Transplanted cells integrated into the adult eye

Transplanted cells integrated into degenerating retina

Retinal repair by transplantation of photoreceptor precursors
In a recent paper we showed that photoreceptor precursor cells isolated from a neonatal (P1) gfp transgenic mouse can integrate successfully into the outer nuclear layer of the retina of neonatal and adult wild-type mice (MacLaren et al, Nature 444: 203-7).

To assess whether successfully transplanted cells were light-responsive and functionally connected to downstream targets, we used two techniques; pupillometry and extracellular field potential recordings from the ganglion cell layer (GCL) in treated rhodopsin knock-out mice and peripherin deficient rds mice.

Both pupillometry and field potential recordings showed increased sensitivities in the retinas receiving precursor cell transplants compared to untreated and sham-injected eyes.

The results from these experiments indicate that the adult retina canfunctionally incorporate precursors of rod photoreceptor cells. These cells will differentiate and form functional synaptic connections with downstream target cells in the recipient retina. To translate these results into a functional stem cell therapy, it is essential to identify a source of stem cells that can be cultured and differentiated to a stage similar to the P1 rod precursor cells used in these experiments. Meanwhile, we aim to improve on these results by further optimisation of the transplantation methods.

Introduction

Isolation, culture and differentiation of adult stem cells

This page last modified 18 December, 2012 by xxx