Helical Fasciculation of Bipolar and Horizontal Cell Neurites for Wiring With Photoreceptors in Macaque and Mouse Retinas.

Purpose: The three-dimensional configurations of rod and cone bipolar cell (BC) dendrites and horizontal cell (HC) processes outside rod and cone synaptic terminals have not been fully elucidated. We reveal how these neurites are mutually arranged to coordinate formation and maintenance of the postsynaptic complex of ribbon synapses in mouse and monkey retinas.

Methods: Serial section transmission electron microscopy was utilized to reconstruct BC and HC neurites in macaque monkey and mouse, including metabotropic glutamate receptor 6 (mGluR6)-knockout mice.

HLA-Matched Allogeneic iPS Cells-Derived RPE Transplantation for Macular Degeneration.

Immune attacks are key issues for cell transplantation. To assess the safety and the immune reactions after iPS cells-derived retinal pigment epithelium (iPS-RPE) transplantation, we transplanted HLA homozygote iPS-RPE cells established at an iPS bank in HLA-matched patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration. In addition, local steroids without immunosuppressive medications were administered.

Inhibition of T-cell activation by retinal pigment epithelial cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells from induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells could inhibit T-cell activation in vitro.

Methods: Cultured iPS-derived RPE (iPS-RPE) cells were established from fresh skin tissues or dental pulp cells obtained from healthy donors or a retinal patient after informed consent was obtained. To confirm expression of the specific markers on iPS and iPS-RPE cells, immunohistochemistry, quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), and flow cytometry were performed.

Use of lectins to enrich mouse ES-derived retinal progenitor cells for the purpose of transplantation therapy.

Using the mouse ES cell line with green fluorescent protein knocked-in at the Rx locus (Rx-KI ES cell), we previously showed that photoreceptors can be efficiently obtained in defined culture conditions by enriching Rx-positive retinal progenitor cells. We aimed to explore a protocol applicable for non-Rx-labeled stem cell lines for subsequent enrichment of retinal photoreceptor precursors for transplantation. The Rx-KI ES cell line was differentiated according to the serum-free suspension conditions with serum-free suspension/Dkk1/LeftyA/serum/activin method (SFEB/DLFA) described previously.