Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered zebrafish can regenerate their eyes' retinal tissue through its immune system, which may help advance efforts to combating degenerative eye disease damage in humans.
According to researchers, zebrafish and human eyes are very similar at the cellular level, with both containing Müller glia — a type of stem cell that gives zebrafish its remarkable regenerative abilities. The researchers reportedly found evidence that microglia, a cell type found in most vertebrae innate immune systems, affect the Müller glia’s regenerative response and can be harnessed to accelerate the growth of new tissue in the retina.
For their study, researchers reportedly created a model of retinitis pigmentosa in zebrafish. Using fluorescently-labeled cells and 3D microscopy, investigators reportedly found microglia were the only cells able to both respond to the injury and reach the injured cells.
The researchers reportedly hope that by harnessing the ability to improve regeneration in zebrafish, they can better understand how to induce regeneration in human eyes, which share many of the same mechanisms for controlling regenerative potential.
The study was recently published in the journal Proceedings of The National Academy of Sciences.
Click here to read the full press release.
Like what you read? Follow OphthalmologyWeb to keep up with our latest articles, news and events. Plus, get special offers and more delivered to your inbox.
Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine