Queen's drives stem cell research

Scientists at Queen's University Belfast Centre for Vision and Vascular Science are aiming to use stem cells to treat diabetic retinopathy.

The Repair of Diabetic Damage by Stromal Cell Administration study (REDDSTAR) will see stem cells from donors being isolated, expanded in a laboratory and re-delivered to a patient where they can help to repair blood vessels in the eye. The €6m EU-funded research is being carried out with NUI Galway and brings together experts from Northern Ireland, Ireland, Germany, The Netherlands, Denmark, Portugal and the US.

Professor Alan Stitt, lead scientist and director of the centre at Queen's, said: 'The Queen's component of the REDDSTAR study involves investigating the potential of a unique stem cell population to promote repair of damaged blood vessels in the retina during diabetes. The impact could be profound for patients, because regeneration of damaged retina could prevent progression of diabetic retinopathy and reduce the risk of vision loss.'