Functional Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels Are Present in Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelium.

ABSTRACT: Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) performs important functions for the maintenance of photoreceptors and vision. Malfunctions within the RPE are implicated in several retinal diseases for which transplantations of stem cell-derived RPE are promising treatment options. Their success, however, is largely dependent on the functionality of the transplanted cells. This requires correct cellular physiology, which is highly influenced by the various ion channels of RPE, including voltage-gated Ca²⁺ (Ca_V ) channels. This study investigated the localization and functionality of Ca_V channels in human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived RPE. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from these cells revealed slowly inactivating L-type currents comparable to freshly isolated mou

SUBMITTER: Korkka I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6344904 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature