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Findings from Thomas Jefferson University broaden understanding of retinal disease
2009 JUL 6 - (NewsRx.com) -- According to recent research from the United States, "Purpose of review Stem-cell research is being investigated for the treatment of retina diseases. Cell replacement strategies have the potential to improve vision in patients who were previously considered to be untreatable." "This review summarizes progress within the field and obstacles which must be overcome to make stem-cell therapy a viable treatment for select retinal disease. Recent findings Researchers have demonstrated that stem-cell transplants can survive, migrate, differentiate, and integrate within the retina. Stem cells from various developmental stages have been used in these experiments, including embryonic stem cells, neural stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, retinal stem cells, and adult stem cells from the ciliary margin. Not only can these transplants adopt retina-like morphologies and phenotypes, but they have also shown evidence of synaptic reconnection and visual recovery in both animal and human studies. Still, work must be done to achieve higher yields of functioning retinal neurons and to promote better integration within the host retina," wrote P.S. Baker and colleagues, Thomas Jefferson University. The researchers concluded: " Although many obstacles remain, stem-cell-based therapy is a promising treatment to restore vision in patients with retina disease." Baker and colleagues published their study in Current Opinion in Ophthalmology (Stem-cell therapy in retinal disease. Current Opinion in Ophthalmology, 2009;20(3):175-181). For additional information, contact P.S. Baker, Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson Med College, Retina Service, Wills Eye Institute, 840 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. Publisher contact information for the journal Current Opinion in Ophthalmology is: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 530 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106-3621, USA. Keywords: United States, Philadelphia, Biotechnology, Biotherapy, Cell Therapy, Medical Device, Ophthalmology, Retinal Disease, Stem Cell Research, Treatment, Thomas Jefferson University. This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.
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