nih-gov/www.nei.nih.gov/node/1893
2025-02-26 13:17:41 -05:00

688 lines
37 KiB
Text
Raw Permalink Blame History

This file contains ambiguous Unicode characters

This file contains Unicode characters that might be confused with other characters. If you think that this is intentional, you can safely ignore this warning. Use the Escape button to reveal them.

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en" dir="ltr">
<head>
<meta charset="utf-8" />
<meta name="description" content="Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have developed a technique that will speed up the production of stem-cell derived tissues." />
<meta name="keywords" content="Retina,Stem Cells,Genetics,Regenerative Medicine,Bioinformatics" />
<meta name="google" content="vityevxlt8UuVFWvgz9_YwmJ5F0Nby_B3t54LLh-3Zw,lACaj571Gx_VdLF3HKSKUf1Wxx0H_bWxO3BYDZ_C1uw" />
<meta name="google-site-verification" content="vityevxlt8UuVFWvgz9_YwmJ5F0Nby_B3t54LLh-3Zw" />
<meta name="google-site-verification" content="lACaj571Gx_VdLF3HKSKUf1Wxx0H_bWxO3BYDZ_C1uw" />
<meta name="google-site-verification" content="UDfyeEAWNX_rJUHwog9j1kziEnByGwhkSJGLJclUWDA" />
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0" />
<script type="application/ld+json">{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@graph": [
{
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"@id": "https://www.nei.nih.gov/about/news-and-events/news/gene-profiling-technique-accelerate-stem-cell-therapies-eye-diseases",
"name": "Gene profiling technique to accelerate stem cell therapies for eye diseases",
"headline": "Gene profiling technique to accelerate stem cell therapies for eye diseases",
"image": {
"@type": "ImageObject",
"representativeOfPage": "False",
"url": "https://www.nei.nih.gov/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/news/retinal_pigment_epithelium.jpg?itok=p4hNoi8W",
"width": "250",
"height": "187"
},
"datePublished": "2014-07-16T00:00:00-0400",
"dateModified": "2025-01-02T10:40:34-0500",
"author": {
"@type": "GovernmentOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.nei.nih.gov/about/news-and-events/news/gene-profiling-technique-accelerate-stem-cell-therapies-eye-diseases",
"name": "National Eye Institute",
"url": "https://www.nei.nih.gov"
},
"publisher": {
"@type": "GovernmentOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.nei.nih.gov/about/news-and-events/news/gene-profiling-technique-accelerate-stem-cell-therapies-eye-diseases",
"name": "National Eye Institute",
"url": "https://www.nei.nih.gov"
}
},
{
"@type": "WebPage",
"@id": "https://www.nei.nih.gov/about/news-and-events/news/gene-profiling-technique-accelerate-stem-cell-therapies-eye-diseases",
"breadcrumb": {
"@type": "BreadcrumbList",
"itemListElement": [
{
"@type": "ListItem",
"position": 1,
"name": "Home",
"item": "https://www.nei.nih.gov/"
},
{
"@type": "ListItem",
"position": 2,
"name": "About NEI",
"item": "https://www.nei.nih.gov/about"
},
{
"@type": "ListItem",
"position": 3,
"name": "News and Events",
"item": "https://www.nei.nih.gov/about/news-and-events"
},
{
"@type": "ListItem",
"position": 4,
"name": "NEI Research News",
"item": "https://www.nei.nih.gov/about/news-and-events/news"
},
{
"@type": "ListItem",
"position": 5,
"name": "Gene profiling technique to accelerate stem cell therapies for eye diseases",
"item": "https://www.nei.nih.gov/about/news-and-events/news/gene-profiling-technique-accelerate-stem-cell-therapies-eye-diseases"
}
]
},
"author": {
"@type": "GovernmentOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.nei.nih.gov",
"name": "National Eye Institute",
"url": "https://www.nei.nih.gov"
},
"publisher": {
"@type": "GovernmentOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.nei.nih.gov",
"name": "National Eye Institute",
"url": "https://www.nei.nih.gov"
}
}
]
}</script>
<link rel="icon" type="image/png" href="/themes/custom/nei/images/favicon.png" />
<link rel="apple-touch-icon" href="/themes/custom/nei/images/apple-touch-icon.png" />
<meta name="last-updated" content="Jan 2, 2025, 10:40:34 AM" />
<link rel="icon" href="/themes/custom/nei/favicon.ico" type="image/vnd.microsoft.icon" />
<link rel="alternate" hreflang="en" href="https://www.nei.nih.gov/about/news-and-events/news/gene-profiling-technique-accelerate-stem-cell-therapies-eye-diseases" />
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.nei.nih.gov/about/news-and-events/news/gene-profiling-technique-accelerate-stem-cell-therapies-eye-diseases" />
<link rel="shortlink" href="https://www.nei.nih.gov/node/1893" />
<title>Gene profiling technique to accelerate stem cell therapies for eye diseases | National Eye Institute</title>
<link rel="preload" href="/themes/custom/nei/fonts/Aleo-Bold.woff2" as="font" type="font/woff2" crossorigin>
<link rel="preload" href="/themes/custom/nei/fonts/Lato-Regular.woff2" as="font" type="font/woff2" crossorigin>
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_PGSk_7b88hq2qr_--_38MLvoj1ffr9jv3JhnNJTnKUM.css?delta=0&amp;language=en&amp;theme=nei&amp;include=eJw1ytEKgCAMRuEXsnwk-dMxrOliTqi3j4iuDnycfFCprpbyHK4tDb-FRvwSshrFYvOErNhxBUHnCaYEcbJ_61Qji26Q5ZXa-QH_YCJ9" />
<link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/themes/custom/nei/css/style.css?sraguf" />
<script type="application/json" data-drupal-selector="drupal-settings-json">{"path":{"baseUrl":"\/","pathPrefix":"","currentPath":"node\/1893","currentPathIsAdmin":false,"isFront":false,"currentLanguage":"en"},"pluralDelimiter":"\u0003","gtag":{"tagId":"","consentMode":false,"otherIds":[],"events":[],"additionalConfigInfo":[]},"suppressDeprecationErrors":true,"ajaxPageState":{"libraries":"eJxdjFsOwjAMBC8U6iNFbmKZgPNQ7BTK6SmgCsrPrndkTbhSTFa7D0OtZq-2Cil8yoWOj5WYYT8c18pC3pCBt_jfE17wfoTZCRYeyORRjPruLmhpIS-b2EvFmArD73CFErDUGeWkoadmekCb5fXVsCN3bGeF2EdDmb5kGqWNWZKeKTpd1SjDjEpuSXRTeOeUaxxCT9WYZ50","theme":"nei","theme_token":null},"ajaxTrustedUrl":{"form_action_p_pvdeGsVG5zNF_XLGPTvYSKCf43t8qZYSwcfZl2uzM":true},"gtm":{"tagId":null,"settings":{"data_layer":"dataLayer","include_classes":false,"allowlist_classes":"google\nnonGooglePixels\nnonGoogleScripts\nnonGoogleIframes","blocklist_classes":"customScripts\ncustomPixels","include_environment":false,"environment_id":"","environment_token":""},"tagIds":["GTM-TLVNS7W"]},"user":{"uid":0,"permissionsHash":"c48594e108b5c1c2bea409821b71477d5bc2724c8cae6d31f1d985af0daab85c"}}</script>
<script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_WgzMsgqb-MiW-Z2aLffGQHepZwX2hWrEHSrb46WqZrk.js?scope=header&amp;delta=0&amp;language=en&amp;theme=nei&amp;include=eJxdjEEOgCAMBD-E9kmkYrOpqdQAMerr5eBBvUx29jCp8HUKQOkZAe4wiY1B6Pj7yAsf33MNmZvuEq0nojnPmkFvCVmUYD6xDTUV3Vq9ATUbLxk"></script>
<script src="https://script.crazyegg.com/pages/scripts/0117/6571.js" async></script>
<script src="/modules/contrib/google_tag/js/gtag.js?sraguf"></script>
<script src="/modules/contrib/google_tag/js/gtm.js?sraguf"></script>
</head>
<body class="t-news_item t-node__1893 path-about-news-and-events-news-gene-profiling-technique-accelerate-stem-cell-therapies-eye-diseases">
<a href="#main-content" class="u-skip-link">
Skip to content
</a>
<noscript><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-TLVNS7W"
height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript>
<div class="dialog-off-canvas-main-canvas" data-off-canvas-main-canvas>
<div id="u-page-outer" class="u-outer">
<div class="views-element-container site-notice-block" id="block-views-block-site-notices-block-1">
<div>
<div class="js-view-dom-id-bca3892fe522a94248c74087cbf8646ffbc018befc8d0e64978ba8c06dc01631 site-notices">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<img src="/themes/custom/nei/images/NEI-logo-tagline.svg" alt="" width="200" height="48" class="u-print-only">
<div class="r-global-header">
<div id="r-header-outer" class="r-header">
<div class="r-header-inner">
<div id="block-nei-branding" class="o-block--logo" role="banner">
<div class="o-logo">
<a href="/" class="o-logo__link" title="Home" rel="home"><span class="o-logo__text">National Eye Institute</span> <span class="o-logo__tagline">Research Today&hellip; Vision Tomorrow</span></a>
</div>
</div>
<div id="block-neimenubutton-2">
<div class="o-menu-toggle"><button class="o-menu-toggle__btn" id="menu-toggle__btn" aria-controls="block-mainnavigation" aria-expanded="true">Menu</button></div>
</div>
<div class="language-switcher-language-url has-no-translation" id="block-languageswitcher" role="navigation" aria-label="Language switcher">
<ul class="links">
<li class="is-active">
<a href="/about/news-and-events/news/gene-profiling-technique-accelerate-stem-cell-therapies-eye-diseases" class="language-link is-active" lang="en" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1893" aria-current="page">English</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/espanol/node/1893" class="language-link is-active" lang="es" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/1893" aria-current="page"> Español</a>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="search-global c-search--global" data-drupal-selector="search-global" id="block-globalsearchform" role="search">
