Retina tissue grown in the laboratory returned vision to monkeys

Pigment retinitis is a genetic disease of the eye that causes damage to the retina. It is incurable; over time, a person with this disease loses sight. However, it is possible, in a short time, scientists will find a way to fight this disease. For the first time in history, researchers have managed to transplant retinal tissue created from human stem cells into the retina of experimental primates.

Researchers from the RIKEN Institute in Japan were able to grow retinal tissue and transplanted it to monkeys suffering from pigment retinitis. Conducted three weeks after the tests showed that the sight of the experimental monkeys improved.

In a scientific article published this week, the authors also reported on experiments in rats with a progressive form of retinitis pigmentosa. These experiments were also successful: transplant cells were attached and connected to the original cells of the retina, improving vision.

The researchers are going to continue the research and hope to understand, due to what the implanted cells create connections with the cells of the retina. And although before the practical application of this technology people still have years to work, scientists are confident that they are moving in the right direction.

Based on the materials of Popular Science

The article is based on materials https://hi-news.ru/technology/vyrashhennaya-v-laboratorii-tkan-setchatki-vernula-obezyanam-zrenie.html.