In a new study, Scientists from Osaka University and Cardiff University have confirmed it’s possible to produce several types of ocular tissue in a way that can reflect the development of entire eye.

 
It was confirmed that when transplanted into corneal blindness model animal eyes, these eye tissues can repair the damaged front and restore vision. The researchers said, these findings may pave way for clinical trials of anterior eye transplantation aimed to restore the lost or damaged human eyesight.

 
Previous studies have demonstrated a specific cell type, such as those cells composed of retina or cornea, can be produced in the laboratory by the use of pluripotent stem cells. However, these studies do not reflect the complexity of the entire eye development.

 
In this latest study, the researchers reported, eye cells produced by human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can produce self-formed ectodermal autonomous multi-zone, SEAM) and cells in different position is indicative of various cell lines such as the ocular surface ectoderm cells, lens cells, neural retinal cells and retinal pigment epithelial cells.

 
The researchers also confirmed that corneal epithelial cells produced by human iPSCs can be cultured in vitro and then transplant them into experimentally induced blind rabbit to repair the damaged front portion of the eye. “This study confirmed that many types of human stem cell derived cells can exhibit the characteristics of cornea, lens and retina.” said Andrew Quantock, co-author of the paper.

 
“The important thing is that it confirms what is known as corneal epithelial cells can be further cultured in the laboratory, and then transplant them into the rabbit eye, where they are functional, enabling the rabbit visual acuity. ”

 
“Our research has the potential not only to produce cells for the treatment of other parts of the eye, but in the future, lay the foundation clinical trial of anterior eye transplantation aimed to restore visual function.”