Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Elena Daniele, Lorenzo Bosio, Noor Ahmed Hussain, Barbara Ferrari, Stefano Ferrari, Vanessa Barbaro, Brian McArdle, Nicolo Rassu, Marco Mura, Francesco Parmeggiani, Diego Ponzin
Summary: Recent clinical studies indicate the potential of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell replacement therapy in preserving vision in retinal degenerative diseases. This study aimed to investigate the survival and behavior of human embryonic stem cell-derived RPE (hESC-RPE) cells on a decellularized Descemet's Membrane (DM), which could be a suitable substrate for retinal cell therapy.
Article
Cell Biology
Shi-Ying Li, Yong Liu, Lei Wang, Fang Wang, Tong-Tao Zhao, Qi-You Li, Hai-Wei Xu, Xiao-Hong Meng, Jie Hao, Qi Zhou, Liu Wang, Zheng-Qin Yin
Summary: The study evaluated the long-term biosafety and efficacy of hESC-RPE cell transplantation in early-stage STGD1 patients, showing improved visual function and good safety. However, further research is needed to select proper subjects.
CELL PROLIFERATION
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Jinying Li, Chen Qiu, Yang Wei, Weixin Yuan, Jia Liu, Wenyu Cui, Jiayi Zhou, Cong Qiu, Lihe Guo, Liquan Huang, Zhen Ge, Luyang Yu
Summary: Human amniotic epithelial stem cells can differentiate into RPE like cells with the help of trichostatin A and nicotinamide, showing potential therapeutic effects for age-related macular degeneration. Subretinal transplantation of these cells in RCS rats resulted in rescued visual function and retinal structure.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Ioannis J. Limnios, Yu-Qian Chau, Stuart J. Skabo, Denver C. Surrao, Helen C. O'Neill
Summary: This study developed a rapid and efficient method for producing retinal RPE cells from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) using small molecules. The RPE cells exhibited key morphological, molecular, and functional characteristics of endogenous RPE, showing potential for clinical-grade cell production to treat AMD.
STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Laurence Klipfel, Marie Cordonnier, Lea Thiebault, Emmanuelle Clerin, Frederic Blond, Geraldine Millet-Puel, Saddek Mohand-Said, Olivier Goureau, Jose-Alain Sahel, Emeline F. Nandrot, Thierry Leveillard
Summary: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a blinding disease with limited treatment options, and researchers have discovered a rare allele in the SLC16A8 gene that may be associated with vision impairments through genetic studies.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cody R. Fisher, Mara C. Ebeling, Zhaohui Geng, Rebecca J. Kapphahn, Heidi Roehrich, Sandra R. Montezuma, James R. Dutton, Deborah A. Ferrington
Summary: This study evaluated the treatment response of haRPE and iPSC-RPE to oxidative stress and potential therapeutics for mitochondrial defects. The results showed disease-specific responses in haRPE, while iPSC-RPE had similar responses regardless of disease status. Analysis of cells generated from the same donor showed a similar response for donors without AMD, but significant differences in treatment response between cell models from AMD donors.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Hytti, Eveliina Korhonen, Heidi Hongisto, Kai Kaarniranta, Heli Skottman, Anu Kauppinen
Summary: The study showed that iPSC-RPE cells from AMD patients exhibit increased secretion of IL-1β and reduced levels of IL-6 and MCP-1 when protein clearance was partially inhibited. This suggests that dysfunctional cellular clearance mechanisms may already be present in cells originating from AMD patients, leading to inflammasome activation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Haibin Tian, Zhiyang Chen, Xiaoman Zhu, Qingjian Ou, Zhe Wang, Binxin Wu, Jing-Ying Xu, Caixia Jin, Furong Gao, Juan Wang, Jingfa Zhang, Jieping Zhang, Lixia Lu, Guo-Tong Xu
Summary: This study demonstrates that transforming RPE cells with anti-EMT properties can avoid the risk of EMT after transplantation and may provide a suitable candidate for AMD treatment.
