Evaluation of RPE65, CRALBP, VEGF, CD68, and tyrosinase gene expression in human retinal pigment epithelial cells cultured on amniotic membrane.

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) plays a key role in the maintenance of the normal functions of the retina. Tissue engineering using amniotic membrane as a substrate to culture RPE cells may provide a promising new strategy to replace damaged RPE. We established a method of culturing RPE cells over the amniotic membrane as a support for their growth and transplantation.

Retinal pigment epithelium culture;a potential source of retinal stem cells.

Purpose: To establish human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell culture as a source for cell replacement therapy in ocular diseases.

Methods: Human cadaver globes were used to isolate RPE cells. Each globe was cut into several pieces of a few millimeters in size.