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New Method To Coax Retinal Cells From Stem Cells

Date:
October 21, 2009
Source:
Society for Neuroscience
Summary:
Researchers have developed a new method for identifying retinal precursor cells derived from human embryonic stem cells (those from embryonic tissue) and induced pluripotent stem cells (those from adult skin cells). These precursor cells represent the earliest stages of retinal development. The new method results in a greater yield of retinal cells from stem cells and could be used to better understand disease processes and realize effective treatments for eye disorders.
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Researchers have developed a new method for identifying retinal precursor cells derived from human embryonic stem cells (those from embryonic tissue) and induced pluripotent stem cells (those from adult skin cells). These precursor cells represent the earliest stages of retinal development. The new method results in a greater yield of retinal cells from stem cells and could be used to better understand disease processes and realize effective treatments for eye disorders.

The findings were presented at Neuroscience 2009, the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience and the world's largest source of emerging news about brain science and health.

Problems associated with retinal degenerative diseases are due to the injury and death of neurons, or support cells that can't regenerate. The cell types primarily affected are the light-sensing rod and cone photoreceptors and the adjacent retinal pigment epithelium, which maintains proper photoreceptor health and function. If these cells could be replaced or bypassed, sight could be restored.

"So far, a number of human cell sources have been examined to see if they produce multiple retinal cell types, but most candidates have proven inadequate," said Jason S. Meyer, PhD, at University of Wisconsin, the study's lead author. "In comparison, human stem cells have produced cells that are clearly of a retinal nature."

When the stem cells were isolated and matured, specific retinal cell types could be identified, including photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium. Using this new system, the authors could regulate the production of certain cell types by adding or removing particular compounds to the cells. "This ability could aid in the discovery of new therapeutic approaches to a variety of disorders affecting the retina," Meyer said. "These findings could lead to treatments for other neurological disorders, in addition to eye diseases."

Research was supported by the National Eye Institute, the Foundation Fighting Blindness, the Lincy Foundation, and the Retina Research Foundation.


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Materials provided by Society for Neuroscience. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Cite This Page:

Society for Neuroscience. "New Method To Coax Retinal Cells From Stem Cells." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 21 October 2009. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021014533.htm>.
Society for Neuroscience. (2009, October 21). New Method To Coax Retinal Cells From Stem Cells. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 28, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021014533.htm
Society for Neuroscience. "New Method To Coax Retinal Cells From Stem Cells." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021014533.htm (accessed March 28, 2024).

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