Key points from article :
Researchers presented retinal cells that can integrate into the retina.
Retinal ganglion cells are commonly damaged in glaucoma.
Without treatment, progression of glaucoma can lead to complete blindness.
Scientists managed to transplant them into the eyes of mice, achieving correct ingrowth of retinal tissue.
"Retinal cells were grown using special organoids, with the tissue formed in a petri dish,"- Evgenii Kegeles, junior researcher.
Cells have successfully existed inside mouse retinas for 12 months.
Able to receive signals from other neurons, however, the ability to transmit signals has yet to be assessed.
“...cells to improve visual function when transplanted in the right quantity,” - Kegeles.
Rejection is rare, it is possible to create a cell bank for retinal cells from a universal donor or to store iPSCs.
This technology is around 10 years from being ready for use in clinical practice.
Study by MIPT and Harvard Medical School published in Molecular Therapy - Methods and Clinical Development.
