Characterization of the age-related morphological changes in the primary marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) retinal pigment epithelial cells.

Abstract

Purpose : Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) are valuable primate models in ophthalmic research because of their similarity to the human visual system. In this study, we isolated and cultured primary retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells from marmosets of different ages to characterize RPE dysfunction in aging and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Additionally, we generated immortalized cells by employing CRISPR-Cas9-mediated targeting of the p53 gene to assess the role of p53, which is involved in cell apoptosis, senescence, and cell cycle arrest.

Methods : We evaluated age-related morphological changes in both in vivo and primary RPE cells by using culture conditions devoid of fetal bovine serum (FBS), a known potential inducer of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

Results : Our results demonstrated that primary marmoset RPE cells exhibited morphological features resembling in vivo conditions. Cells derived from an older donor showed evidences of aging, such as the inability to form a polarized monolayer, low transepithelial electrical resistance (TER), and delayed cell cycle. However, p53-depleted cells partially restored some morphological changes.

Conclusions : In summary, our primary marmoset RPE cells serve as a reliable in vitro model for studying pathological processes in age-related disorders, including AMD.

This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.