Human pluripotent stem cells for the modelling of retinal pigment epithelium homeostasis and disease: A review

Summary

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), which include induced pluripotent stem cells and embryonic stem cells, are powerful tools for studying human development, physiology and disease, including those affecting the retina. Cells from selected individuals, or specific genetic backgrounds, can be differentiated into distinct cell types allowing the modelling of diseases in a dish for therapeutic development. hPSC-derived retinal cultures have already been used to successfully model retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) degeneration for various retinal diseases including monogenic conditions and complex disease such as age-related macular degeneration. Here, we will review the current knowledge gained in understanding the molecular events involved in retinal disease using hPSC-derived retinal models, in particular RPE models. We will provide examples of various conditions to illustrate the scope of applications associated with the use of hPSC-derived RPE models. © 2022 The Authors. Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.

Authors Hall JC, Paull D, Pébay A, Lidgerwood GE
Journal Clinical & experimental ophthalmology
Publication Date 2022 Aug;50(6):667-677
PubMed 35739648
PubMed Central PMC9546239
DOI 10.1111/ceo.14128

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