Identifying biomarkers of heterogeneity and transplantation efficacy in retinal pigment epithelial cells.

ABSTRACT: Transplantation of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells holds great promise for patients with retinal degenerative diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration. In-depth characterization of RPE cell product identity and critical quality attributes are needed to enhance efficacy and safety of replacement therapy strategies. Here, we characterized an adult RPE stem cell-derived (RPESC-RPE) cell product using bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), assessing functional cell integration in vitro into a mature RPE monolayer and in vivo efficacy by vision rescue in the Royal College of Surgeons rats. scRNA-seq revealed several distinct subpopulations in the RPESC-RPE product, some with progenitor markers. We identified RPE clusters expressing genes associated with in vivo effica

SUBMITTER: Farjood F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10510736 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature