Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Meri Vattulainen, Tanja Ilmarinen, Taina Viheriala, Vilma Jokinen, Heli Skottman
Summary: Functional limbal stem cells (LSCs) were successfully differentiated from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), showing similar marker expression and wound healing capacity to tissue-derived LSCs. Post-thaw hPSC-LSCs exhibited a robust response to the injury-associated signal mediator ATP and demonstrated higher wound healing capacity compared to tissue-derived LSCs.
STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jos G. A. Smits, Dulce Lima Cunha, Maryam Amini, Marina Bertolin, Camille Laberthonniere, Jieqiong Qu, Nicholas Owen, Lorenz Latta, Berthold Seitz, Lauriane N. Roux, Tanja Stachon, Stefano Ferrari, Mariya Moosajee, Daniel Aberdam, Nora Szentmary, Simon J. van Heeringen, Huiqing Zhou
Summary: This study uses multiomics and gene regulatory network analysis to compare the limbal stem cells that maintain the cornea with keratinocytes which maintain the skin, revealing an intriguing interplay of transcription factors that drive epithelial similarities and differences in health and disease.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mingsen Li, Huaxing Huang, Lingyu Li, Chenxi He, Liqiong Zhu, Huizhen Guo, Li Wang, Jiafeng Liu, Siqi Wu, Jingxin Liu, Tao Xu, Zhen Mao, Nan Cao, Kang Zhang, Fei Lan, Junjun Ding, Jin Yuan, Yizhi Liu, Hong Ouyang
Summary: This study reveals that adult stem cell identity and homeostasis are regulated by lineage-restricted transcriptional regulatory networks, with an emphasis on the critical roles of RUNX1 and SMAD3 in maintaining corneal epithelial identity and homeostasis. Furthermore, the cooperation of RUNX1, PAX6, and SMAD3 establishes a core transcription regulatory circuitry for governing lineage-specific cis-regulatory atlas in limbal stem/progenitor cells.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Faxiang Xu, Chunhao Deng, Zhili Ren, Liangyu Sun, Ya Meng, Weiwei Liu, Jianbo Wan, Guokai Chen
Summary: Exogenous lipids such as LPA can influence the metabolism of pluripotent stem cells and induce distinct phenotypes and transcriptome profiles in the cells, altering their primed state.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Kazunori Bando, Hiromi Yamashita, Motomu Tsumori, Hayase Minoura, Koji Okumura, Fumiyuki Hattori
Summary: This study developed an all-in-one automated culture machine that can efficiently expand human pluripotent stem cells and differentiate them into various cell types. This would facilitate the social implementation of human pluripotent stem cells and contribute to the standardization of the entire handling processes.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mingsen Li, Liqiong Zhu, Jiafeng Liu, Huaxing Huang, Huizhen Guo, Li Wang, Lingyu Li, Sijie Gu, Jieying Tan, Jing Zhong, Bowen Wang, Zhen Mao, Yong Fan, Chunqiao Liu, Jin Yuan, Hong Ouyang
Summary: The co-expression of FOXC1 and PAX6 in human corneal epithelium suggests a potential regulatory mechanism for corneal development. FOXC1 deficiency leads to activation of keratinization pathway and reprogramming of corneal epithelial cells, disrupting collagen metabolic process and interferon signaling pathways, ultimately linking to corneal ulceration.
SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION AND TARGETED THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Brenda Bakker, Rianne D. W. Vaes, Merel R. Aberle, Tessa Welbers, Thomas Hankemeier, Sander S. Rensen, Steven W. M. Olde Damink, Ron M. A. Heeren
Summary: This protocol describes how to prepare organoid samples for mass spectrometry imaging, which is a powerful analytical method for detecting a wide variety of molecules in a single experiment while retaining their spatiotemporal distribution.
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Keiichiro Uehara, Michiyo Koyanagi-Aoi, Takahiro Koide, Tomoo Itoh, Takashi Aoi
Summary: This study reports the generation of gastric organoids with gastric marker-expressing epithelium from human pluripotent stem cells. It was found that epithelium development occurs prior to muscularis mucosa formation, and Sonic hedgehog (SHH) and TGF-fl1 play a role in this process. Inhibition of HH and TGF-fl signaling prevents subepithelial muscularis mucosa formation. Mechanical properties of the substrate and TGF-fl signaling were shown to influence the emergence of muscularis mucosa in human stomach tissue.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Marine Verhulsel, Anthony Simon, Moencopi Bernheim-Dennery, Venkata Ram Gannavarapu, Lauriane Geremie, Davide Ferraro, Denis Krndija, Laurence Talini, Jean-Louis Viovy, Danijela Matic Vignjevic, Stephanie Descroix
Summary: A new gut on chip model has been developed for co-culture of primary epithelial and stromal cells, mimicking the structure and topography of the mouse gut. The collagen scaffold is rigidified by threose-based post-polymerization treatment to maintain its structure and cytocompatibility. Mouse organoids deposited into crypts are able to epithelialize the scaffold and form a polarized epithelial monolayer, demonstrating proper cell segregation along the crypt-villus axis. Fluid shear stress application allows long-term culture of the intestinal epithelium in this biomimetic tool.
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Akihiro Yamashita, Hiroyuki Yoshitomi, Shunsuke Kihara, Junya Toguchida, Noriyuki Tsumaki
Summary: This study demonstrated that hiPSCs could form cartilage on Matrigel but not on laminin 511-E8, with differences observed in cell morphology and YAP activity. Transient knockdown of YAP around the start of chondrogenic differentiation successfully addressed the issue of cartilage formation from hiPSCs on laminin 511-E8.
STEM CELLS TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Junqi Kuang, Ziwei Zhai, Pengli Li, Ruona Shi, Wenjing Guo, Yuxiang Yao, Jing Guo, Guoqing Zhao, Jiangpin He, Shuyang Xu, Chuman Wu, Shengyong Yu, Chunhua Zhou, Linlin Wu, Yue Qin, Baomei Cai, Wei Li, Zichao Wu, Xiaoxi Li, Shilong Chu, Tingting Yang, Bo Wang, Shangtao Cao, Dongwei Li, Xiaofei Zhang, Jiekai Chen, Jing Liu, Duanqing Pei
Summary: The transition from pluripotent to somatic states is controlled by SS18, which forms microscopic condensates in nuclei through a unique tyrosine-based mechanism. The N-terminal 70 amino acids of SS18 interact with the BAF complex, playing a crucial role in the transition process.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Baoqi Sun, Timur Bikkuzin, Xuran Li, Yan Shi, Hong Zhang
Summary: CE dysfunction can be treated through corneal transplantation, but issues such as global cornea shortage and graft failure still exist, highlighting the need for finding an alternative to CE.
STEM CELLS AND DEVELOPMENT
(2021)
Article
Ophthalmology
Maria Teresa Ortiz-Melo, Maria Jimena Garcia-Murillo, Victor Manuel Salazar-Rojas, Jorge E. Campos, Federico Castro-Munozledo
Summary: By analyzing the differentiation stages of rabbit corneal epithelial cells using the RCE1(5T5) cell line, distinct gene signatures and markers were identified, shedding light on the regulatory mechanisms of differentiated phenotype expression. The study revealed the involvement of various transcription factors and signaling pathways in the process of corneal differentiation, providing valuable insights for further research on epithelial cell differentiation.
EXPERIMENTAL EYE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Preeti Ashok, Emmanuel S. Tzanakakis
Summary: The study suggests that exosomes from cardiomyocyte lineage-induced pluripotent stem cells contain proteins linked to the specification process, enhancing the efficiency of cardiomyocyte formation.
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Thais Maria da Mata Martins, Juliana Lott de Carvalho, Pricila da Silva Cunha, Dawidson Assis Gomes, Alfredo Miranda de Goes
Summary: Up to 40% of donor corneas are unsuitable for transplantation, but decellularized corneas can potentially be used as carriers for induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to differentiate into corneal epithelial cells (CE) without the need for soluble induction factors.
STEM CELL REVIEWS AND REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Nuria Nieto-Nicolau, Eva M. Martinez-Conesa, Sherezade Fuentes-Julian, Francisco Arnalich-Montiel, Ignacio Garcia-Tunon, Maria P. De Miguel, Ricardo P. Casaroli-Marano
Summary: Research has shown that AT-MSC treated with different media have varying effects on treating LSCD, as different media can alter the paracrine secretion of AT-MSC, thus impacting their performance in terms of corneal transparency, neovascularization, and histologic reconstruction.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Julia Vallverdu, Raquel A. Martinez Garcia de la Torre, Inge Mannaerts, Stefaan Verhulst, Ayla Smout, Mar Coll, Silvia Arino, Teresa Rubio-Tomas, Beatriz Aguilar-Bravo, Celia Martinez-Sanchez, Delia Blaya, Catherine M. Verfaillie, Leo A. van Grunsven, Pau Sancho-Bru
Summary: Human iPSCs are differentiated into HSCs with growth factors for in vitro modeling. The protocol yields iPSC-HSCs with phenotypic and functional characteristics of primary HSCs, suitable for high-throughput in vitro studies. Coculturing iPSC-HSCs with hepatocytes allows for the formation of 3D hepatic spheroids, enabling modeling and drug screening studies.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Mariana Matioli da Palma, Fabiana Louise Motta, Mariana Vallim Salles, Caio Henrique Marques Texeira, Andre V. Gomes, Ricardo Casaroli-Marano, Juliana Maria Ferraz Sallum
Summary: Bietti crystalline dystrophy, associated with CYP4V2 variations, was studied in patients with typical and atypical forms. A new genotype and phenotype were identified in this disorder, expanding the understanding of the disease.
Article
Ophthalmology
Noelia Sabater-Cruz, Marc Figueras-Roca, Miriam Ferran-Fuertes, Elba Agusti, Eva M. Martinez-Conesa, Maria Luisa Perez-Rodriguez, Anna Vilarrodona, Ricardo P. Casaroli-Marano
Summary: AMEED shows promising results in treating ocular surface diseases such as dry eye, persistent epithelial defect, and corneal ulcers. Despite effectiveness in severe cases, conclusions are limited due to lack of controlled clinical trials. Success rate is high at 94.4% with no reported adverse events.
INTERNATIONAL OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ophthalmology
Yuslay Fernandez Zamora, Luciana Peixoto Finamor, Luci Meire P. Silva, Denise S. Rodrigues, Ricardo P. Casaroli-Marano, Cristina Muccioli
Summary: This study evaluated the clinical features and management of presumed ocular tuberculosis. Results showed that patients with concomitant oral prednisone during anti-tuberculosis therapy were associated with higher recurrence rates, while the majority of patients achieved cure or remission after completing follow-up.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Noelia Sabater-Cruz, Eva Martinez-Conesa, Anna Vilarrodona, Ricardo P. Casaroli-Marano
Summary: The study found that the new lyophilized amniotic membrane (LAM) presentation is a viable alternative for ocular use after nasal pterygium excision surgery, with good tolerability and effectiveness. The surgical manipulation of LAM was easy due to its stiffness, and there were no discomfort symptoms post-surgery. However, there is still room for improvement in terms of cosmetic outcomes.
CELL AND TISSUE BANKING
(2022)
Article
Ophthalmology
Javier Zarranz-Ventura, Alba Parrado-Carrillo, Vuong Nguyen, Laura Sararols, Gonzaga Garay-Aramburu, Martin Puzo, Carolina Arruabarrena, Marc Figueras-Roca, Mark C. Gillies, Ricardo P. Casaroli-Marano
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the visual outcomes of neovascular AMD treated with anti-VEGF drugs at the national level. The results showed that the baseline visual acuity was lower in previously treated eyes compared to treatment naive eyes. The study drugs used included ranibizumab, aflibercept, and bevacizumab. The number of injections and visits also influenced the visual outcomes.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ophthalmology
Yuslay Fernandez-Zamora, Luciana Peixoto Finamor, Luci Meire P. Silva, Denise S. Rodrigues, Ricardo P. Casaroli-Marano, Cristina Muccioli
Summary: Combining TST and IGRA is more effective in assessing the diagnosis of OTB. The real value of the IGRA test in predicting recurrences needs further study.
OCULAR IMMUNOLOGY AND INFLAMMATION
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Ingmar Mederacke, Aveline Filliol, Silvia Affo, Ajay Nair, Celine Hernandez, Qiuyan Sun, Florian Hamberger, Francesco Brundu, Yu Chen, Aashreya Ravichandra, Peter Huebener, Helena Anke, Hongxue Shi, Raquel A. Martinez Garcia de la Torre, James R. Smith, Neil C. Henderson, Florian W. R. Vondran, Carla Rothlin, Heike Baehre, Ira Tabas, Pau Sancho-Bru, Robert F. Schwabe
Summary: The study identifies P2Y14 ligands and receptors as a profibrogenic DAMP pathway that directly links cell death to fibrogenesis.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gerard Munoz-Pujol, Socorro Alforja-Castiella, Ricardo Casaroli-Marano, Blai Morales-Romero, Judit Garcia-Villoria, Vicente A. Yepez, Julien Gagneur, Mirjana Gusic, Holger Prokisch, Frederic Tort, Antonia Ribes
Summary: Peroxisomal biogenesis disorders (PBDs) are a group of heterogeneous genetic diseases characterized by impaired peroxisomal pathways. Very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA) serve as the main biomarkers for diagnosing PBDs. The clinical presentation of PBDs can vary, ranging from severe, multisystemic disorders to milder, late-onset diseases. This study successfully diagnosed a patient presenting with retinal dystrophy using a combined approach of whole exome sequencing (WES) and RNA-seq. The patient was found to be compound heterozygous for mutations in the PEX1 gene and exhibited altered levels of lysosphosphatidylcholines (LPC) containing specific species.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francisco Bandeira, Gustavo Teixeira Grottone, Joyce Luciana Covre, Priscila Cardoso Cristovam, Renata Ruoco Loureiro, Francisco Irochima Pinheiro, Ricardo Pedro Casaroli-Marano, Waleska Donato, Jose Alvaro Pereira Gomes
Summary: Cell injection therapy is emerging as an alternative for the treatment of corneal endothelial dysfunction and to prevent corneal scarring. This study describes a standardized culture procedure for human corneal endothelial cells and assesses the efficacy of different cell delivery systems in ex vivo and in vivo models. The results show that cultured HCECs can improve corneal edema and opacity, and both delivery systems are comparable for CED treatment and prevention of corneal scarring.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Irene Andres-Blasco, Alex Gallego-Martinez, Ximena Machado, Javier Cruz-Espinosa, Salvatore Di Lauro, Ricardo Casaroli-Marano, Victor Alegre-Ituarte, Jose Fernando Arevalo, Maria Dolores Pinazo-Duran
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the molecules related to oxidative stress, inflammation, angiogenesis, and apoptosis in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and diabetic macular edema (DME). By investigating their correlation in the plasma and vitreous body, as well as examining ophthalmological examination data, the study found that oxidative stress and inflammation were increased in the plasma and vitreous samples from patients with PDR/DME, while antioxidant capacity was decreased. The study suggests that exploring the relationship between these potential biomarkers in the plasma and vitreous may help detect early molecular changes in PDR/DME and monitor therapeutic outcomes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
N. Sabater-Cruz, M. Figueras-Roca, E. M. Martinez-Conesa, A. Vilarrodona, R. P. Casaroli-Marano
Summary: This study evaluated the surgical outcomes of pterygium surgery using two different amniotic membrane preservation approaches (lyophilized and cryopreserved). The results showed that cryopreserved amniotic membrane surgery had a slightly higher recurrence rate, but no significant differences were found in aesthetics and symptoms compared to lyophilized amniotic membrane surgery. Therefore, lyophilized amniotic membrane surgery can be considered a legitimate alternative to cryopreserved amniotic membrane surgery.
JOURNAL FRANCAIS D OPHTALMOLOGIE
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Karine Koller, Kimble Matos Teixeira Fonseca, Kelsy N. Areco, Yuslay Fernandez-Zamora, Luci Meire Pereira Silva, Ricardo Pedro Casaroli-Marano, Cicero Galli Coimbra, Cristina Muccioli
Summary: This study explored the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and intraocular inflammation in patients with autoimmune uveitis (AIU). It was found that the majority of AIU patients had significantly lower levels of vitamin D, and those with active uveitis had lower levels compared to those with inactive uveitis. The study also suggested that low vitamin D levels may affect the clinical course of AIU, and a higher BMI increased the chances of having active uveitis.
OCULAR IMMUNOLOGY AND INFLAMMATION
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Patricia Lopez-Chicon, Tatiana Riba-Tietz, Oscar Farinas, Pablo-Eduardo Gelber, Ricardo-Pedro Casaroli-Marano, Anna Vilarrodona
Summary: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of fluorescence confocal microscopy and flow cytometry in evaluating the viability of chondrocytes in osteochondral allografts, and to ensure the reproducibility and robustness of the analysis.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2022)
