Abstract
Presentation Description :
The death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in conditions like glaucoma and other optic neuropathies leads to irreversible vision loss, To counter this, RGC repopulation represents a promising therapeutic strategy to restore vision provided that the newly introduced neurons can effectively reintegrate into functional retinal and thalamic circuits for function. Theoretically, RGC repopulation can be achieved through the transplantation of stem cell-derived neurons or by inducing endogenous transdifferentiation. Recognizing the complexities associated with repairing the visual pathway in optic neuropathy, the RGC Repopulation, Stem Cell Transplantation, and Optic Nerve Regeneration (RReSTORe) Consortium was established. In 2022, this consortium initiated ongoing international collaborative discussions, aiming to propel advancements in RGC repopulation. Five critical areas of focus have been identified to address challenges and foster progress: (1) RGC development and differentiation, (2) Transplantation methods and models, (3) RGC survival, maturation, and host interactions, (4) Inner retinal wiring, and (5) Eye-to-brain connectivity. This presentation will focus on transplantation methods and models for achieving exogenously derived RGC transplantation. The use of pre-clinical animal models that incorporate the influence of microenvironment such as gial and immune system responses, graft specification that consider literature submitted to enhance survival rate, transplantation timing, location, and technique, barriers to graft and cell survival and integration, structural and functional evaluation of donor cell in host retina will be reviewed.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.