Transplant

Dry AMD Stem Cell Clinical Trial

The first patient in a clinical trial for dry age-related macular degeneration has been enrolled and transplanted with purified human neural stem cells. The HucCNS-SC cells protect host photoreceptors and preserve vision. The phase 1/11 trial will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of these cells as a treatment for dry AMD. 16 patients will be evaluated for a total of five years.

 

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Prosthetic Retina Helps to Restore Sight in Mice

The retina encodes light into neural signals. Sheila Nirenberg, physiologist at Weill Medical College, Cornell University, NY, has developed a code and a device that uses it to restore some sight in blind mice. By inserting a gene into a virus and injecting it into nerve cells in the retina and shining light into the eye they noted the mice were able to track moving stripes, something they could not do before receiving the encoded input. A microchip and a small video camera on a pair of glasses would be the instruments to create this prosthetic retina.

Stem Cell Research- Dry AMD

Research at the University of California, reported in the journal Lancet, has demonstrated that stem cell therapy for AMD could be safe in the short term. The very small trial (2 patients) could pave the way for larger trials.

Embryonic Stem Cell Report

A preliminary report on a prospective clinical study of subretinal transplantation of human embryonic stem cells for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) finds a slight improvement in vision (21 letters to 28) during the first 4 months. There were no signs of adverse events or rejection. A future goal is to treat patients earlier in the disease process.

 

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Promising Results With Stem Cells And AMD

Research on producing retinal cells from embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, and even the patient’s own skin cells, has been showing promising results at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Waisman Center. David Gamm MD, and stem cell scientist, grew these cells and produced retinal cells that responded to signals involved in normal retinal function. He cautioned that there is much work left to be done but is encouraged by the potential.

Stem Cells Derived From Skin Improve Vision

In an experimental study at Schepens Eye Research Institute, red mice were used to convert skin cells into retinal neurons and thus restore visual function. They found a significant increase in electrical activity in the newly reconstructed retinal tissue, signifying that connections were being made between the new photoreceptor cells  and the rest of the retina.   Michael J.

Stem Cell Therapy for AMD a Step Closer

Research on stem cell therapy for AMD is advancing according to a study conducted at the Georgetown University Medical Center. For the first time, researchers were able to create retinal cells from a patient's own stem cells (human induced pluripotent stem cells). These stem cells can then generate tissues and cells for transplantation. Work must still be done to figure out how to program the cells to function as native retinal pigment epithelium (the cells that die off and lead to AMD).

 

Cornea

Submitted by Vishnu on Tue, 2010-07-20 13:47

The cornea is the transparent front part of the eye that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber. The cornea is a continuation of the sclera, or the white of the eye, and is made of collagen fibers laid down in such a fashion that it is transparent and able to admit light. Together with the lens, the cornea refracts light, accounting for approximately two-thirds of the eye’s total optical power.

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