En face images of retinal pigment epithelial cell and vitreous humor analysis to elucidate macular microenvironment

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K18405
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 56060:Ophthalmology-related
• Research Institution: Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Tanaka Hiroshi 京都府立医科大学, 医学(系)研究科(研究院), 助教 (60850899)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 網膜色素上皮細胞 / ミトコンドリア / エネルギー代謝 / 黄斑円孔 / 細胞形態

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we showed that both cell morphology and function are improved by using differentiation media for retinal pigment epithelial cells in vitro. We also constructed a model of cultured human RPE cell degeneration in which cell differentiation can be inhibited by suppressing the mitochondrial electron transport chains, and showed from this model that energy metabolism is essential for maintaining cell morphology and function during RPE differentiation. Next, we succeeded in creating an in vivo rabbit macular hole model. One month after the creation of the model, electron microscopic observation of the macular hole revealed abnormal retinal pigment epithelial cell morphology and mitochondrial morphology in the macular hole model compared to normal eyes, indicating that the two are closely related.

Free Research Field

網膜硝子体

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究により網膜色素上皮細胞の細胞内エネルギー代謝、具体的にはミトコンドリアの呼吸能をコントロールすることと細胞分化が密接に関連していることが明らかとなり、細胞形態と機能の関連があることも示した。またその結果がin vitroの実験のみならずin vivo実験にても関連していることが示唆され、細胞レベルの基礎研究から疾患モデルとして臨床の疑問を解決するの橋渡しとなる研究であると考えられる。