advertisement
Abstract #59479 Published in IGR 16-3
Induced pluripotent stem cells restore function in a human cell loss model of open-angle glaucoma
Abu-Hassan DW; Li X; Ryan EI; Acott TS; Kelley MJStem Cells 2015; 33: 751-761
See also comment(s) by Terete Borras • Michael Fautsch • Paul Kaufman • Mary Kelley • Yiqin Du •
Normally, trabecular meshwork (TM) and Schlemm's canal inner wall endothelial cells within the aqueous humor outflow pathway maintain intraocular pressure within a narrow safe range. Elevation in intraocular pressure, because of the loss of homeostatic regulation by these outflow pathway cells, is the primary risk factor for vision loss due to glaucomatous optic neuropathy. A notable feature associated with glaucoma is outflow pathway cell loss. Using controlled cell loss in ex vivo perfused human outflow pathway organ culture, we developed compelling experimental evidence that this level of cell loss compromises intraocular pressure homeostatic function. This function was restored by repopulation of the model with fresh trabecular meshwork cells. We then differentiated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and used them to repopulate this cell depletion model. These differentiated cells (TM-like iPSCs) became similar to trabecular meshwork cells in both morphology and expression patterns. When transplanted, they were able to fully restore intraocular pressure homeostatic function. This successful transplantation of TM-like iPSCs establishes the conceptual feasibility of using autologous stem cells to restore intraocular pressure regulatory function in open-angle glaucoma patients, providing a novel alternative treatment option. Stem Cells 2014.
Casey Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA; Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA; Department of Biochemistry & Physiology, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.
Full articleClassification:
2.17 Stem cells (Part of: 2 Anatomical structures in glaucoma)
11.8 Neuroprotection (Part of: 11 Medical treatment)
