Scientists at University College London's Institute of Ophthalmology have unveiled 'stunning' new research where retinal cell transplants have successfully restored vision in mice.
The paper, published in yesterday's edition of Nature, shows that non-dividing retinal cells implanted into adult mouse retina can generate new photoreceptors, suggesting a possible method of regenerating photoreceptors lost in eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration.
Previously, stem cells transplanted into adult retinas have not integrated correctly and it was thought the retinal environment inhibits regeneration.
But Professor Robin Ali from UCL and colleagues have extracted immature retinal cells from newborn mice - at a time when main rod photoreceptors are normally being generated - and transplanted them into adult mouse retinas. Another author, Dr Jane Sowden, said: 'Remarkably we found that the mature retina, previously believed to have no capacity for repair, is in fact able to support the development of new functional photoreceptors.'
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Optician Online. Register now to access up to 10 news and opinion articles a month.
Register
Already have an account? Sign in here
