This study is supported by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Overseas Research Fellowships (S.G.), a Loris and David Rich Postdoctoral Scholar (S.G.), and a grant from the National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health (R01EY012392; C.F.W.).

All animal care and treatments used in this study conformed to the ARVO Statement for the Use of Animals in Ophthalmic and Vision Research. The experimental protocols were approved by the Animal Care and Use Committee of the University of California, Berkeley.
1. Enucleation of the guinea pig eye
<ol>
	<li>Euthanize a guinea pig&#160;with an intracardiac injection of sodium pentobarbital delivered under anesthesia (5% isoflurane in oxygen).</li>
	<li>Enucleate the eyes with ...

<ol>
	<li>Strauss, O. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+retinal+pigment+epithelium+in+visual+function.">The retinal pigment epithelium in visual function.</a> Physiological Reviews. 85 (3), 845-881 (2005).</li><li>Amram, B., Cohen-Tayar, Y., David, A., Ashery-Padan, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+retinal+pigmented+epithelium+-+from+basic+developmental+biology+research+to+translational+approaches.">The retinal pigmented epithelium - from basic developmental biology research to translational approaches.</a> The International Journal of Developmental Biology. 61 (3-4-5), 225-234 (2017).</li><li>Goto, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Neural+retina-specific+Aldh1a1+controls+dorsal+choroidal+vascular+development+via+Sox9+expression+in+retinal+pigment+epithelial+cells.">Neural retina-specific Aldh1a1 controls dorsal choroidal vascular development via Sox9 expression in retinal pigment epithelial cells.</a> Elife. 7, 32358 (2018).</li><li>Rymer, J., Wildsoet, C. F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+role+of+the+retinal+pigment+epithelium+in+eye+growth+regulation+and+myopia:+A+review.">The role of the retinal pigment epithelium in eye growth regulation and myopia: A review.</a> Visual Neuroscience. 22 (3), 251-261 (2005).</li><li>Wallman, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Moving+the+retina:+Choroidal+modulation+of+refractive+state.">Moving the retina: Choroidal modulation of refractive state.</a> Vision Research. 35 (1), 37-50 (1995).</li><li>Wu, H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Scleral+hypoxia+is+a+target+for+myopia+control.">Scleral hypoxia is a target for myopia control.</a> Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 115 (30), 7091-7100 (2018).</li><li>Troilo, D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Imi+-+Report+on+experimental+models+of+emmetropization+and+myopia.">Imi - Report on experimental models of emmetropization and myopia.</a> Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science. 60 (3), 31-88 (2019).</li><li>Jiang, X., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Violet+light+suppresses+lens-induced+myopia+via+neuropsin+(OPN5)+in+mice.">Violet light suppresses lens-induced myopia via neuropsin (OPN5) in mice.</a> Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 118 (22), e2018840118 (2021).</li><li>Zhang, Y., Wildsoet, C. F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=RPE+and+choroid+mechanisms+underlying+ocular+growth+and+myopia.">RPE and choroid mechanisms underlying ocular growth and myopia.</a> Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science. 134, 221-240 (2015).</li><li>Jager, R. D., Mieler, W. F., Miller, J. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Age-related+macular+degeneration.">Age-related macular degeneration.</a> New England Journal of Medicine. 358 (24), 2606-2617 (2008).</li><li>McLeod, D. S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Relationship+between+RPE+and+choriocapillaris+in+age-related+macular+degeneration.">Relationship between RPE and choriocapillaris in age-related macular degeneration.</a> Investigative Opthalmology and Visual Science. 50 (10), 4982 (2009).</li><li>Bhutto, I., Lutty, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Understanding+age-related+macular+degeneration+(AMD):+Relationships+between+the+photoreceptor/retinal+pigment+epithelium/Bruch's+membrane/choriocapillaris+complex.">Understanding age-related macular degeneration (AMD): Relationships between the photoreceptor/retinal pigment epithelium/Bruch's membrane/choriocapillaris complex.</a> Molecular Aspects of Medicine. 