<form action="/about/news-and-events/news/gene-profiling-technique-accelerate-stem-cell-therapies-eye-diseases" method="post" id="search-global" accept-charset="UTF-8">
<div class="c-form__inner">
<div class="js-form-item form-item js-form-type-textfield form-item-global-terms js-form-item-global-terms">
<label for="edit-global-terms">Search the site</label>
<input data-drupal-selector="edit-global-terms" type="text" id="edit-global-terms" name="global-terms" value="" size="30" maxlength="128" placeholder="Search the site" class="form-text" />
</div>
<input data-drupal-selector="form-qllr1iynim539uwxzxjdnyb7yxtx4squ3rocby2k42k" type="hidden" name="form_build_id" value="form-qLLr1iYnIM539uwXZXJDNYB7YxTx4SQU3rOcBY2k42k" />
<input data-drupal-selector="edit-search-global" type="hidden" name="form_id" value="search_global" />
<div data-drupal-selector="edit-global-actions" class="form-actions js-form-wrapper form-wrapper" id="edit-global-actions"><input data-drupal-selector="edit-global-submit" type="submit" id="edit-global-submit" name="op" value="Search" class="button js-form-submit form-submit" />
</div>
</div>
</form>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="r-menu-primary">
<nav aria-label="Main navigation" id="block-mainnavigation" class="o-menu-main__outer">
<ul class="o-menu o-menu-main"> <li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--expanded o-menu-main__item--no-js"> <a href="/learn-about-eye-health" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/39">Learn About Eye Health</a>
<ul class="o-menu o-menu-main__submenu"> <li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/learn-about-eye-health/healthy-vision" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/788">Healthy Vision</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases">Eye Conditions and Diseases</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/learn-about-eye-health/eye-health-data-and-statistics" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/825">Eye Health Data and Statistics</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/learn-about-eye-health/campaigns" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/3859">Campaigns</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item"> <a href="/learn-about-eye-health/vision-rehabilitation" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/3865">Vision Rehabilitation</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item"> <a href="/learn-about-eye-health/nei-for-kids" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/162">NEI for Kids</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/learn-about-eye-health/outreach-resources" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/125">Outreach Resources</a>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--expanded o-menu-main__item--no-js"> <a href="/grants-and-training" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/143">Grants and Training</a>
<ul class="o-menu-main__submenu o-menu"> <li class="o-menu-main__item"> <a href="/grants-and-training/how-apply" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/145">How to Apply</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/grants-and-training/funding-opportunities" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/144">Funding Opportunities</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/grants-and-training/training-nei" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/146">Training at NEI</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/grants-and-training/funding-training-and-career-development" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/152">Funding for Training and Career Development</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/grants-and-training/policies-and-procedures" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/149">Policies and Procedures</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item"> <a href="/grants-and-training/Prior-Approval-Requests" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/3918">Prior Approval Requests</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/grants-and-training/resources-researchers" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/150">Resources for Researchers</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/grants-and-training/contact-grants-and-funding-staff" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/151">Contact Grants and Funding Staff</a>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--expanded o-menu-main__item--no-js"> <a href="/research" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/41">Research at NEI</a>
