Progress on Stem Cell Therapy to Restore Sight
Published: 2022-08-02
Author: University of Pennsylvania | Contact: upenn.edu
Peer-Reviewed Publication: Yes | DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.06.009
Synopsis: A multi-institutional effort is taking steps to develop an effective technique to regenerate photoreceptors cells and restore sight in people with vision disorders. Beltran and Gustavo Aguirre at Penn Vet have long been interested in addressing blinding retinal disorders. They have had great successes in producing corrective gene therapies for conditions with known causative genes to date. In this study, we wanted to know if we could, one, improve the surgical delivery of these cells to the subretinal space; two, image the cells in vivo; three, improve their survival; and four, see them migrate to the layer of the retina where they should be and start integrating.
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Definition
Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy is a form of regenerative medicine designed to repair damaged cells within the body by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune system. Stem cell therapies have been used to treat autoimmune, inflammatory, neurological, orthopedic conditions, and traumatic injuries with studies conducted on use for Crohn’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, COPD, Parkinson’s, ALS, Stroke recovery, and more. Stem-cell therapy has become controversial following developments such as the ability [...]