Phenotypic and Functional Characterization of Müller Glia Isolated from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Organoids: Improvement of Retinal Ganglion Cell Function upon Transplantation

Stem Cells Transl Med. 2019 Aug;8(8):775-784. doi: 10.1002/sctm.18-0263. Epub 2019 Apr 29.

Abstract

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness, and there is an ongoing need for new therapies. Recent studies indicate that cell transplantation using Müller glia may be beneficial, but there is a need for novel sources of cells to provide therapeutic benefit. In this study, we have isolated Müller glia from retinal organoids formed by human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) in vitro and have shown their ability to partially restore visual function in rats depleted of retinal ganglion cells by NMDA. Based on the present results, we suggest that Müller glia derived from retinal organoids formed by hiPSC may provide an attractive source of cells for human retinal therapies, to prevent and treat vision loss caused by retinal degenerative conditions. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2019;8:775&784.

Keywords: Glaucoma; Induced pluripotent stem cell; Müller glia; Regeneration; Stem cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Transplantation / methods*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Ependymoglial Cells / cytology
  • Ependymoglial Cells / transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells / transplantation
  • Organoids / cytology
  • Phenotype
  • Rats
  • Regeneration
  • Retinal Degeneration / therapy*
  • Retinal Ganglion Cells / pathology
  • Retinal Ganglion Cells / physiology*