<ul class="o-menu-main__submenu o-menu"> <li class="o-menu-main__item"> <a href="/about/news-and-events/news" title="Research News" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="about/news-and-events/news">Research News</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/research/clinical-trials" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/132">Clinical Trials</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/research/research-labs-and-branches" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/270">Research Labs and Branches</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item"> <a href="/research/jobs-and-training-opportunities-nei" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/564">Jobs and Training Opportunities at NEI</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item"> <a href="/research/seminars" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/4048">NEI Research Seminars</a>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--expanded o-menu-main__item--no-js"> <a href="/about" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/275">About NEI</a>
<ul class="o-menu-main__submenu o-menu"> <li class="o-menu-main__item"> <a href="/about/strategic-planning" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/2857">Strategic Planning</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/about/news-and-events" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/131">News and Events</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/about/goals-and-accomplishments" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/281">Goals and Accomplishments</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/about/nei-history" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/282">NEI History</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/about/nei-leadership" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/415">NEI Leadership</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/about/budget-and-congress" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/395">Budget and Congress</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item o-menu-main__item--collapsed"> <a href="/about/advisory-committees" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/285">Advisory Committees</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item"> <a href="/learn-about-eye-health/outreach-resources/national-eye-health-education-program" title="National Eye Health Education Program" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/265">National Eye Health Education Program</a>
</li>
<li class="o-menu-main__item"> <a href="/about/donate-nei" class="o-menu-main__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/286">Donate to NEI</a>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</nav>
</div>
</div>
<div class="o-overlay" aria-hidden="true"></div>
<div class="r-breadcrumb">
<div id="block-nei-breadcrumbs">
<nav aria-label="Breadcrumb">
<ol class="c-breadcrumb">
<li>
<a href="/">Home</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/about">About NEI</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/about/news-and-events">News and Events</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="/about/news-and-events/news">NEI Research News</a>
</li>
<li>
Gene profiling technique to accelerate stem cell therapies for eye diseases
</li>
</ol>
</nav>
</div>
</div>
<div class="r-page-header">
<div class="o-page-header">
<div id="block-nei-page-title">
<h1>
<span>Gene profiling technique to accelerate stem cell therapies for eye diseases</span>
</h1>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="r-highlighted">
<div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div>
</div>
<div class="r-help">
</div>
<main id="main-content" class="r-main">
<div class="r-pre-content">
</div>
<div class="r-splitter">
<div class="r-content">
<div id="block-nei-content">
<article data-history-node-id="1893">
<div>
<div class="c-item__date">
July 16, 2014
</div>
<div class="c-item__tag c-item__tag--topic">
<a href="/about/news-and-events/news?topic=393" hreflang="en">Bioinformatics</a>
<a href="/about/news-and-events/news?topic=402" hreflang="en">Genetics</a>
<a href="/about/news-and-events/news?topic=364" hreflang="en">Regenerative Medicine</a>
<a href="/about/news-and-events/news?topic=7" hreflang="en">Retina</a>
<a href="/about/news-and-events/news?topic=41" hreflang="en">Stem Cells</a>
</div>
<div class="c-item__tag c-item__tag--research-type">
