Abstract
Purpose :
Axon growth of implanted retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is an important step in restoring vision for glaucoma and retinal degenerated patients. Magnetic composite materials which can be manipulated non-invasively and functionalized easily have been reported to enhance filopodial elongation of RGCs by exerting mechanical tension.
Methods :
Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were added in isolated human iPSC derived RGCs, and magnetic field was applied continuously for 3 days to observe RGC axon growth length and direction in vitro. These isolated human iPSC derived RGCs with membrane-bound MNPs were injected into mouse retinas, and the elongation of transplanted RGC axons was assessed in vivo.
Results :
The data shows that MNPs promoted RGC axon regeneration and guided RGC axon growth toward the direction of magnetic field significantly in vitro (Fig 1). When the magnetic field was applied in vivo, transplanted RGCs showed increased axon elongation and directed growth.
Conclusions :
The present study demonstrates that MNPs are a potential therapeutic strategy in promoting axon regeneration and growth in RGCs. Future application of this approach may be using MNPs coated with growth factors to further facilitate RGC axon growth.
This is a 2021 ARVO Annual Meeting abstract.