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Recent news about Stem cell research for RP and AMD

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Report from a USA Macular Disease Foundation newsletter 2004
Stem Cells May Open Some Eyes.
Scientists have derived retinal cells from embryonic stem cells for the first time, in a breakthrough that could lead to the first therapeutic use of the controversial cells.
If animal studies go well, the researchers said they could begin testing the replacement cells in human eyes in as little as two years.
American researchers say that while previous studies in retina replacement cells have shown promise only to ward off future vision deterioration, retinal cells derived from embryonic stem cells could actually give vision to those who are already blind.
"These cells actually make the cones and rods. We're in a position to not only maintain vision so you don't get further loss, but these cells appear to want to form entire eyeballs."
The cells could help treat people with macular degeneration, which affects more than 30 million people worldwide. The cells could also help people with retinitis pigmentosa.
The study, demonstrates the potential of embryonic stem cell technology, the researchers said.
Embryonic stem cells are primordial cells that differentiate to become every cell in every organ of the body, and researchers believe they can harness that power to create therapies for disease.
While the recent results are a boost for the entire field, the researchers did have a leg up when trying to develop retinal cells, which are a type of neuron.
"Embryonic stem cells like to do what they want to do, and one of the things they like to do is make neurons," a researcher said. "They tend to be much easier to derive."
The challenge to scientists is to guide embryonic stem cells to differentiate into the specific types of cells the scientists want. It will be more difficult for researchers to coax stem cells to become more complicated cell types, like those that produce insulin, since those cells would need to precisely calibrate glucose levels in the blood.
Previous research has shown limited success in transplanting retinal cells derived from fetal or adult stem cells. Scientists are confident that embryo-derived cells will work even better because the cells are even more similar to natural retinal cells than those that were tested previously.

Reproduced with thanks from the NSBP 2004 winter newsletter