Scientists produce 3D retina tissue structures from iPS cells

Scientists have produced crude 3D tissue structures from induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells under current good manufacturing practices (cGMP), an important step for eventual large-scale use in human patients. The research is being presented at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) this week in Denver, Colo.

Simplified 3D structures of the retina were produced using a variety of cGMP-compliant culturing procedures and sources of iPS cells. iPS cells from "super donors," individuals who provide beneficial immune matches to significant portions of the U.S. population, were also successfully generated.

Clinical trials involving transplantation of retinal tissue, found in the back of the eye and responsible for sight, derived from human stem cells are ongoing. Additional types and shapes of tissue are still sought for improved patient outcomes.

Abstract Title: cGMP production of neural retina from hiPSCs
Presentation Start/End Time: Tuesday, May 5, 11:15am - 11:30am
Location: 2B/3B Mile High Blrm
Abstract Number: 3170