Creating nerve cells from converted stem cells may help restore vision as discovered by researchers in the United States. This new stem cell breakthrough may lead to a treatment that restores the vision of people with certain diseases. The research was recently published in the journal Scientific Reports.
Researchers managed to create new retinal ganglion cells, nerve cells that send visual signals from the eye to the brain. These converted stem cells may help restore vision and treat diseases including glaucoma and multiple sclerosis.
Lead research Professor Donald Zack explains: “Our work could lead not only to a better understanding of the biology of the optic nerve, but also to a cell-based human model that could be used to discover drugs that stop or treat blinding conditions.”
Scientists used stem cells to create these light-detecting cells that are an important part of human vision. The research team also used a naturally-occurring plant chemical called ‘forskolin’ to improve the process. Forskolin is commonly used as herbal treatment for weight loss.
To determine the efficiency of the newly differentiated cells, researchers inserted a fluorescent protein marker that would shine red under a microscope. That helped them determine if the stem cells had correctly changed into functioning retinal ganglion cells. Thirty days after the procedure, scientists could see clumps of fluorescent cells indicating the nerve cells were correctly formed.
Professor Zack suggests that this research is just the first step, saying: “We really see this as just the beginning. We hope that these cells can eventually lead to new treatments for glaucoma and other forms of optic nerve disease.”
The research was funded by a wide group of organisations including The Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund, the National Institutes of Health, Research to Prevent Blindness Inc., the Guerreri Family Foundation, and Robert and Clarice Smith.
Source: Converted Stem Cells May Help Restore Vision
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