33 (4), 295-317 (2012).</li><li>Shelton, L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Microarray+analysis+of+choroid/RPE+gene+expression+in+marmoset+eyes+undergoing+changes+in+ocular+growth+and+refraction.">Microarray analysis of choroid/RPE gene expression in marmoset eyes undergoing changes in ocular growth and refraction.</a> Molecular Vision. 14, 1465-1479 (2008).</li><li>Wang, S., Liu, S., Mao, J., Wen, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Effect+of+retinoic+acid+on+the+tight+junctions+of+the+retinal+pigment+epithelium-choroid+complex+of+guinea+pigs+with+lens-induced+myopia+in+vivo.">Effect of retinoic acid on the tight junctions of the retinal pigment epithelium-choroid complex of guinea pigs with lens-induced myopia in vivo.</a> International Journal of Molecular Medicine. 33 (4), 825-832 (2014).</li><li>He, L., Frost, M. R., Siegwart, J. T., Norton, T. T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Altered+gene+expression+in+tree+shrew+retina+and+retinal+pigment+epithelium+produced+by+short+periods+of+minus-lens+wear.">Altered gene expression in tree shrew retina and retinal pigment epithelium produced by short periods of minus-lens wear.</a> Experimental Eye Research. 168 (3), 77-88 (2018).</li><li>Nickla, D. L., Wallman, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+multifunctional+choroid.">The multifunctional choroid.</a> Progress in Retinal and Eye Research. 29 (2), 144-168 (2010).</li><li>Zhang, Y., Liu, Y., Wildsoet, C. F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Bidirectional,+optical+sign-dependent+regulation+of+BMP2+gene+expression+in+chick+retinal+pigment+epithelium.">Bidirectional, optical sign-dependent regulation of BMP2 gene expression in chick retinal pigment epithelium.</a> Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science. 53 (10), 6072-6080 (2012).</li><li>Xin-Zhao Wang, C., Zhang, K., Aredo, B., Lu, H., Ufret-Vincenty, R. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Novel+method+for+the+rapid+isolation+of+RPE+cells+specifically+for+RNA+extraction+and+analysis.">Novel method for the rapid isolation of RPE cells specifically for RNA extraction and analysis.</a> Experimental Eye Research. 102 (1), 1-9 (2012).</li><li>Goto, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Gene+expression+signatures+of+contact+lens-induced+myopia+in+guinea+pig+retinal+pigment+epithelium.">Gene expression signatures of contact lens-induced myopia in guinea pig retinal pigment epithelium.</a> Investigative Opthalmology and Visual Science. 63 (9), 25 (2022).</li><li>De Schaepdrijver, L., Simoens, P., Lauwers, H., De Geest, J. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Retinal+vascular+patterns+in+domestic+animals.">Retinal vascular patterns in domestic animals.</a> Research in Veterinary Science. 47 (1), 34-42 (1989).</li><li>Araki, H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Base-resolution+methylome+of+retinal+pigment+epithelial+cells+used+in+the+first+trial+of+human+induced+pluripotent+stem+cell-based+autologous+transplantation.">Base-resolution methylome of retinal pigment epithelial cells used in the first trial of human induced pluripotent stem cell-based autologous transplantation.</a> Stem Cell Reports. 13 (4), 761-774 (2019).</li><li>Sonoda, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+protocol+for+the+culture+and+differentiation+of+highly+polarized+human+retinal+pigment+epithelial+cells.">A protocol for the culture and differentiation of highly polarized human retinal pigment epithelial cells.</a> Nature Protocols. 4 (5), 662-673 (2009).</li><li>Fernandez-Godino, R., Garland, D. L., Pierce, E. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Isolation,+culture+and+characterization+of+primary+mouse+RPE+cells.">Isolation, culture and characterization of primary mouse RPE cells.</a> Nature Protocols. 11 (7), 1206-1218 (2016).</li></ol>

In this article, we describe a method for isolating RPE, appropriate for RPE gene expression analyses, from the eyes of young, pigmented guinea pigs. The merits of this protocol are that it yields high-quality RPE samples that are relatively free from contamination, with&#160;RNA suitably preserved for RNA-specific analyses and, yet, is relatively simple and efficient. While in the example provided here, the RPE samples were collected from the eyes of a young (2 weeks old)&#160;guinea pig, the protocol has also been used...