<a href="/about/news-and-events/news?research=35" hreflang="en">Translational Research</a>
</div>
<div class="c-item__tag c-item__tag--source">
<a href="/about/news-and-events/news?source=123" hreflang="en">NEI</a>
</div>
<div class="c-item__tag c-item__tag--topic">
<a href="/about/news-and-events/news?initiatives=170" hreflang="en">Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research Unit</a>
</div>
<div class="o-news__content">
<div class="c-image c-image--has-caption c-image--left">
<div class="c-image__src">
<img src="https://www.nei.nih.gov/sites/default/files/styles/small/public/news/retinal_pigment_epithelium.jpg?itok=tvgSIJ4P" alt="Retinal pigment epithelium derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. Photo credit: Dr. Kapil Bharti." width="250" height="187">
</div>
<div class="c-image__caption">
<p>Retinal pigment epithelium derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. Photo credit: Dr. Kapil Bharti.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="c-text">
<p>Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have developed a technique that will speed up the production of stem-cell derived tissues. The method simultaneously measures the expression of multiple genes, allowing scientists to quickly characterize cells according to their function and stage of development. The technique will help the researchers in their efforts to use patients skin cells to regenerate retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)—a tissue in the back of the eye that is affected in several blinding eye diseases. It will also help the scientists search for drugs for personalized treatments.</p><p>“Progress in stem cell-based therapies has been limited by our capacity to authenticate cells and tissues,” said Kapil Bharti, Ph.D., a Stadtman Investigator in the Unit on Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research at the National Eye Institute (NEI), a part of NIH. “This assay expands that capacity and streamlines the process.”</p><p>The assay was described in a recent issue of Stem Cells Translational Medicine.</p><p>The RPE is a single layer of cells that lies adjacent to the retina, where the light-sensitive photoreceptors commonly called rods and cones are located. The RPE supports photoreceptor function. Several diseases cause the RPE to break down, which in turn leads to the loss of photoreceptors and vision.</p><p>The stem cells Dr. Bharti is using to make RPE are induced pluripotent (iPS) stem cells, which are produced by reverting mature cells to an immature state, akin to embryonic stem cells. iPS cells can be derived from a patients skin or blood cells, coaxed into other cell types (such as neurons or muscle), and in theory, re-implanted without causing immune rejection.</p><p>To verify the identity of RPE made from iPS cells, scientists use microscopy to ensure the tissue looks like RPE and physiological assays to ensure the tissue behaves like RPE. They also use a technique called quantitative RT-PCR to measure the expression of genes that indicate ongoing cell development and function. For example, expression of the gene SOX2 is much higher in iPS cells than mature RPE.</p><p>But quantitative RT-PCR only permits the simultaneous measurement of a few genes per sample. Dr. Bharti teamed up with Marc Ferrer, Ph.D., of NIHs National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) to develop a multiplex assay—a method for simultaneously measuring multiple genes per RPE sample in a highly automated fashion. The assay is based on a commercially available platform from the biotech company Affymetrix. In the assay, tiny snippets of DNA tethered to beads are used to capture RNA molecules—created when genes are expressed by cells in the RPE sample. Once captured, the RNA from distinct genes is labeled with a fluorescent tag.</p>
</div>
<div class="c-accessible-video">
<h2 class="c-video__heading">
Vision to Grow Stem Cells into RPE for Damaged Eyesight
</h2>
<div class="video-embed-wrapper">
<a href="#video-skip-anchor-18207" class="u-skip-video">Skip video</a>
<div class="video-embed-wrapper-inner">
<iframe
class="accessible-video-iframe"
width="560"
height="315"
data-std-video-id="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_j9h8G2bv2I"
data-ad-video-id="https://www.youtube.com/embed/"
src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_j9h8G2bv2I"
allowfullscreen
title="Vision to Grow Stem Cells into RPE for Damaged Eyesight (embedded video)"
loading="lazy"></iframe>
</div>
</div>
<div id="video-skip-anchor-18207" class="video-skip-anchor" tabindex="-1"></div>
</div>
<div class="c-text">
<p>Starting with cells from a skin biopsy, the researchers generated iPS-derived RPE and then measured the expression of eight genes that are markers of development, function, and disease. They measured RNA levels of each gene one at a time using quantitative RT-PCR and then all genes simultaneously using the multiplex assay. When compared, the results correlated.</p><p>The researchers then used the multiplex assay to compare gene expression of iPS-derived RPE to iPS cells and to RPE cells cultured from an eye. Compared to iPS cells, iPS-derived RPE expressed lower levels of SOX2 and higher levels of the RPE-specific genes PAX6, RPE65, RDH5, TRPM1, and BEST1. Compared to cultured RPE, iPS-derived RPE expressed higher levels of SOX2 and PAX6—both developmental markers—but lower levels of the RPE-specific genes, suggesting a relatively immature state.</p><p>“This report demonstrates proof of principle that relevant gene expression changes in iPS-derived RPE can be measured with confidence using a fully automated, high-throughput assay,” said Dr. Bharti. Once they had the assay working, the researchers halved its cost and increased its output by using fewer cells and smaller solution volumes.</p><p>Dr. Bharti and colleagues at NEI are collaborating with the New York Stem Cell Foundation to produce iPS cell lines from patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD)—the most common cause of vision loss among older Americans—and from other patients with rare hereditary eye diseases. These iPS cell lines will be available to the entire scientific community through a central repository. Dr. Bharti will generate RPE from these cell lines to study AMD.</p><p>The multiplex assay will be used as a quality check on the cells, and for screening the effects of potentially therapeutic compounds. It will also help refine production of RPE for cell therapy. With a <a href="https://commonfund.nih.gov/stemcells/programhighlights">Therapeutic Challenge Award</a> from the NIH Common Fund, Dr. Bharti is leading efforts toward a clinical trial of iPS-derived RPE for AMD. The trial will test whether replacing damaged RPE with RPE from patients own cells can prevent AMD-related vision loss.</p><p>The study was funded by the NEI Intramural Research Program, the NIH Common Fund, and NIH grant U54 MH084681.</p><p>More information about Dr. Bhartis research, including a <a href="https://youtu.be/_j9h8G2bv2I">video</a>, is available on the <a href="http://irp.nih.gov/our-research/research-in-action/visionary-scientist-mentor-ceo">NIH Intramural Research Programs website</a>.</p><p><strong>Reference:</strong> Ferrer M, Corneo B, Davis J, et al. A Multiplex High-Throughput Gene Expression Assay to Simultaneously Detect Disease and Functional Markers in Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelium. <em>Stem Cells Translational Medicine</em>. May 2014.</p><p>###</p><p>NEI leads the federal governments research on the visual system and eye diseases. NEI supports basic and clinical science programs that result in the development of sight-saving treatments. For more information, visit <a href="/">http://www.nei.nih.gov</a>.</p><p>NCATS is a distinctly different entity in the research ecosystem. Rather than targeting a particular disease or fundamental science, NCATS focuses on what is common across diseases and the translational process. The Center emphasizes innovation and deliverables, relying on the power of data and new technologies to develop, demonstrate and disseminate improvements in translational science that bring about tangible improvements in human health. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.ncats.nih.gov">http://www.ncats.nih.gov</a>.</p><p>About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nations medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit <a href="http://www.nih.gov/">http://www.nih.gov/</a></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</article>
</div>
</div>
<aside class="r-sidebar" role="complementary">
<div class="views-element-container" id="block-views-block-nei-sidebar-block-1">
<div>
<div class="js-view-dom-id-2b365bfa8b4c53e79ad74e460e8436dd6adf115ef938bec1cdb6a2432d78f6eb nei-sidebar">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</aside>
</div>
</main>
<div class="r-footer">
<footer class="o-footer" role="contentinfo">
<div id="block-footer-2">
<div class="o-footer__row">
