isolating mouse lens epithelial cells to study lens-related disorders

Culture et caractérisation de cellules épithéliales du cristallin

The lens of the eye plays a crucial role in vision by focusing incoming light onto the retina. It consists of a transparent, avascular structure composed of specialized cells, among which lens epithelial cells (LECs) are key players. LECs are located at the anterior surface of the lens and are responsible for maintaining its transparency, regulating water balance, and participating in lens growth and development1,2. LECs are a unique type of cells located at the anterior part of the lens, playing a critical role in maintaining lens clarity and function by continuously producing lens fibers throughout life.
Cataracts are characterized by the progressive clouding of the lens, resulting in the distortion and scattering of light, leading to compromised vision3,4. The precise mechanisms underlying cataract formation are complex and multifactorial, involving various cellular and molecular processes such as UV radiation, oxidative damage, and glycation5,6. LECs have been found to contribute significantly to the development of cataracts, making them a vital focus of research1,2,7,8,9.
Furthermore, one of the most pressing issues in ophthalmology today is the relatively high incidence of posterior capsule opacification (PCO), also known as secondary cataract. PCO remains the most common complication after cataract surgery, affecting up to 20-40% of adult patients and 100% of children within 5 years post surgery10. PCO is primarily caused by the residual LECs that remain in the capsular bag following cataract extraction. These cells undergo a multifaceted pathophysiological transformation involving not only epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) but also the differentiation of LECs to lens fibers, resulting in a cell population that is a mixture of LECs, fibers, and myofibroblasts11,12,13. The transformed cells proliferate and migrate across the posterior lens capsule, leading to visual impairment. Understanding the behavior and control mechanisms of LECs in culture models can provide valuable insights into the prevention and management of PCO. Therefore, this protocol of culturing LECs presents a vital tool for ophthalmic researchers aiming to study, understand, and ultimately combat this prevalent postoperative complication.
To unravel the intricacies of LEC biology and its role in cataract formation and PCO, it is essential to establish robust and reproducible in vitro primary cell culture systems. Primary LEC culture provides researchers with a controlled environment to study the functions, signaling, and molecular characteristics of LECs. Furthermore, it allows for the investigation of cellular processes and the effects of different experimental conditions, providing valuable insights into lens physiology and pathology.
Prior research has enriched our understanding of LEC culture techniques14,15,16,17,18,19,20. Although these studies have employed various methodologies and yielded significant findings on LEC behavior and characteristics, a comprehensive and accessible video recording protocol for culturing LECs is absent in the current literature. This limitation can hinder novice researchers&#39; ability to accurately reproduce the techniques and can lead to inconsistencies and variations in experimental results. By providing a video recording protocol, this research paper aims to bridge this gap and provide a standardized resource that can enhance reproducibility and facilitate knowledge transfer in the field of LEC culture.

Pleins feux sur l’auteur : Percer les secrets de la cataracte – Étude des enzymes de réparation redox dans les cellules épithéliales du cristallin

Optimisation de la culture de cellules épithéliales primaires du cristallin de souris : un guide complet de la trypsinisation

Our research objective is to explore the underlying causes of cataracts with a particular emphasis on the function of redox repair enzymes. Our aim is to identify the critical role this enzyme play in lens protection, and to establish their potential as drug targets for cataract prevention and treatment. Among many exciting technologies, our research uses lens epithelial cells as a foundational platform.This approach is critical for unraveling the mechanism behind cataract formation, posterior capsule opacification, and the discovery of new anti-cataract drugs. Moving forward, we will focus on understanding the impact of antioxidant enzymes and aging on lens functionality. Our goal is to discover innovative antioxidant treatments that can delay lens aging, prevent cataracts, and provide effective intervention for PCO.