The RPE comprises a unique monolayer of pigmented cells located between the neural retina and the vascular choroid, and the RPE has well-recognized roles in the development and maintenance of normal retinal function, including phototransduction1,2. More recently, the RPE has been assigned an additional key role in eye growth regulation3 and, thus, the development of myopia4. This assignment is based on the RPE&#39;s critical location,&#160;interposed between the retina and choroid and the now broad acceptance that eye growth and, thus, refractive errors are regulated locally5. The RPE is believed to play a key role as a signal relay, linking the retina, the assumed source of growth modulatory signals, to the choroid and sclera, the two targets of the relayed signals6,7,8.
The increase in axial length that characterizes most myopia cannot be considered benign, with pathophysiological changes involving the retina, choroid, and/or sclera representing unavoidable and now well-recognized consequences of excessive ocular elongation7,9. In this context, the RPE is perhaps the most vulnerable, since, being a nonmitotic tissue, it is only able to accommodate the expanding vitreous chamber by the stretching and thinning of individual cells. While its role in myopia-related pathologies, such as myopic macular degeneration, is yet to be fully understood, the RPE has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of other retinal diseases, including geographic atrophy, one of the leading causes of blindness, which is associated with documented abnormalities in the retina, RPE, and choroid10,11,12.
The successful isolation of RPE cells, free from contamination from adjacent ocular tissues, potentially opens up many research opportunities to gain new insights into the mechanisms underlying a variety of eye/retinal diseases. However, the isolation of the RPE has proven challenging, with many published studies making use of combined retina/RPE or RPE/choroid samples for this reason13,14,15. Studies involving the successful isolation of the RPE of a quality suitable for molecular biology studies has been limited to chick and mouse eyes16,17. For example, the simultaneous RPE isolation and RNA stabilization (SRIRS) method described by Wang et al.18. To isolate RPE cells in mice does not appear to work well in guinea pig eyes. The protocol described here represents a refinement of an approach that was initially prototyped with tree shrew eyes by one of the authors (M.F.) and has proven to yield high-quality RPE samples, appropriate for RNA and other molecular biology analyses, from the eyes of young pigmented guinea pigs19.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>1 mL Syringe with Slip Tip</td>
			<td>Bd Vacutainer Labware Medical</td>
			<td>22-253-260</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2-Mercaptoethanol</td>
			<td>Invitrogen</td>
			<td>21985-023</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>6 Well Tissue Culture Plate with Lid, Flat Bottom, Sterile</td>
			<td>pectrum Chemical Mfg. Corp</td>
			<td>970-95008</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>12 Well Tissue Culture Plate with Lid, Individual, Sterile</td>
			<td>Thomas Scientific LLC</td>
			<td>1198D72</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>automated electrophoresis to check RNA quality</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Balanced Salt Solutions</td>
			<td>Gibco</td>
			<td>10010031</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bonn Micro Forceps, Straight Smooth, 0.3 mm Tip, 7 cm</td>
			<td>Fine Science Tools, Inc.</td>
			<td>11083-07</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dumont forceps no. 5</td>
			<td>ROBOZ</td>
			<td>RS-5045</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hypodermic disposable needles</td>
			<td>Exelint International, Co.</td>
			<td>26419</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hypodermic disposable needles</td>
			<td>Exelint International, Co.</td>
			<td>26437</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>MiniSpin Microcentrifuges</td>
			<td>Eppendorf</td>
			<td>540108</td>
			<td>Max. Speed: 8,000 g</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>RNAlater Stabilization Solution</td>
			<td>Invitrogen</td>
			<td>AM7020</td>
			<td>tissue storage reagent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>RNeasy Mini kits</td>
			<td>Qiagen</td>
			<td>74104</td>
			<td>RNA isolation kit</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Student Vannas Spring Scissors</td>
			<td>Fine Science Tools, Inc.</td>
			<td>91500-09</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

isolation of retinal pigment epithelial cells from guinea pig eyes

This protocol describes the isolation of cells of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) from the eyes of young pigmented guinea pigs for potential application in molecular biology studies, including gene expression analyses. In the context of eye growth regulation and myopia, the RPE likely plays a role as a cellular relay for growth modulatory signals, as it is located between the retina and the two walls of the eye, such as the choroid and sclera. While protocols for isolating the RPE have been developed for both chicks and mice, these protocols have proven not to be directly translatable to the guinea pig, which has become an important and widely used mammalian myopia model. In this study, molecular biology tools were used to examine the expression of specific genes to confirm that the samples were free of contamination from the adjacent tissues. The value of this protocol has already been demonstrated in an RNA-Seq study of RPE from young pigmented guinea pigs exposed to myopia-inducing optical defocus. Beyond eye growth regulation, this protocol has other potential applications in studies of retinal diseases, including myopic maculopathy, one of the leading causes of blindness in myopes, in which the RPE has been implicated. The main advantage of this technique is that it is relatively simple and&#160;once perfected, yields high-quality RPE samples suitable for molecular biology studies, including RNA analysis.

The analysis of the RPE samples collected using the above protocol showed well-preserved RNA (RIN &#62;8.0, Figure 2B), with 240.2 ng &#177; 35.1 ng per eye (n = 8, NanoDrop, Figure 2B). To further evaluate the quality of the isolated RPE samples, particularly the absence of choroidal and scleral contaminants, we examined the expression of representative genes for each of the latter tissues in the RPE samples19. The RPE samples demonstrat...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Isolation of Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells from Guinea Pig Eyes at JoVE.com

Isolation of Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells from Guinea Pig Eyes

We describe a simple and efficient method for isolating cells of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells from the eyes of young pigmented guinea pigs. This procedure allows for follow-up molecular biology studies on the isolated RPE, including gene expression analyses.

This protocol describes the isolation of cells of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) from the eyes of young pigmented guinea pigs for potential ...

Retinal pigment epithelium or RPE is critical for the retinal health. And studying the isolated RPE is crucial for the retinal disease. This method of RPE isolation from the guinea pig, a popular myopia model, aids in solving the challenging problem.The main advantage of this technique is that it is relatively simple and yield high-quality RPE sample suitable for the biological molecular studies including the RPE analysis. By perfectly following the technique demonstrated and observing how to manipulate the dissecting tools, one can master this procedure quickly with some practice. After humanely euthanizing the guinea pig and enucleating the animal's eyes, immediately wash the eyes by transferring them to a 10 centimeter Petri dish containing sterile phosphate buffered saline or PBS.After washing, transfer the eyes to fresh PBS solution. Now working under a dissecting microscope, use an 18 gauge needle to make an initial small opening in the sclera of one eye, approximately one millimeter behind the limbal boundary between the cornea and sclera. Using scissors, remove the anterior segment, including the cornea, iris, ciliary body, and crystalline lens.Then working with a remaining posterior ocular segment, use forceps to grasp and gently tug on the zonule of Zinn, followed by detaching the retina from RPE/choroid/sclera complex, and peeling away the retina without fragmentation. After the retina has been completely removed, immerse the remaining posterior eye cup, which includes the RPE, choroid, and sclera in one of the wells of a 12-well plate containing two milliliters of tissue storage reagent and keep it immersed for five minutes. To rinse away the storage reagent, transfer the eye cup to another well filled with four milliliters of PBS for 10 seconds before moving it to a third well filled with two milliliters of PBS.Before proceeding to the final RPE isolation step, prepare a one milliliter syringe filled with PBS and attach a 30 gauge needle. Gently push on the syringe plunger to create a jet stream of PBS. Working under a microscope, first, aim this stream of PBS at the RPE to make a small tear or hole in it.Then direct the stream of PBS into the created opening to detach the RPE as a sheet from the choroid. After detaching the RPE from the choroid, collect the RPE cells in a needleless one milliliter syringe and transfer the collected sample to a 1.5 milliliter tube. Centrifuge the tube with the collected RPE at 8, 000 x g for one minute to obtain an RPE pellet.For samples to be used in RNA analyses, discard the supernatant, that is the PBS solution, and replace it with 350 milliliters of lysis buffer as included in RNA isolation kits. Pipet the content up and down 20 times to mix well and preserve the quality of the sample. For long-term storage and preservation, transfer the samples to a minus 80 degree Celsius freezer.Use an RNA isolation kit and follow the manufacturer's instructions to isolate and collect the RNA from the RPE samples before evaluating the quality of the sample via electrophoresis. In our study, the collected RPE samples showed well preserved RNA having an RNA integrity number or RIN greater than eight. The total RNA count of around 240 nanograms per eye.The expression level of the RPE specific gene, Rpe65, was found to be significantly higher in the RPE samples than in choroid and sclera. In contrast, the RPE samples showed minimal expression of the selected choroid sclera specific gene, collagen type alpha-one, indicating the absence of choroidal and scleral contaminants in the isolated RPE samples. The most important step of the procedure is the smooth removal of the retina without leaving behind any retinal fragment.This RPE isolation procedure warrants explanation in vitro cell culture studies with some important differences, including the choice of media for immersing the RPE cells after the isolation.

