretinography (ERG), retinal histology, immunohistochemistry and measurement of cGMP levels. It was established that although retinal development was normal up to 3 months of age, there was a subsequent progressive decline in retinal function, with a far greater alteration in cone than rod responses, associated with a corresponding loss of photoreceptors. In addition, we have demonstrated that accumulation of cyclic GMP precedes the observed retinal degeneration and is likely to contribute to the disease mechanism. Importantly, this knock-in mutant mouse has many features in common with the human disease, thereby making it an excellent model to further probe disease pathogenesis and investigate therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prateek K. Buch
- University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marija Mihelec
- University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Phillippa Cottrill
- University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Susan E. Wilkie
- University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rachael A. Pearson
- University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yanai Duran
- University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emma L. West
- University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michel Michaelides
- University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robin R. Ali
- University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - David M. Hunt
- University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
- School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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18
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West EL, Pearson RA, Barker SE, Luhmann UFO, Maclaren RE, Barber AC, Duran Y, Smith AJ, Sowden JC, Ali RR. Long-term survival of photoreceptors transplanted into the adult murine neural retina requires immune modulation. Stem Cells 2011; 28:1997-2007. [PMID: 20857496 DOI: 10.1002/stem.520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Stem cell therapy presents an opportunity to replace photoreceptors that are lost as a result of inherited and age-related degenerative disease. We have previously shown that murine postmitotic rod photoreceptor precursor cells, identified by expression of the rod-specific transcription factor Nrl, are able to migrate into and integrate within the adult murine neural retina. However, their long-term survival has yet to be determined. Here, we found that integrated Nrl.gfp(+ve) photoreceptors were present up to 12 months post-transplantation, albeit in significantly reduced numbers. Surviving cells had rod-like morphology, including inner/outer segments and spherule synapses. In a minority of eyes, we observed an early, marked reduction in integrated photoreceptors within 1 month post-transplantation, which correlated with increased numbers of amoeboid macrophages, indicating acute loss of transplanted cells due to an inflammatory response. In the majority of transplants, similar numbers of integrated cells were observed between 1 and 2 months post-transplantation. By 4 months, however, we observed a significant decrease in integrated cell survival. Macrophages and T cells were present around the transplantation site, indicating a chronic immune response. Immune suppression of recipients significantly increased transplanted photoreceptor survival, indicating that the loss observed in unsuppressed recipients resulted from T cell-mediated host immune responses. Thus, if immune responses are modulated, correctly integrated transplanted photoreceptors can survive for extended periods of time in hosts with partially mismatched H-2 haplotypes. These findings suggest that autologous donor cells are optimal for therapeutic approaches to repair the neural retina, though with immune suppression nonautologous donors may be effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L West
- Department of Genetics, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
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19
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Georgiadis A, Tschernutter M, Bainbridge JWB, Balaggan KS, Mowat F, West EL, Munro PMG, Thrasher AJ, Matter K, Balda MS, Ali RR. The tight junction associated signalling proteins ZO-1 and ZONAB regulate retinal pigment epithelium homeostasis in mice. PLoS One 2010; 5:e15730. [PMID: 21209887 PMCID: PMC3012699 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0015730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [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: 07/30/2010] [Accepted: 11/22/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-cell adhesion regulates the development and function of epithelia by providing mechanical support and by guiding cell proliferation and differentiation. The tight junction (TJ) protein zonula occludens (ZO)-1 regulates cell proliferation and gene expression by inhibiting the activity of the Y-box transcription factor ZONAB in cultured epithelial cells. We investigated the role of this TJ-associated signalling pathway in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in vivo by lentivirally-mediated overexpression of ZONAB, and knockdown of its cellular inhibitor ZO-1. Both overexpression of ZONAB or knockdown of ZO-1 resulted in increased RPE proliferation, and induced ultrastructural changes of an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like phenotype. Electron microscopy analysis revealed that transduced RPE monolayers were disorganised with increased pyknosis and monolayer breaks, correlating with increased expression of several EMT markers. Moreover, fluorescein angiography analysis demonstrated that the increased proliferation and EMT-like phenotype induced by overexpression of ZONAB or downregulation of ZO-1 resulted in RPE dysfunction. These findings demonstrate that ZO-1 and ZONAB are critical for differentiation and homeostasis of the RPE monolayer and may be involved in RPE disorders such as proliferative vitroretinopathy and atrophic age-related macular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasios Georgiadis
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Molecular Immunology Unit, UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marion Tschernutter
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - James W. B. Bainbridge
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kamaljit S. Balaggan
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Freya Mowat
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emma L. West
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter M. G. Munro
- Electron Microscopy Unit, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian J. Thrasher
- Molecular Immunology Unit, UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Karl Matter
- Department of Cell Biology, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria S. Balda
- Department of Cell Biology, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robin R. Ali