Article
Cell Biology
Elke K. Markert, Holger Klein, Coralie Viollet, Werner Rust, Benjamin Strobel, Stefan G. Kauschke, Bar Makovoz, Heike Neubauer, Remko A. Bakker, Timothy A. Blenkinsop
Summary: This study examines the mature state and characteristics of RPE cells derived from different sources. The results show that induced pluripotent stem cell-derived RPE cells are more similar to adult primary RPE cells in terms of gene expression and characteristics, while the ARPE-19 line is different. The study also finds that iPSC-RPE cells are more sensitive to epithelial-mesenchymal transition and aggregate formation compared to ahRPE cells.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bhav Harshad Parikh, Paul Blakeley, Kakkad Regha, Zengping Liu, Binxia Yang, Mayuri Bhargava, Daniel Soo Lin Wong, Queenie Shu Woon Tan, Claudine See Wei Wong, Hao Fei Wang, Abdurrahmaan Al-Mubaarak, Chai Chou, Chui Ming Gemmy Cheung, Kah Leong Lim, Veluchamy Amutha Barathi, Walter Hunziker, Gopal Lingam, Tim Xiaoming Hu, Xinyi Su
Summary: Transplantation of stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells is a potential treatment for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, there is limited understanding of how the recipient retina regulates the survival and maturation of transplanted RPE cells. In this study, we transplanted stem cell-derived RPE into rabbits and analyzed their gene expression, finding that the transplanted RPE cells retained their identity and showed maturation towards the normal RPE state. Transcription factors FOS, JUND, and MAFF were activated in the transplanted RPE cells and played important roles in regulating gene expression related to supporting host photoreceptor function and promoting cell survival.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Hyunchae Sim, Wonhwa Lee, Samyeol Choo, Eui Kyun Park, Moon-Chang Baek, In-Kyu Lee, Dong Ho Park, Jong-Sup Bae
Summary: A study evaluated the protective effects of SFN from cruciferous vegetables against PM2.5-induced oxidative damage, showing that SFN effectively alleviates oxidative damage in human ARPE-19 cells via its antioxidant effects.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Ting Zhang, Xianyu Huang, Sujun Liu, Xinyue Bai, Xinyue Zhu, Dennis O. Clegg, Mei Jiang, Xiaodong Sun
Summary: This study investigated the cryopreservation of hESC-derived RPE cells and found that freezing the cells at passage 2 day 5 (P2D5) resulted in the best post-thawing outcome in terms of cell viability and preservation of RPE cell properties and functions. The RNA-sequencing analysis identified key pathways and molecules associated with RPE cell freezing tolerance. The findings provide valuable insights for further research in this area.
STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sofia Ranta-aho, Niina Piippo, Eveliina Korhonen, Kai Kaarniranta, Maria Hytti, Anu Kauppinen
Summary: The study found that TAS-116 could prevent the activation of caspase-1, subsequently reducing the release of mature IL-1 beta. TAS-116 has a better in vitro therapeutic index than geldanamycin. In summary, TAS-116 appears to be a well-tolerated Hsp90 inhibitor, with the capability to prevent the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in human RPE cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Masahiro Miura, Shuichi Makita, Yoshiaki Yasuno, Takuya Iwasaki, Shinnosuke Azuma, Toshihiro Mino, Tatsuo Yamaguchi
Summary: The study quantitatively evaluated retinal pigment epithelium changes in patients with age-related macular degeneration using prototype multi-contrast optical coherence tomography. The results showed that multi-contrast OCT is useful for objective evaluation of changes in the retinal pigment epithelium.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Biju B. Thomas, Bin Lin, Juan Carlos Martinez-Camarillo, Danhong Zhu, Bryce T. McLelland, Gabriel Nistor, Hans S. Keirstead, Mark S. Humayun, Magdalene J. Seiler
Summary: The study demonstrates a cellular therapy for irreversible retinal eye injuries using a total retina patch consisting of retinal photoreceptor progenitor sheets and healthy RPE cells, which was transplanted into immunodeficient Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats at advanced stages of retinal degeneration. The novel approach showed structural reconstruction of the severely damaged retina, long-term survival of the co-graft in the rat subretinal space, improvement in visual function, and growth of new photoreceptors and neuronal processes integrated into the host retina. This new therapy could be considered for complete replacement of a degenerated retina.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Mona J. Albargothy, Nadhira N. Azizah, Sarah L. Stewart, Evan P. Troendle, David H. W. Steel, Tim M. Curtis, Michael J. Taggart
Summary: The retina is a complex structure with various cells that work together for vision. The retinal capillaries form a neurovascular unit (NVU) consisting of neural, glial, and vascular elements. NVU is essential for regulating blood flow in response to changes in the environment, and its dysfunction is associated with diseases like diabetic retinopathy. This study utilizes advanced imaging techniques to analyze the 3D structure of NVU in mouse retinal capillaries, providing valuable insights into its composition and potential implications for structural integrity and function.