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Research

JoVE Journal

Biology

MicroRNA Expression Profiles of Human iPS Cells, Retinal Pigment Epithelium Derived From iPS, and Fetal Retinal Pigment Epithelium

The objective of this report is to describe the protocols for comparing the microRNA (miRNA) profiles of human induced-pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) derived from human iPS cells (iPS-RPE), and fetal RPE. The protocols include collection of RNA for analysis by microarray, and the analysis of microarray data to identify miRNAs that are differentially expressed among three cell types. The methods for culture of iPS cells and fetal RPE are explained. The protocol used for differentiation of RPE from human iPS is also described. The RNA extraction technique we describe was selected to allow maximal recovery of very small RNA for use in a miRNA microarray. Finally, cellular pathway and network analysis of microarray data is explained. These techniques will facilitate the comparison of the miRNA profiles of three different cell types.

The microRNA (miRNA) profiles of human induced-pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) derived from human induced-pluripotent stem (iPS) cells (iPS-RPE), and fetal RPE, were compared.

The objective of this report is to describe the protocols for comparing the microRNA (miRNA) profiles of human induced-pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, ...

Subretinal Transplantation of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Derived-retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells into a Large-eyed Model of Geographic Atrophy

Geographic atrophy (GA), the late stage of dry age-related macular degeneration is characterized by loss of the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) layer, which leads to subsequent degeneration of vital retinal structures (e.g., photoreceptors) causing severe vision impairment. Similarly, RPE-loss and decrease in visual acuity is seen in long-term follow up of patients with advanced wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) receiving intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment. Therefore, on the one hand, it is fundamental to efficiently derive RPE cells from an unlimited source that could serve as replacement therapy. On the other hand, it is important to assess the behavior and integration of the derived cells in a model of the disease entailing surgical and imaging methods as close as possible to those applied in humans. Here, we provide a detailed protocol based on our previous publications that describes the generation of a preclinical model of GA using the albino rabbit eye, for evaluation of the human embryonic stem cell derived retinal pigment epithelial cells (hESC-RPE) in a clinically relevant setting. Differentiated hESC-RPE are transplanted into naive eyes or eyes with NaIO3-induced GA-like retinal degeneration using a 25 G transvitreal pars plana technique. Evaluation of degenerated and transplanted areas is performed by multimodal high-resolution non-invasive real-time imaging.

Retinal pigment epithelial cells could serve as a cell-replacement therapy for the advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration. This protocol describes the generation of a large-eyed model of geographic atrophy and the subretinal transplantation of human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelial cells into this model of disease.

Geographic atrophy (GA), the late stage of dry age-related macular degeneration is characterized by loss of the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) layer, ...

