Physicians grow retinas from human blood-derived stem cells
Posted: March 19, 2012 at 1:39 am
Among the primary causes of adult-onset blindness are degenerative diseases of the retina, such as macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. While some treatments have been developed that slow down the rate of degeneration, the clinical situation is still generally unsatisfactory. But if you could grow a new retina, transplant might be a possible cure. Now new hope is springing up from a research project at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in which scientists have succeeded in growing human retinal tissue from stem cells.
Pluripotent stem cells are capable of forming nearly any tissue in the body including retinal tissue. There has been great controversy about using pluripotent stem cells for human research or treatment, as historically the only source was to harvest them from early stage human embryos. Instead, for this work the researchers were able to regress mature body cells back into the pluripotent stem cells from which they originally grew. The process is called reprogramming, and is accomplished by inserting a set of proteins into the cell.
To produce the pluripotent stem cells, a white blood cell was taken from a simple blood sample. Genes which code for the reprogramming proteins are inserted into a plasmid, a nonliving ring of DNA. The cell is then infected with the plasmid, rather as a virus infects a cell, with the difference that the plasmid's genes do not become part of the cell's genetic structure. As the reprogramming proteins are formed within the cell by the plasmid DNA, the cell has a good chance of being reprogrammed into a pluripotent stem cell. This stem cell can then be encouraged to grow and differentiate into retinal tissue rather than make more blood cells.
Laboratory-grown human retinal tissue will certainly be used in testing drugs and to study degenerative diseases of the retina, and may eventually make available a new transplantable retina, or a new retina that is grown in place within the eye.
The figure above compares a schematic of the human retina with a photomicrograph of laboratory-grown retinal tissue. The new tissue has separated into at least three layers of cells, with rudimentary photosensitive rods or cones (red) at the top of the picture, and nerve ganglia (blue-green) at the bottom. The blue cells in the middle layer are likely bipolar retinal cells. The structure of the lab-grown retinal tissue is similar to that of a normal human eye, as can be seen by comparison with the retina schematic. The cells also formed synapses, which provide the channels through which optical information flows to the brain.
"We don't know how far this technology will take us, but the fact that we are able to grow a rudimentary retina structure from a patient's blood cells is encouraging, not only because it confirms our earlier work using human skin cells, but also because blood as a starting source is convenient to obtain," says Dr. David Gamm, pediatric ophthalmologist and senior author of the study. "This is a solid step forward." Further steps are eagerly awaited by those living in the dark.
Source: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Read more:
Physicians grow retinas from human blood-derived stem cells
- Secret History of Diamonds Narrated for the Visually Impaired - Part 2 of 4 [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 24th, 2011]
- Skin Stem Cells: Their Biology [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 24th, 2011]
- Emerge Labs New Anti Aging Swiss Apple Stem Cell Skin Care [Last Updated On: June 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 25th, 2011]
- No Avastin for Breast Cancer [Last Updated On: June 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 25th, 2011]
- Signals Skincare System [Last Updated On: June 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 25th, 2011]
- Signals Skincare System [Last Updated On: June 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 25th, 2011]
- Growing Nerve Cells [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2011]
- Elaine Fuchs Part 2: Tapping the Potential of Adult Stem Cells, and Summary [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2011]
- A Major Breakthrough in Skin Care and Nutrition [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Facial At Metamorphosis Day Spa Using Emerge Labs Skin Care [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2011]
- Come Back Kid [Last Updated On: June 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 28th, 2011]
- PhytoCell.mp4 [Last Updated On: June 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 28th, 2011]
- When Beauty Calls: The Link between Science and Skin Care [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2011]
- Skin Stem Cells: Their Biology [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2011]
- Come Back Kid [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2011]
- PhytoCell.mp4 [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2011]
- The Skin Gun stem cell research [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2011]
- World's 1st Nutricosmetic with Stem Cell Nutrients [Last Updated On: July 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 2nd, 2011]
- NG Raccoon Attack [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2011]
- No Avastin for Breast Cancer [Last Updated On: July 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 4th, 2011]
- E'shee HBA Global Expo 2011, NYC. Skin Care Anti-Aging Symposium [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2011]
- Growing Nerve Cells [Last Updated On: July 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 9th, 2011]
- The Skin Gun [Last Updated On: July 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 9th, 2011]
- E'shee HBA Global Expo 2011, NYC. Skin Care Anti-Aging Symposium [Last Updated On: July 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 14th, 2011]
- A Major Breakthrough in Skin Care and Nutrition [Last Updated On: July 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 17th, 2011]
- Elaine Fuchs Part 1: Introduction to Stem Cells [Last Updated On: July 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 20th, 2011]
- World's 1st Nutricosmetic with Stem Cell Nutrients [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2011]
- Stem cells acquired from human skin [Last Updated On: August 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 9th, 2011]
- Stem cells acquired from human skin [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 17th, 2011]
- DermaStem Renewal Serum - Stem Cells for Your Skin from STEMTech - New Paradigm in Beauty! [Last Updated On: August 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 19th, 2011]
- DermaStem Renewal Serum - Stem Cells for Your Skin from STEMTech - New Paradigm in Beauty! [Last Updated On: August 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 30th, 2011]
- ReLuma-stemcells- skin rejuvenation [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2011]
- Dr Nathan Newman- Formulator of Stem Cell Skin Care Line LUMINESCE [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2011]
- Genetic Skin Disease (EB): Spotlight on Stem Cell Research - Patient Advocate [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2011]
- Genetic Skin Disease (EB): Spotlight on Stem Cell Research - Patient Advocate [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Skin Care- What is the role of stem cells in Luminesce Featuring Dr Nathan Newman [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2011]
- Luminesce Stem Cell Skin Care - Leaders in Jeunesse [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2011]
- The Skin Gun (Stem Cell research to replace burnt off skin. Done in 3 days!) [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Skin Care- What is the role of stem cells in Luminesce Featuring Dr Nathan Newman [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2011]
- Isolation and Culture of Adult Epithelial Stem Cells from Human Skin [Last Updated On: September 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2011]
- Genetic Skin Disease (EB): Spotlight on Stem Cell Research - Welcome [Last Updated On: September 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2011]
- Stem Cells Made From Human Skin [Last Updated On: September 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2011]
- Jeunesse Global Business Opportunity with Stem Cell Skin Care Developed by Dr Nathan Newman [Last Updated On: September 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 10th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy Skin Repair and Anti-Wrinkle Cream [Last Updated On: September 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 10th, 2011]
- Stem Cells Made From Human Skin [Last Updated On: September 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 10th, 2011]
- Genetic Skin Disease (EB): Optimizing Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation Protocols [Last Updated On: September 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 10th, 2011]
- Genetic Skin Disease (EB): Spotlight on Stem Cell Research - Introduction [Last Updated On: September 11th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 11th, 2011]
- Isolation and Culture of Adult Epithelial Stem Cells from Human Skin [Last Updated On: September 11th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 11th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy - BioLogic Anti-Aging Skin Cream [Last Updated On: September 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 12th, 2011]
- Best natural skin care serum using stem cell technology [Last Updated On: September 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 12th, 2011]
- Jeunesse Global Business Opportunity with Stem Cell Skin Care Developed by Dr Nathan Newman [Last Updated On: September 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 12th, 2011]
- Genetic Skin Disease (EB): Optimizing Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation Protocols [Last Updated On: September 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 12th, 2011]
- The Skin Gun (Stem Cell research to replace burnt off skin. Done in 3 days!) [Last Updated On: September 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 12th, 2011]
- Research on skin cancer: ERC funds studies on stem cells [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2011]
- Skin engineering [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2011]
- Stem Cell Banking: The Perspective of an iPS Donor Family [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2011]
- Jeunesse Global Opportunity- Stem Cell Skin Care [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2011]
- Dr Nathan Newman Repairs Laugh Lines With Stem Cell Face Lift [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2011]
- Dr Nathan Newman MD Stem Cell Face lift On Extra TV.flv [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2011]
- Dr Nathan Newman Stem Cell Face Lift on Entertainment Tonight [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2011]
- Dr Nathan Newman MD Stem Cell Face lift On Good Morning LA.flv [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2011]
- Ellis Martin Report with International Stem Cell Corp [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- Dr Nathan Newman MD Stem Cell Face lift on Channel 7 KABC.flv [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Face Treatment - What People Are Saying | Beverly Hills | Los Angeles [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- How To Use Your Stem Cells For Facial Skin Rejuvenation [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2011]
- StemCellTV - From National Geographic - The Skin Gun - Healing Burns with Stem Cells [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2011]
- AMAZING - Stem Cell Skin Cream And Liquid Face Lift Revealed [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2011]
- Care for Your Skin with Lifeline Skin Care [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2011]
- For Damaged Skin - Rejuvenate Your Own Stem Cells [Last Updated On: September 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 26th, 2011]
- Stem Cells: Fulfilling the Promise - 2011 CIRM Grantee Meeting [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2011]
- Dr.Thomas Barnes' PRP Hair Growth and Skin Rejuvenation [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Face Lift - English (Part 5) [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2011]
- Dr Amiya Prasad discusses ACell for Hair Regrowth and Skin Rejuvenation with EYES IN Magazine [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2011]
- Brussels scientist close to discovering skin cancer origins [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Cell Reprogramming Transformed [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Cell Reprogramming Transformed [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2011]
- Elaine Fuchs Part 1: Introduction to Stem Cells English Subtitle [Last Updated On: October 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 10th, 2011]
- Elaine Fuchs Part 1: Introduction to Stem Cells English Subtitle [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- Elaine Fuchs discusses research on skin and adult stem cells - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- Signals Stem Cell Skin Care Anti Aging Skin Care - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]