🔬Confirm post-transplantation function of human ES cell-derived retina
– Production of retinal degenerative mice at the end of severe immunodeficiency and verification of post-transplant photoreaction – RIKEN
This time, the collaborative research group succeeded in the preparation of the terminal retinal degeneration model (NOG-rd1 mouse) of severe immunodeficient mice showing no rejection at all, and made it possible to verify the function after transplantation. Actually, when human retinal tissue-derived retinal tissue was transplanted into NOG-rd1 mice, engraftment of mature photoreceptors after 6 months, formation of outer segment structure [5] by electron microscopy, photoreceptor cells feel light We were able to confirm the presence of the visual substance [6] necessary for this purpose. Furthermore, we examined the retina of the transplantation target using a multi-electrode array system [7] and confirmed the response to light, that is, functional maturation.
The results of this research indicate the possibility that retinal tissue differentiated from human ES cells can be used for clinical application. In the future, verification by transplantation to human being is awaited.
This research will be posted on the online version (dated 1st March: Japan time March 2) prior to publication in the US science magazine “Stem Cell Reports” (March 13 issue).