Primary Cell Cultures from the Mouse Retinal Pigment Epithelium

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a highly polarized multi-functional epithelium that is located between the neural retina and the choroid of the eye. It is a single sheet of pigmented cells that are hexagonally packed and connected by tight junctions. The main functions of the RPE include absorption of light, phagocytosis of the shed photoreceptor outer segments, spatial buffering of ions, transport of nutrients, ions and water as well as active involvement in the visual cycle. With such important and diverse functions, it is critically important to study the biology of RPE cells. A number of RPE cell lines have been established; however, passaged and immortalized cells are known to quickly lose some of the morphological and physiological characteristics of natural RPE cells. Thus, primary cells are more suitable for studying different aspects of RPE cell biology and function. Mouse primary RPE cell culture is very useful to researchers since mouse models are widely used in biological studies, however collecting RPE cells from mouse is also very challenging due to their small size. Here, we present a protocol for establishing primary mouse RPE cell cultures which includes enucleation and dissection of the eyes and isolation of the RPE sheets to yield the cells for culturing. This method enables efficient cell recovery. The RPE cells obtained from two mice&#160;can reach confluency on one 12 mm polyester membrane insert pre-loaded in culture plate after one week of culture and display some of the original properties of bona fide RPE cells such as hexagonal shape and pigmentation after two weeks of culture.

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a multi-functional epithelium of the eye. Here we present a protocol to establish primary cell cultures derived from the murine RPE.

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a highly polarized multi-functional epithelium that is located between the neural retina and the choroid of the ...

Isolation, Culture, and Genetic Engineering of Mammalian Primary Pigment Epithelial Cells for Non-Viral Gene Therapy

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most frequent cause of blindness in patients &#62;60 years, affecting ~30 million people worldwide. AMD is a multifactorial disease influenced by environmental and genetic factors, which lead to functional impairment of the retina due to retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell degeneration followed by photoreceptor degradation. An ideal treatment would include the transplantation of healthy RPE cells secreting neuroprotective factors to prevent RPE cell death and photoreceptor degeneration. Due to the functional and genetic similarities and the possibility of a less invasive biopsy, the transplantation of iris pigment epithelial (IPE) cells was proposed as a substitute for the degenerated RPE. Secretion of neuroprotective factors by a low number of subretinally-transplanted cells can be achieved by Sleeping Beauty (SB100X) transposon-mediated transfection with genes coding for the pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and/or the granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). We established the isolation, culture, and SB100X-mediated transfection of RPE and IPE cells from various species including rodents, pigs, and cattle. Globes are explanted and the cornea and lens are removed to access the iris and the retina. Using a custom-made spatula, IPE cells are removed from the isolated iris. To harvest RPE cells, a trypsin incubation may be required, depending on the species. Then, using RPE-customized spatula, cells are suspended in medium. After seeding, cells are monitored twice per week and, after reaching confluence, transfected by electroporation. Gene integration, expression, protein secretion, and function were confirmed by qPCR, WB, ELISA, immunofluorescence, and functional assays. Depending on the species, 30,000-5 million (RPE) and 10,000-1.5 million (IPE) cells can be isolated per eye. Genetically modified cells show significant PEDF/GM-CSF overexpression with the capacity to reduce oxidative stress and offers a flexible system for ex vivo&#160;analyses and in vivo studies transferable to humans to develop ocular gene therapy approaches.

Here, a protocol to isolate and transfect primary iris and retinal pigment epithelial cells from various mammals (mice, rat, rabbit, pig, and bovine) is presented. The method is ideally suited to study ocular gene therapy approaches in various set-ups for ex vivo&#160;analyses and&#160;in vivo studies transferable to humans.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most frequent cause of blindness in patients &#62;60 years, affecting ~30 million people worldwide. AMD is a ...

Efficient Dissection and Culture of Primary Mouse Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

Eye disorders affect millions of people worldwide, but the limited availability of human tissues hinders their study. Mouse models are powerful tools to understand the pathophysiology of ocular diseases because of their similarities with human anatomy and physiology. Alterations in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), including changes in morphology and function, are common features shared by many ocular disorders. However, successful isolation and culture of primary mouse RPE cells is very challenging. This paper is an updated audiovisual version of the protocol previously published by Fernandez-Godino et al. in 2016 to efficiently isolate and culture primary mouse RPE cells. This method is highly reproducible and results in robust cultures of highly polarized and pigmented RPE monolayers that can be maintained for several weeks on Transwells. This model opens new avenues for the study of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying eye diseases. Moreover, it provides a platform to test therapeutic approaches that can be used to treat important eye diseases with unmet medical needs, including inherited retinal disorders and macular degenerations.

