Electron microscopic analysis of macular hole after stem cell-derived retinal organoid transplantation

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22K20968
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: 0906:Surgery related to the biological and sensory functions and related fields
• Research Institution: Chiba University
• Principal Investigator: Akiba Ryutaro 千葉大学, 大学院医学研究院, 助教 (70963049)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-08-31 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 黄斑円孔 / 視細胞移植 / 細胞治療

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Macular hole represents a condition in which damage to the central part of the retina leads to a reduction in visual acuity, with cases that are difficult to treat surgically posing a significant challenge. In collaboration with Riken, we transplanted human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal organoid into the eye of a Japanese Macaque with macular hole and subsequently dissected and fixed the retina, then captured images of the transplanted retinal tissue using electron microscopy. Analysis of these images revealed closure of the macular holes and the formation of rosettes by what are presumed to be host-derived photoreceptors. These findings suggest that transplantation of retinal tissue contributes to the closure of macular holes and can successfully integrate with the host retina. We plan to include these results in a paper to be submitted to an international academic journal.

Free Research Field

再生医療

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

黄斑円孔の動物モデルにおいて、ヒトES細胞由来の網膜組織が円孔閉鎖に有用であることが明らかになり、今後細胞治療が黄斑円孔の治療に有用な可能性が示された。