Researchers at Wenzhou Medical University have identified a population of human neural retinal stem-like cells that can regenerate retinal tissue and support visual recovery. This breakthrough discovery has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of vision loss caused by retinal degeneration, which affects millions worldwide.
Vision loss due to retinal degeneration is a growing concern, with conditions like retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration causing irreversible damage to light-sensitive neural cells in the retina. Current treatments can slow progression but do not replace damaged tissue.
For decades, scientists have explored using stem cells to regenerate the retina, but the existence of true human retinal stem cells remained uncertain. Recent research published in Science Translational Medicine has changed this by identifying a distinct population of neural retinal stem-like cells in the peripheral retina of human fetal tissue.
These cells exhibit molecular features consistent with self-renewal and the ability to differentiate into all major retinal cell types, similar to those found in fish and amphibians. In organoid models, these cells migrated into damaged areas and produced new retinal cells, restoring visual function across both fetal tissue and retinal organoid models.
In a mouse model of inherited retinal degeneration, transplanted cells remained viable for up to 24 weeks, integrating into the host retina and forming functional connections with neighboring cells. Treated mice demonstrated improved retinal structure and stronger visual responses compared to controls.
This breakthrough discovery has significant implications for future research and therapeutic development, including the use of retinal organoids as a source of human stem-like cells. Further studies are needed to assess safety, immune compatibility, and effectiveness in models that more closely resemble human disease.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-03-human-retinal-stem-cells-potential.html