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Documenta Ophthalmologica
Published in: Documenta Ophthalmologica 2/2018

01-10-2018 | Original Research Article

Transplantation of rat embryonic stem cell-derived retinal cells restores visual function in the Royal College of Surgeons rats

Authors: Hongxi Wu, Jia Li, Xinbang Mao, Guodong Li, Lin Xie, Zhipeng You

Published in: Documenta Ophthalmologica | Issue 2/2018

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Abstract

Aim of study

To evaluate the feasibility of transplantation of embryonic stem cell (ESC)-derived retinal cells in the treatment of retinal degeneration.

Materials and methods

Rat ESCs were isolated and induced into retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) in vitro, which were subsequently induced into retinal pigment epithelium cells (RPEs) and photoreceptors (PRCs). All cells were identified by Western blot detection of their specific markers. RPEs and PRCs were, respectively, injected into the retina of Royal College of Surgeons (RCSs) rats. Control group was injected with PBS. Post-transplantation visual function was determined by electroretinography (ERG). The histology of the whole eye was compared by H&E staining.

Results

RPEs and PRCs were successfully derived from rat ESCs through the two-step differentiation as indicated by the presence of ESC- (Oct-3/4, Nanog, TRA-1-60 and TRA-1-81), RPC- (Rx, Mitf, Pax6 and Chx10), RPE- (RPE65 and keratin) and PRC-specific markers (blue opsin, red/green opsin, recoverin and rhodopsin) in Western blot. The amplitude of ERG a- and b-wave in RPE- and PRC-transplanted groups at week 2 and 10 after transplantation was markedly higher compared with PBS controls. Retinal injury and vascular stress response was not detected in any of the RCS rats after transplantation.

Conclusion

The developed stepwise protocol can derive retinal cells from ESCs. Transplantation of these retinal cells can restore visual function of RCS rats. Our study provides evidence for potential clinical application of ESC-based cell therapy for retinal degeneration.
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Metadata
Title
Transplantation of rat embryonic stem cell-derived retinal cells restores visual function in the Royal College of Surgeons rats
Authors
Hongxi Wu
Jia Li
Xinbang Mao
Guodong Li
Lin Xie
Zhipeng You
Publication date
01-10-2018
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Documenta Ophthalmologica / Issue 2/2018
Print ISSN: 0012-4486
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2622
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10633-018-9648-8

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