advertisement

Topcon

Abstract #28171 Published in IGR 13-1

Embryonic stem cells and retinal regeneration

Woronkowicz M; Skopinski P
Central-European Journal of Immunology 2010; 35: 267-272


The potential of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) to differentiate into various cell types make them prime candidates to play an important role in the future of regenerative medicine. A wide range of retinal degenerative diseases which are the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide may be potentially treated by stem cell therapies. Common retinal neurodegenerative pathologies mainly affect one of three ocular cell types: ganglion cells (e.g. glaucoma), photoreceptors (e.g. retinitis pigmentosa) and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells (e.g. age-related macular degeneration). This article summarizes the latest advances made in embryonic stem cell-based medicine for retinal diseases and presents some obstacles which need to be overcome before ESCs can be used safely and effectively.

M. Woronkowicz. Center for Biostructure Research, Chalubinskiego 5, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland.


Classification:

2.17 Stem cells (Part of: 2 Anatomical structures in glaucoma)
11.8 Neuroprotection (Part of: 11 Medical treatment)



Issue 13-1

Change Issue


advertisement

Oculus