Researchers from the RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology in Japan have been able to use a stem cell-based transplantation approach to restore visual function in mice with end-stage retinal degeneration, bringing them one step closer to testing the same therapy in humans.
According to researchers, retinal tissue derived from mouse-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) established connections with neighboring cells and responded to light stimulation after transplantation into the host retina, restoring visual function in half of mice with end-stage retinal degeneration.
Researchers believe their study provides a proof-of-concept for this type of treatment for patients with advanced retinitis pigmentosa or age-related macular degeneration, and plan to proceed with clinical trials after some additional studies.
The research was recently published in the journal Stem Cell Reports.
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Source: International Society for Stem Cell Research