Synchronization of Differentiation is Key

LONDON UK

Researchers in the UK have published in today's online version of the journal Nature (Maclaren et al. Retinal repair by transplantation of photoreceptor precursors, Nature. 2006 Nov 8.) an important finding in regards to stem cell therapy of photoreceptor loss

It was known in the art that transplantation of a wide variety of stem cells into injured retina is usually not capable of restoring function due to non-integration of the cells administered with the endogenous nerve tissue.

In order to provide a more "physiological" cell transplantation procedures, Macleran et al specifically extracted retinal precursor cells at various stages of development and administered them into an animal model of retinal loss. It was observed that the cells extracted from the time period of peak photoreceptor formation were the cells that appropriately integrated with damaged nerves and ameliorate visual loss.

Although the use of fetal retinal precursor cells may be controversial clinically, patents, such as US issued patent # 6517833 provide ways of using xenogeneic retinal precursor cells in conjunction with the discovery announced today.