Isolement des cellules épithéliales du cristallin de souris pour étudier les troubles liés au cristallin

Pour commencer, positionnez la souris euthanasiée sur la plate-forme chirurgicale. Utilisez des ciseaux chirurgicaux pour retirer délicatement ses paupières. Ensuite, à l’aide d’une pince à épiler incurvée, appliquez une légère pression sur les côtés opposés de l’orbite, ce qui fait saillir l’œil vers l’extérieur.Utilisez le couteau de la cataracte pour faire une incision soigneuse sur la cornée et utilisez une pince à épiler incurvée pour extraire soigneusement le cristallin. Ensuite, à l’aide d’une pince à épiler incurvée avec des pointes émoussées, transférez les lentilles dans une boîte de culture en plastique de 60 millimètres contenant cinq millilitres de DPBS stérile et de gentamicine. Rincer délicatement les lentilles avec une solution DPBS contenant de la gentamicine.Une fois le processus de rinçage terminé, placez l’objectif sur un morceau de papier filtre et laissez-le sécher. Une fois que la lentille est bien sèche, transférez-la soigneusement sur le couvercle d’une boîte de Pétri pour préparer le retrait de la capsule de lentille. Faites ensuite pivoter la lentille vers le haut, en vous assurant que le segment antérieur est orienté vers le haut.Tout en tenant la capsule antérieure avec une pince à épiler, utilisez une pince à capsulorhexis dans la main dominante pour créer une petite déchirure. Tirez doucement les deux outils dans des directions opposées pour retirer la capsule. Placez la capsule dans DPBS jusqu’à ce que toutes les dissections du cristallin soient terminées.Ensuite, transférez soigneusement la capsule de lentille sur une plaque à six puits. Ajouter un millilitre de solution de trypsine à 0,05 % dans chaque puits pour lancer le processus de digestion enzymatique. Agitez doucement la solution de trypsine pour assurer une perméation uniforme.Placez la plaque dans un incubateur de culture cellulaire et laissez la capsule digérer pendant huit à 10 minutes à 37 degrés Celsius. Utilisez ensuite des ciseaux à dissection pour hacher soigneusement la capsule de lentille digérée afin de favoriser la séparation cellulaire. Ajouter 0,5 millilitre du milieu de culture contenant 10 % de FBS pour tremper la trypsine.Transférer les échantillons de tissus dans un tube de centrifugation et centrifuger à 1000 G pendant cinq minutes. Retirez délicatement le surnageant sans perturber la pastille cellulaire. Utilisez un millilitre de milieu de culture pour remettre les cellules en suspension et ensemencer les cellules dans une plaque de 24 puits.L’image de contraste en phase des cellules épithéliales du cristallin en culture a montré qu’entre le troisième et le cinquième jour, les cellules ont commencé leur phase de prolifération. Des phases de croissance rapide et de prolifération logarithmique ont pu être observées entre le septième et le 10e jour.

isolating-mouse-lens-epithelial-cells-to-study-lens-related-disorders

Research

JoVE Journal

Biology

Isolating Mouse Lens Epithelial Cells to Study Lens-Related Disorders

Optimizing Mouse Primary Lens Epithelial Cell Culture: A Comprehensive Guide to Trypsinization

Lens epithelial cells (LECs) play multiple important roles in maintaining the homeostasis and normal function of the lens. LECs determine lens growth, development, size, and transparency. Conversely, dysfunctional LECs can lead to cataract formation and posterior capsule opacification (PCO). Consequently, establishing a robust primary LEC culture system is important to researchers engaged in lens development, biochemistry, cataract therapeutics, and PCO prevention. However, cultivating primary LECs has long presented challenges due to their limited availability, slow proliferation rate, and delicate nature. 
This study addresses these hurdles by presenting a comprehensive protocol for primary LEC culture. The protocol encompasses essential steps such as the formulation of an optimized culture medium, precise isolation of lens capsules, trypsinization techniques, subculture procedures, harvest protocols, and guidelines for storage and shipment. Throughout the culture process, cell morphology was monitored using phase-contrast microscopy. 
To confirm the authenticity of the cultured LECs, immunofluorescence assays were conducted to detect the presence and subcellular distribution of critical lens proteins, namely &#945;A- and &#947;-crystallins. This detailed protocol equips researchers with a valuable resource for cultivating and characterizing primary LECs, enabling advancements in our comprehension of lens biology and the development of therapeutic strategies for lens-related disorders.

This manuscript outlines a detailed video protocol for culturing primary lens epithelial cells (LECs), aiming to improve reproducibility and aid research in cataracts and posterior capsule opacification (PCO). It offers step-by-step instructions on lens dissection, LECs isolation, and validation, serving as a valuable guide, especially for newcomers in the field.

Lens epithelial cells (LECs) play multiple important roles in maintaining the homeostasis and normal function of the lens. LECs determine lens growth, ...