Cornea 3D culture models, skin and cornea trandifferentiations, epithelilmesenchymal
Lead Research Organisation:
Durham University
Department Name: Biosciences
Abstract
) To further develop and refine the 3D human cornea model for use in interactive studies and as a tool for cellular and molecular assays.
2) To transdifferentiate human skin/hair epidermis into corneal epithelium using both molecular and direct tissue/cell interaction approaches.
3) To initiate investigations into epigenetic changes occurring during skin to cornea transdifferentiation.
Methodology and Strategy:
Aim 1) Hitherto, the human cells used in the making of our 3D cornea model have been sub-optimum - from stored tissues, and with no selection process. The student will take advantage of recent advances by collaborators for the isolation of specific cell populations from both the stroma and epithelium to produce a model that is robust for up to 3 weeks (the EU standard for tissue models). This will then be used in the trandifferentiation work (Aim 2).
Aim 2) The student will deploy a progressive strategy to transdifferentiate human skin epithelial cells to corneal epithelium. Initially she/he will use transient transfection protocols (electroporation and lipid based) with Pax6 and Wnt7 constructs and test whether this is, of itself, sufficient to elicit key switches in differentiation. As both Pax6 and relevant Wnt signalling components are active in secreted form, the student will also use these molecules, in conjunction with other pathway activators/repressors to promote reprogramming of skin/hair epithelial cells to corneal epithelium. The third approach involves combining skin epithelial cells over a core of corneal stromal cells in our 3D cornea culture model. We envisage that a combination of methods may be required, for example, molecular pre-treatment of cells followed by co-culture with eye stromal cells in the 3D model. Analysis will include PCR, and immunohistochemistry.
Aim 3) Different epigenetic regulators play crucial roles in the execution of lineage-specific gene expression programs in skin keratinocytes. The student will investigate changes to DNA/histone-modifying enzymes, and Polycomb genes during cornea to skin and (when successful) skin to cornea transdifferentiation.
Year 1: Refinement of the human cornea model, corneal transdifferentiation by transfection and molecules.
Year 2:Transdifferentiation by epithelial-mesenchymal interaction. Epigenetics study. Year 3: As year 2 plus combination methods for transdifferentiation if required. Year 4: Completing work/ writing thesis and papers.
Novelty and Outcomes:
In addition to the biological outcomes that are all novel, a new cornea model would be available for testing functionality of cornea cells from other sources (eg iPS cells) and for in vitro testing.
Research Training: In addition to training in specialised cell culture techniques and basic molecular and cell biology, the student will learn specific confocal microscopic skills when studying epigenetic changes, and will benefit from Porfessor Lako's world leading expertise in reprogramming techniques.
2) To transdifferentiate human skin/hair epidermis into corneal epithelium using both molecular and direct tissue/cell interaction approaches.
3) To initiate investigations into epigenetic changes occurring during skin to cornea transdifferentiation.
Methodology and Strategy:
Aim 1) Hitherto, the human cells used in the making of our 3D cornea model have been sub-optimum - from stored tissues, and with no selection process. The student will take advantage of recent advances by collaborators for the isolation of specific cell populations from both the stroma and epithelium to produce a model that is robust for up to 3 weeks (the EU standard for tissue models). This will then be used in the trandifferentiation work (Aim 2).
Aim 2) The student will deploy a progressive strategy to transdifferentiate human skin epithelial cells to corneal epithelium. Initially she/he will use transient transfection protocols (electroporation and lipid based) with Pax6 and Wnt7 constructs and test whether this is, of itself, sufficient to elicit key switches in differentiation. As both Pax6 and relevant Wnt signalling components are active in secreted form, the student will also use these molecules, in conjunction with other pathway activators/repressors to promote reprogramming of skin/hair epithelial cells to corneal epithelium. The third approach involves combining skin epithelial cells over a core of corneal stromal cells in our 3D cornea culture model. We envisage that a combination of methods may be required, for example, molecular pre-treatment of cells followed by co-culture with eye stromal cells in the 3D model. Analysis will include PCR, and immunohistochemistry.
Aim 3) Different epigenetic regulators play crucial roles in the execution of lineage-specific gene expression programs in skin keratinocytes. The student will investigate changes to DNA/histone-modifying enzymes, and Polycomb genes during cornea to skin and (when successful) skin to cornea transdifferentiation.
Year 1: Refinement of the human cornea model, corneal transdifferentiation by transfection and molecules.
Year 2:Transdifferentiation by epithelial-mesenchymal interaction. Epigenetics study. Year 3: As year 2 plus combination methods for transdifferentiation if required. Year 4: Completing work/ writing thesis and papers.
Novelty and Outcomes:
In addition to the biological outcomes that are all novel, a new cornea model would be available for testing functionality of cornea cells from other sources (eg iPS cells) and for in vitro testing.
Research Training: In addition to training in specialised cell culture techniques and basic molecular and cell biology, the student will learn specific confocal microscopic skills when studying epigenetic changes, and will benefit from Porfessor Lako's world leading expertise in reprogramming techniques.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
Colin Jahoda (Primary Supervisor) | |
Melissa Jackson (Student) |
Studentship Projects
Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BB/M011186/1 | 30/09/2015 | 31/03/2024 | |||
1786145 | Studentship | BB/M011186/1 | 30/09/2016 | 14/02/2021 | Melissa Jackson |
Description | This award is still in progress - What are the most significant achievements from the award? To date, this award has generated better methods of model manipulation, yielding better quality models which show clear spontaneous differentiation.. This has allowed the project to advance to functional studies of the model, i.e. to use the model as a platform on which to test a variety of compounds. - To what extent are the award objectives met? If you can, briefly explain why any key objectives were not met. Whilst the model generated is of improved quality, we are still trying to optimise our methodologies in order to maintain model integrity over the time period specified in the award (3 weeks). |
Exploitation Route | The final model protocol has uses within the pharmaceutical industry for compound testing, thereby reducing the use of animals within research. The human model in particular may also be used as a screening tool to identify optimal corneal grafts before transplantation, improving surgical outcomes in this field. |
Sectors | Healthcare Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
Description | Co-writer of POST "3D Bioprinting in Medicine" briefing note |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
Description | University College Durham Postgraduate Scholarships |
Amount | £500 (GBP) |
Organisation | University College Durham |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2018 |
End | 09/2018 |
Description | Presentation on PhD Research at Newcastle under Lyme College |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Approx 30 A2 Biology students attended a talk given by M. Jackson in 2018, for a talk which introduced them to the experiences of postgraduate research, and the current work investigated with this award. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |