The laboratory creates the precursor of the human retina
From human embryonic stem cells, researchers from the RIKEN Development Biology Center, Japan, have created the precursor of the retina. In particular, they have created a structure called optical dome, which develops in the embryo and gives retina. The work has been published in the journal Cell Stem Cell.
Last year, the same group managed to develop the optical dome from the embryonic stem cells of mice, and now they have done the same with human cells. It is the first time that from human cells a complex structure of these characteristics is created. It contains external and internal epithelials and several intermediate layers of retinal cells, including photoreceptors. The optical dome created has a diameter of half a millimeter, twice that which was created with mouse cells.
The researchers stressed that the development of the optical dome has not required external signaling or regulation, but that the structure has been organized spontaneously in an appropriate culture environment. On the other hand, they consider that in the future can be an important step forward in the resolution of affected eyes. Even more: “We hope that these discoveries will help lay the foundation for a regenerative medicine in which organized tissues can be developed for transplantation and not only certain cell groups,” said research group leader Yoshiki Sasai.
Additional information: Bioinstitutional hope
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