- Department of Genetics, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Molecular Immunology Unit, UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Pearson RA, Barber AC, West EL, MacLaren RE, Duran Y, Bainbridge JW, Sowden JC, Ali RR. Targeted disruption of outer limiting membrane junctional proteins (Crb1 and ZO-1) increases integration of transplanted photoreceptor precursors into the adult wild-type and degenerating retina. Cell Transplant 2010; 19:487-503. [PMID: 20089206 DOI: 10.3727/096368909x486057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Diseases culminating in photoreceptor loss are a major cause of untreatable blindness. Transplantation of rod photoreceptors is feasible, provided donor cells are at an appropriate stage of development when transplanted. Nevertheless, the proportion of cells that integrate into the recipient outer nuclear layer (ONL) is low. The outer limiting membrane (OLM), formed by adherens junctions between Müller glia and photoreceptors, may impede transplanted cells from migrating into the recipient ONL. Adaptor proteins such as Crumbs homologue 1 (Crb1) and zona occludins (ZO-1) are essential for localization of the OLM adherens junctions. We investigated whether targeted disruption of these proteins enhances donor cell integration. Transplantation of rod precursors in wild-type mice achieved 949 +/- 141 integrated cells. By contrast, integration is significantly higher when rod precursors are transplanted into Crb1(rd8/rd8) mice, a model of retinitis pigmentosa and Lebers congenital amaurosis that lacks functional CRB1 protein and displays disruption of the OLM (7,819 +/- 1,297; maximum 15,721 cells). We next used small interfering (si)RNA to transiently reduce the expression of ZO-1 and generate a reversible disruption of the OLM. ZO-1 knockdown resulted in similar, significantly improved, integration of transplanted cells in wild-type mice (7,037 +/- 1,293; maximum 11,965 cells). Finally, as the OLM remains largely intact in many retinal disorders, we tested whether transient ZO-1 knockdown increased integration in a model of retinitis pigmentosa, the rho(-/-) mouse; donor cell integration was significantly increased from 313 +/- 58 cells without treatment to 919 +/- 198 cells after ZO-1 knockdown. This study shows that targeted disruption of OLM junctional proteins enhances integration in the wild-type and degenerating retina and may be a useful approach for developing photoreceptor transplantation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Pearson
- Department of Genetics, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK.
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West EL, Pearson RA, Tschernutter M, Sowden JC, MacLaren RE, Ali RR. Pharmacological disruption of the outer limiting membrane leads to increased retinal integration of transplanted photoreceptor precursors. Exp Eye Res 2008; 86:601-11. [PMID: 18294631 PMCID: PMC2394572 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2008.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2007] [Revised: 12/21/2007] [Accepted: 01/03/2008] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Retinal degeneration is the leading cause of untreatable blindness in the developed world. Cell transplantation strategies provide a novel therapeutic approach to repair the retina and restore sight. Previously, we have shown that photoreceptor precursor cells can integrate and form functional photoreceptors after transplantation into the subretinal space of the adult mouse. In a clinical setting, however, it is likely that far greater numbers of integrated photoreceptors would be required to restore visual function. We therefore sought to assess whether the outer limiting membrane (OLM), a natural barrier between the subretinal space and the outer nuclear layer (ONL), could be reversibly disrupted and if disruption of this barrier could lead to enhanced numbers of transplanted photoreceptors integrating into the ONL. Transient chemical disruption of the OLM was induced in adult mice using the glial toxin, dl-alpha-aminoadipic acid (AAA). Dissociated early post-natal neural retinal cells were transplanted via subretinal injection at various time-points after AAA administration. At 3 weeks post-injection, the number of integrated, differentiated photoreceptor cells was assessed and compared with those found in the PBS-treated contralateral eye. We demonstrate for the first time that the OLM can be reversibly disrupted in adult mice, using a specific dose of AAA administered by intravitreal injection. In this model, OLM disruption is maximal at 72 h, and recovers by 2 weeks. When combined with cell transplantation, disruption of the OLM leads to a significant increase in the number of photoreceptors integrated within the ONL compared with PBS-treated controls. This effect was only seen in animals in which AAA had been administered 72 h prior to transplantation, i.e. when precursor cells were delivered into the subretinal space at a time coincident with maximal OLM disruption. These findings suggest that the OLM presents a physical barrier to photoreceptor integration following transplantation into the subretinal space in the adult mouse. Reversible disruption of the OLM may provide a strategy for increasing cell integration in future therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- E L West
- Division of Molecular Therapy, University College London, Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
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Abstract
Bumble bees are known to prefer symmetrical over asymmetrical flowers and bilateral over radial flower types. This study examined the basis of these preferences in three experiments with artificial flowers. The first experiment showed that flower-naive worker bees (Bombus impatiens) displayed no innate preference for symmetrical over asymmetrical or bilateral over radial flowers in choice tests. The second experiment tested whether bees showed a learning or memory bias for symmetrical over asymmetrical rewarding flowers when foraging on arrays of either bilateral or radial flower types. There was no evidence that bees learned or remembered symmetrical rewarding flowers better than asymmetrical rewarding flowers. The percentage of visits to rewarding flowers during test runs for bees foraging on arrays with bilateral flowers was consistently greater than on arrays with radial flowers. A third experiment examined the effect of nectar-guide symmetry on flower-handling and travel times. Bees were tested on homogeneous arrays with bilateral or radial flowers of either symmetrical or asymmetrical shapes and with symmetrical, asymmetrical, or no nectar guides. Guide symmetry had no effect on flower-handling or travel times. However, bees handled symmetrical flowers about 20% faster than asymmetrical flowers and bilateral flowers about 45% faster than radial flowers; travel times of bees on arrays with bilateral flowers were about 2.5 times faster than travel times of bees foraging on arrays of radial flowers.
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