Scientists generate retinal endothelial cells from stem cells

A new study published in Nature Biomedical Engineering has outlined efforts by Duke University researchers to generate retinal endothelial cells from induced pluripotent stem cells.

The scientists found that when the lab grown cells were injected into mouse models of retinal disease, they became integrated with tissue – helping to regenerate blood vessels and restore retinal function.

Professor Sharon Gerecht, chair of biomedical engineering at Duke University, highlighted that retinal vascular diseases affect millions of people in the US.

“Using human stem cells, we generated the cells found in retinal blood vessels, paving the way for new therapeutic approaches,” she said.

Duke University

A mouse retina with diabetic retinopathy before (on right) and after (left) treatment with lab-grown retinal endothelial cells

Duke University PhD student, Parker Esswein, highlighted that many different diseases that lead to vision loss involve retinal endothelial cells beginning to break down.

“While there are sources of retinal endothelial cells, being able to grow a continuous supply from scratch could offer many advantages for those working in the field,” he said.

The research received funding support from the National Eye Institute and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.