<div class="o-footer__group o-footer__group--logo"><a class="o-logo__link" href="/" rel="home" title="Home"><span class="o-logo__text">National Eye Institute</span></a>
<ul class="o-menu-social">
<li class="o-menu-social__item"><a class="o-menu-social__link o-menu-social__link--facebook outlink-ignore" href="https://www.facebook.com/NationalEyeInstitute">Facebook</a></li>
<li class="o-menu-social__item"><a class="o-menu-social__link o-menu-social__link--twitter outlink-ignore" href="https://twitter.com/NatEyeInstitute">Twitter</a></li>
<li class="o-menu-social__item"><a class="o-menu-social__link o-menu-social__link--linkedin outlink-ignore" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-eye-institute-nei">LinkedIn</a></li>
<li class="o-menu-social__item"><a class="o-menu-social__link o-menu-social__link--youtube outlink-ignore" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/neinih">YouTube</a></li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div>
<div class="o-footer__group o-footer__group--contact">
<h2 class="o-footer__title">Contact NEI</h2>
<ul class="o-menu-footer">
<li class="o-menu-footer__item"><a class="o-menu-footer__link" href="/contact-us/">Contact Us</a></li>
<li class="o-menu-footer__item"><a class="o-menu-footer__link" href="https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/visitor-information">Visit NIH</a></li>
<li class="o-menu-footer__item"><a class="o-menu-footer__link" href="https://list.nih.gov/cgi-bin/wa.exe?SUBED1=insidenei&amp;A=1">Get Email Updates from NEI</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="o-footer__group o-footer__group--policies">
<h2 class="o-footer__title">Policies</h2>
<ul class="o-menu-footer">
<li class="o-menu-footer__item"><a class="o-menu-footer__link" href="/accessibility-information">Accessibility</a></li>
<li class="o-menu-footer__item"><a class="o-menu-footer__link" href="https://www.nih.gov/nondiscrimination-notice-language-assistance-services">Information in Other Languages</a></li>
<li class="o-menu-footer__item"><a class="o-menu-footer__link" href="/nei-website-privacy-policy">Privacy</a></li>
<li class="o-menu-footer__item"><a class="o-menu-footer__link" href="/freedom-information-act">Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)</a></li>
<li class="o-menu-footer__item"><a class="o-menu-footer__link" href="/disclaimers">Disclaimers</a></li>
<li class="o-menu-footer__item"><a class="o-menu-footer__link" href="/web-policies ">Web Policies</a></li>
<li class="o-menu-footer__item"><a class="o-menu-footer__link" href="https://www.hhs.gov/vulnerability-disclosure-policy/index.html ">Vulnerability Disclosure</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="o-footer__group o-footer__group--employees">
<h2 class="o-footer__title">For NEI Employees</h2>
<ul class="o-menu-footer">
<li class="o-menu-footer__item"><a class="o-menu-footer__link" href="https://intranet.nei.nih.gov">Intranet</a></li>
<li class="o-menu-footer__item"><a class="o-menu-footer__link" href="https://intranet.nei.nih.gov/hr/Pages/emergency.aspx">Emergency Information</a></li>
<li class="o-menu-footer__item"><a class="o-menu-footer__link" href="https://ned.nih.gov/search/search.aspx">NIH Staff Directory</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<div class="o-footer__row">
<div class="o-footer__full o-footer__full--parent">
<ul class="o-menu-footer o-menu-footer--swing">
<li class="o-menu-footer__item"><a class="o-menu-footer__link" href="https://www.nih.gov/">NIH.gov</a></li>
<li class="o-menu-footer__item"><a class="o-menu-footer__link" href="https://hhs.gov/">HHS.gov</a></li>
<li class="o-menu-footer__item"><a class="o-menu-footer__link" href="https://usa.gov/">USA.gov</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</footer>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="c-lb-wrapper" id="lb-wrapper" aria-hidden="true">
<div class="c-lb-overlay" tabindex="-1"></div>
<div role="dialog" class="c-lb" id="lb">
<div class="c-lb-header">
<button class="c-lb-close-btn"><span class="c-lb-close-btn-text">Close</span><span class="c-lb-close-btn-text times" aria-hidden="true">&times;</span></button>
</div>
<figure class="c-lb-figure">
<figcaption class="c-lb-caption"></figcaption>
</figure>
</div>
</div>
<script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_agazM-qm5cOcplNZo9kNIWFtUrwt0V1xgAKtLyM44Us.js?scope=footer&amp;delta=0&amp;language=en&amp;theme=nei&amp;include=eJxdjEEOgCAMBD-E9kmkYrOpqdQAMerr5eBBvUx29jCp8HUKQOkZAe4wiY1B6Pj7yAsf33MNmZvuEq0nojnPmkFvCVmUYD6xDTUV3Vq9ATUbLxk"></script>
<script src="/themes/custom/nei/js/scripts.js?sraguf"></script>
</body>
</html>