JOURNAL OF ANATOMY
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Samar Yahya, Claire E. L. Smith, James A. Poulter, Martin McKibbin, Gavin Arno, Jamie Ellingford, Kati Kampjarvi, Muhammad Khan, Frans P. M. Cremers, Alison J. Hardcastle, Bruce Castle, David H. W. Steel, Andrew R. Webster, Graeme C. Black, Mohammed E. El-Asrag, Manir Ali, Carmel Toomes, Chris F. Inglehearn
Summary: The purpose of this study was to characterize the phenotype observed in a case series with macular disease and determine the cause. Through ophthalmic examination and genetic sequencing, it was found that all patients carried the same gene deletion that caused late-onset macular disease.
Article
Ophthalmology
Noemi Lois, Christina Campbell, Norman Waugh, Augusto Azuara-Blanco, Mandy Maredza, Hema Mistry, Danny McAuley, Nachiketa Acharya, Tariq M. Aslam, Clare Bailey, Victor Chong, Louise Downey, Haralabos Eleftheriadis, Samia Fatum, Sheena George, Faruque Ghanchi, Markus Groppe, Robin Hamilton, Geeta Menon, Ahmed Saad, Sobha Sivaprasad, Marianne Shiew, David H. Steel, James Stephen Talks, Paul Doherty, Cliona McDowell, Mike Clarke
Summary: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness of subthreshold micropulse laser (SML) and standard laser (SL) for diabetic macular edema (DME) with central retinal thickness (CRT) < 400 μm. The results showed that SML therapy was equivalent to SL therapy and required slightly more laser treatments.
Article
Ophthalmology
Alasdair N. Warwick, Katie Curran, Barbra Hamill, Kelsey Stuart, Anthony P. Khawaja, Paul J. Foster, Andrew J. Lotery, Michael Quinn, Savita Madhusudhan, Konstantinos Balaskas, Tunde Peto
Summary: This study describes the grading methods and baseline characteristics for UK Biobank participants who underwent retinal imaging, and characterizes individuals with retinal features suggestive of age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and retinopathy. The results provide important insights into both ocular and systemic health.
Article
Ophthalmology
Boon Lin Teh, Mohaimen Al-Zubaidy, Roxane J. Hillier, David H. Steel
Article
Ophthalmology
Timothy H. M. Fung, Neville C. R. A. John, Jean-Yves Guillemaut, David Yorston, David Frohlich, David H. W. Steel, Tom H. Williamson
Summary: This study developed an automated deep learning model to predict the anatomical outcome of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgery. By using a large dataset of digital images, the model was able to accurately predict the surgical outcome.
GRAEFES ARCHIVE FOR CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Michalis Georgiou, Anthony G. Robson, Katarina Jovanovic, Thales A. C. de Guimaraes, Naser Ali, Nikolas Pontikos, Sami H. Uwaydat, Omar A. Mahroo, Michael E. Cheetham, Andrew R. Webster, Alison J. Hardcastle, Michel Michaelides
Summary: The study reviews and describes the clinical course, functional and anatomic characteristics of RP2-associated retinal degeneration. The majority of patients presented with early-onset severe retinal degeneration, early macular involvement, and complete loss of the foveal photoreceptor layer by the third decade of life. Full-field ERGs revealed rod-cone dystrophy in the vast majority, but with generalized (peripheral) cone system involvement of widely varying severity in the first 2 decades of life.
Article
Pathology
Enrico Cristante, Sidath E. Liyanage, Alexander J. Smith, Robin R. Ali, James W. B. Bainbridge
Summary: The study reveals that HIF1a promotes RPE degeneration and choroidal neovascularization in CreTrp1 mice, while HIF2a has a protective effect.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Daphne L. McCulloch, Michael Bach, Mitchell Brigell, Hoover Chan, Ruth Hamilton, Chris Hogg, J. Vernon Odom, Anthony G. Robson
Summary: This document developed by ISCEV provides guidance for calibrating and verifying stimulus and recording systems in clinical electrophysiology of vision. It supersedes earlier guidelines and provides additional information for those using ISCEV Standards and Extended protocols. The ISCEV Board of Directors approved the ISCEV guidelines for calibration and verification of stimuli and recording instruments (2023 update) on March 1, 2023.
DOCUMENTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Peter Taylor, Rathie Rajendram, Stephanie Hanna, Victoria Wilson, Julie Pell, Chunhei Li, Anne Cook, Rao Gattamaneni, Nicholas Plowman, Sue Jackson, Robert Hills, Robert French, Jimmy M. Uddin, Richard W. J. Lee, Colin M. Dayan
Summary: Graves orbitopathy is a disabling and disfiguring disease. The long-term outcomes of a clinical trial showed that after three years, there was no additional benefit for patients who received azathioprine or radiotherapy. Although clinical activity score, ophthalmopathy index, and total eye score improved over three years, quality of life remained poor and a high percentage of patients required surgery.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Pankaja Dhoble, Anthony G. G. Robson, Andrew R. R. Webster, Michel Michaelides
Summary: This study describes three cases with clinical changes consistent with Best vitelliform macular dystrophy (BVMD), however, unusually associated with autosomal recessive inheritance. Detailed ophthalmic workup and genetic analysis revealed biallelic variants in the BEST1 gene in all three cases. The parents of one case were phenotypically normal, while the parents of the other two cases were heterozygous for the same missense variant.
OPHTHALMIC GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Mahsa Vali, Behzad Nazari, Saeed Sadri, Elias Khalili Pour, Hamid Riazi-Esfahani, Hooshang Faghihi, Nazanin Ebrahimiadib, Momeneh Azizkhani, Will Innes, David H. H. Steel, Anya Hurlbert, Jenny C. A. Read, Rahele Kafieh
Summary: This paper presents an artificial intelligence-based algorithm for automated segmentation of Choroidal Neovascularization (CNV) areas and identification of CNV activity criteria in OCTA images. The proposed algorithm includes pre-processing and segmentation of CNVs using a modified U-Net network, as well as binary classification networks for evaluating different activity criteria. Results show high accuracies for segmentation and classification, indicating that the AI-based algorithm allows reliable detection and assessment of CNV features from OCTA alone.
Article
Ophthalmology
Thales A. C. de Guimaraes, Michalis Georgiou, Anthony G. Robson, Kaoru Fujinami, Ajoy Vincent, Fadi Nasser, Samer Khateb, Omar A. Mahroo, Nikolas Pontikos, Mauricio E. Vargas, Alberta A. H. J. Thiadens, Emanuel R. de Carvalho, Xuan-Than-An Nguyen, Gavin Arno, Yu Fujinami-Yokokawa, Xiao Liu, Kazushige Tsunoda, Takaaki Hayashi, Belen Jimenez-Rolando, Maria Inmaculada Martin-Merida, Almudena Avila-Fernandez, Ester Carreno Salas, Blanca Garcia-Sandoval, Carmen Ayuso, Dror Sharon, Susanne Kohl, Rachel M. Huckfeldt, Eyal Banin, Mark E. Pennesi, Arif O. Khan, Bernd Wissinger, Andrew R. Webster, Elise Heon, Camiel J. F. Boon, Eberhard Zrenner, Michel Michaelides
Summary: This study investigated the genotype-phenotype associations in patients with KCNV2 retinopathy. The results showed that patients with missense variants had better best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and greater structural integrity.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Shaun M. Leo, Magella M. Neveu, Patrick Yu-Wai-Man, Omar A. Mahroo, Anthony G. Robson
Summary: This study aims to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the photopic negative response (PhNR) elicited by red-blue and white-white stimuli for the detection of retinal ganglion cell dysfunction. The results suggest that PhNRs to red flashes on a blue background may be more sensitive than those to white flashes.
DOCUMENTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Emilia Bober, Kristina Frain, Majid Fotuhi, Jonathan Virgo, Edward Hindle, Jianfei Ma, Joshua Luis, Peter Addison, Narciss Okhravi, William Tucker, Mark Westcott, Carlos Pavesio, Richard Lee, Ian Yeung