This protocol, which was originally reported by Fernandez-Godino et al. in 20161, describes a method to efficiently isolate and culture mouse RPE cells, which form a functional and polarized RPE monolayer within one week on Transwell plates. The procedure takes approximately 3 hours.

Eye disorders affect millions of people worldwide, but the limited availability of human tissues hinders their study. Mouse models are powerful tools to ...

Isolation of Epithelial Cells from Human Dental Follicle

The dental follicle (DF) was harvested during the removal of an impacted third molar by an oral maxillofacial surgeon. Epithelial cell isolation was performed on the day of DF harvest. The DF was washed three times with DPBS and then dissected with tissue scissors until the tissue had a pulpy or squishy consistency. Single-cell populations were pelleted by centrifugation and washed with keratinocyte serum-free medium. Heterogeneous cell populations were distributed in a culture dish. Keratinocyte serum-free medium was used to select the epithelial cells. The culture medium was changed daily until no floating debris or dead cells were observed. Epithelial cells appeared within 7-10 days after cell population distribution. Epithelial cells survived in serum-free medium, while &#945;-modification minimal essential medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum allowed the proliferation of mesenchymal-type cells. The DF is a tissue source for the isolation of dental epithelial cells.
The purpose of this study was to establish a method for the isolation of epithelial cells from human DF. Periodontal ligament (PDL) was used for the isolation of human dental epithelial cells. Procuring epithelial cells from human PDL is not always successful due to the small tissue volume, leading to low numbers of epithelial cells. DF has a larger volume than PDL and contains more cells. DF can be a tissue source for the primary culture of human dental epithelial cells. This protocol is easier and more efficient than the isolation method using PDL. Procuring human dental epithelial cells may facilitate further studies of dental epithelial-mesenchymal interactions.

The dental follicle contains an epithelial population and mesenchymal cells. The epithelial population was selected from the heterogeneous dental follicle cell population by providing a distinct culture medium. Epithelial cells survived and formed colonies in a serum-free medium.

The dental follicle (DF) was harvested during the removal of an impacted third molar by an oral maxillofacial surgeon. Epithelial cell isolation was ...

Primary Culture of Porcine Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a monolayer of polarized pigmented epithelial cells, located between the choroid and neuroretina in the retina. Multiple functions, including phagocytosis, nutrient/metabolite transportation, vitamin A metabolism, etc., are conducted by the RPE on a daily basis. RPE cells are terminally differentiated epithelial cells with little or no regenerative capacity. Loss of RPE cells results in multiple eye diseases leading to visual impairment, such as age-related macular degeneration. Therefore, the establishment of an in vitro culture model of primary RPE cells, which more closely resembles the RPE in vivo than cell lines, is critical for the characteristic and mechanistic studies of RPE cells. Considering the fact that the source of human eyeballs is limited, we create a protocol to culture primary porcine RPE cells. By using this protocol, RPE cells can be easily dissociated from adult porcine eyeballs. Subsequently, these dissociated cells attach to culture dishes/inserts, proliferate to form a confluent monolayer, and quickly re-establish key features of epithelial tissue in vivo within 2 wks. By qRT-PCR, it is demonstrated that primary porcine RPE cells express multiple signature genes at comparable levels with native RPE tissue, while the expressions of most of these genes are lost/highly reduced in human RPE-like cells, ARPE-19. Moreover, the immunofluorescence staining shows the distribution of tight junction, tissue polarity, and cytoskeleton proteins, as well as the presence of RPE65, an isomerase critical for vitamin A metabolism, in cultured primary cells. Altogether, we have developed an easy-to-follow approach to culture primary porcine RPE cells with high purity and native RPE features, which could serve as a good model to understand RPE physiology, study cell toxicities, and facilitate drug screenings.

Here, an easy-to-follow method to culture primary porcine retinal pigment epithelial cells in vitro is presented.

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a monolayer of polarized pigmented epithelial cells, located between the choroid and neuroretina in the retina. ...

