StemCell Therapy

Stem cells were encouraged to form a structure known as the optic cup

By Daily Mail Reporter

PUBLISHED: 10:55 EST, 13 June 2012 | UPDATED: 10:55 EST, 13 June 2012

Scientists have taken a major step towards restoring vision for blind people with the help of stem cells.

Human-derived stem cells can spontaneously form the tissue that develops into the part of the eye which allows us to see, according to a new study.

Researchers say transplantation of this tissue in the future could help patients with visual impairments see clearly.

The stem cells formed two layers of the optic cup, including a layer containing a large number of photoreceptors

Senior study author Doctor Yoshiki Sasai, of the RIKEN Centre for Developmental Biology in Japan, said: 'This is an important milestone for a new generation of regenerative medicine.

'Our approach opens a new avenue to the use of human stem cell-derived complex tissues for therapy, as well as for other medical studies related to pathogenesis and drug discovery.'

Read the original:
Blindness breakthrough as scientists turn stem cells into the tissue that allows humans to see

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