Scientists have discovered a way to use nanotechnology to create a 3D ‘scaffold‘ to grow cells from the retina, opening up a possible new way to treat a common cause of blindness, Advances in retinal cells may help cure blindness.
The researchers, led by Professor Barbara Pierscionek of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), are working on ways to stimulate the growth of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells that remain healthy and valid for 150 days. RPE cells are found along the outer layer of the retina and, when damaged, can lead to vision loss.
This is the first time this technology, called ‘electrospinning‘, has been used to create cells in which RPE cells can grow and could revolutionize the treatment of age-related macular degeneration, one of the most common eye conditions in the area. world.
When the scaffold is treated with a steroid called fluocinolone acetonide, which protects against inflammation, cell resilience appears to increase, promoting eye cell growth. These findings are important in the development of future eye tissue for implantation into the patient’s eye.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of blindness in developed countries and is expected to increase in the coming years due to the aging population. A recent study predicts that 77 million people in Europe alone will have some form of AMD by 2050.
AMD can be caused by changes in Bruch’s membrane, which supports the RPE cells, and disruption of the choriocapillaris, a rich vascular layer on the other side of Bruch’s membrane.
In Western populations, the most common cause of vision loss is due to the accumulation of fatty deposits called drusen and damage to the RPE, choriocapillaris, and posterior retina.
In the developing world, AMD usually results in abnormal proliferation of blood vessels in the choroid and their subsequent migration into the RPE cells, leading to hemorrhage, RPE, or is a backstop and cutting.
Transplanting RPE cells is one of several promising therapeutic options for the effective treatment of eye diseases such as AMD, and researchers are working on effective ways to inject these cells into ‘to look.
Study author Professor Barbara Pierscionek, Associate Dean (Research and Innovation) at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), said: “This study has shown, for the first time, that nanofiber scaffolds using anti-inflammatory agents such as fluocinolone acetonide can to improve growth, differentiation and function of RPE cells.
“In the past, scientists grew cells on flat surfaces, which were not suitable for biological processes. Use these new methods. have shown that cell lines grow in a 3D environment provided by scaffolds.
“This system shows great potential for development as Bruch’s skin replacement, providing a synthetic, non-toxic, biostable support for the transplantation of retinal pigment epithelial cells.
Pathological changes have been identified in This skin is similar to the underlying cause of eye diseases like AMD, making this an exciting breakthrough that could help millions of people around the world.”
Source: Anglia Ruskin University
