Korean J Reprod Med.
2010 Sep;37(3):199-206.
Stem Cell Based Strategies for the Treatment of Degenerative Retinal Diseases
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul Paik Hospital, Inje University, Busan, Korea.
- 2Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Population, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.
- 3Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- 4Research and Development Center, Jeil Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Yongin, Korea.
- 5Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. hgonyu@snu.ac.kr
Abstract
- Stem-cell therapy has the potential to improve vision in patients with untreatable retinal disease. Various types of cell source including fetal, embryonic and adult stem cells, intrinsic and extrinsic factors for differentiation into retinal progenitors and transplantation mode were discussed in this review. Experimental approaches have successfully induced photoreceptor precursor cells and retinal pigment epithelium. Stem-cell-based therapy is a promising treatment to restore vision in patients with retinal disease, in spite of the challenges.