Scientists have identified a new type of cell in the human eye that could potentially help reverse vision loss caused by common diseases such as macular degeneration. The researchers discovered the cells, called human neural retinal stem-like cells (hNRSCs), in donated fetal tissue and lab-grown models of the retina.
The discovery was made by analyzing the activity of these cells in a 3D tissue model of the retina, known as an organoid. When transplanted into mice with a disease similar to retinitis pigmentosa, the stem cells from the organoids turned into the retinal cells needed to detect and process light signals.
This breakthrough has the potential to advance therapeutic interventions for retinal degeneration diseases, which are a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Current treatments focus on reducing cell deterioration, but there is currently no effective therapy that promotes repair of the retina.
The researchers found two types of stem cells in the human retina: hNRSCs and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) stem-like cells. The hNRSCs can clone themselves and turn into other retinal cells under the right conditions, while RPE stem-like cells have regenerative properties but are less versatile.
The discovery opens up new possibilities for developing treatments that promote repair of the retina rather than just slowing down cell deterioration. However, more research is needed to confirm the potential of these cells for restoring human vision.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/never-seen-eye-cell-could-165736698.html