Efficient and Consistent Generation of Retinal Pigment Epithelium/Choroid Flatmounts from Human Eyes for Histological Analysis

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and retina are functionally and structurally connected tissues that work together to regulate light perception and vision. Proteins on the RPE apical surface are tightly associated with proteins on the photoreceptor outer segment surface, making it difficult to consistently separate the RPE from the photoreceptors/retina. We developed a method to efficiently separate the retina from the RPE of human eyes to generate complete RPE/choroid and retina flatmounts for separate cellular analysis of the photoreceptors and RPE cells. An intravitreal injection of a high-osmolarity solution of D-mannitol, a sugar not transported by the RPE, induced the separation of the RPE and retina across the entire posterior chamber without causing damage to the RPE cell junctions. No RPE patches were observed attached to the retina. Phalloidin labeling of actin showed RPE shape preservation and allowed morphometric analysis of the entire epithelium. An artificial intelligence (AI)-based software was developed to accurately recognize and segment the RPE cell borders and quantify 30 different shape metrics. This dissection method is highly reproducible and can be easily extended to other animal models.

We describe a method to efficiently separate retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) from the retina in human eyes and generate whole RPE/choroid flatmounts for histological and morphometric analyses of the RPE.

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and retina are functionally and structurally connected tissues that work together to regulate light perception and ...

Real-Time Analysis of Bioenergetics in Primary Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Using High-Resolution Respirometry

Metabolic dysfunction of retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) is a key pathogenic driver of retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Since RPE are highly metabolically-active cells, alterations in their metabolic status reflect changes in their health and function. High-resolution respirometry allows for real-time kinetic analysis of the two major bioenergetic pathways, glycolysis and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), through quantification of the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and oxygen consumption rate (OCR), respectively. The following is an optimized protocol for conducting high-resolution respirometry on primary human retinal pigment epithelial cells (H-RPE). This protocol provides a detailed description of the steps involved in producing bioenergetic profiles of RPE to define their basal and maximal OXPHOS and glycolytic capacities. Exposing H-RPE to different drug injections targeting the mitochondrial and glycolytic machinery results in defined bioenergetic profiles, from which key metabolic parameters can be calculated. This protocol highlights the enhanced response of BAM15 as an uncoupling agent compared to carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP) to induce the maximal respiration capacity in RPE. This protocol can be utilized to study the bioenergetic status of RPE under different disease conditions and test the efficacy of novel drugs in restoring the basal metabolic status of RPE.

The metabolic status of human retinal pigment epithelial cells (H-RPE) reflects their health and function. Presented here is an optimized protocol for examining the real-time metabolic flux of H-RPE using high-resolution respirometry.

Metabolic dysfunction of retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) is a key pathogenic driver of retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration ...

Guinea Pig Round Window Membrane Explantation

Guinea Pig Round Window Membrane Explantation for Ex Vivo Studies

Efficient and minimally invasive drug delivery to the inner ear is a significant challenge. The round window membrane (RWM), being one of the few entry points to the inner ear, has become a vital focus of investigation. However, due to the complexities of isolating the RWM, our understanding of its pharmacokinetics remains limited. The RWM comprises three distinct layers: the outer epithelium, the middle connective tissue layer, and the inner epithelial layer, each potentially possessing unique delivery properties.
Current models for investigating transport across the RWM utilize in vivo animal models or ex vivo RWM models which rely on cell cultures or membrane fragments. Guinea pigs serve as a validated preclinical model for the investigation of drug pharmacokinetics within the inner ear and are an important animal model for the translational development of delivery vehicles to the cochlea. In this study, we describe an approach for explantation of a guinea pig RWM with surrounding cochlear bone for benchtop drug delivery experiments. This method allows for preservation of native RWM architecture and may provide a more realistic representation of barriers to transport than current benchtop models.

Author Spotlight: Extraction of Guinea Pig Round Window Membrane to Facilitate Inner Ear Drug Delivery Research

This protocol outlines a method for the explantation of the round window membrane from guinea pig temporal bones, providing a valuable resource for ex vivo studies.

Efficient and minimally invasive drug delivery to the inner ear is a significant challenge. The round window membrane (RWM), being one of the few entry ...