BACKGROUND: An embryonic stem (ES) cell-derived eye-like structure, made up of neural retinal lineage cells, @entity989 ( @entity989 ) cells, and lens cells was constructed in our laboratory. We have shown that cells from these eye-like structures can be integrated into the developing optic vesicle of chicks. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the cells from these eye-like structures can differentiate into @entity2479 cells (RGCs) when transplanted into the vitreous of an injured adult @entity19 retina. METHODS: ES cells were induced to @entity735 in vitro for 6 or 11 days. Recipient @entity19 eyes were injected with @entity143 to injure the RGCs prior to the transplantation. Sham-treated eyes received the same amount of carrier vehicle. Cells were extracted from the eye-like structures and transplanted into the vitreous of damaged and control eyes. The host eyes were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively by immunohistochemistry 10 days or 8 weeks after transplantation. RESULTS: Cells from the ES cell-derived eye-like structures were integrated into the RGC layer, and differentiated into neurons when transplanted into control (non- @entity143 -treated) adult eyes. However, they rarely expressed RGC markers. When they were transplanted into @entity143 -treated eyes, the cells spread on the surface of the retina and covered a relatively large area of the host RGC layer that had been injured by the @entity143 . The cells from the ES cell-derived eye cells frequently differentiated into cells expressing RGC-specific markers, and formed a new RGC layer. In addition, a small number of these ES cell-derived cells were observed to extend axon-like processes toward the optic disc of the host. However, visually evoked responses could not be recorded from the visual cortex. DISCUSSION: These findings suggest that ES cell-derived eye-like structures contain cells that can differentiate into RG-like cells and regenerate a new RGC layer. These cells also appeared to be integrated into the retina and extend axon-like processes toward the optic nerve head.

Transplantation of cells from eye-like structures differentiated from embryonic stem cells in vitro and in vivo regeneration of XXXX -like cells.

@entity2479 :: ('MESH:D012173', 'Disease') :: ['retinal ganglion'] @entity19 :: ('10090', 'Species') :: ['mouse'] @entity735 :: ('MESH:D005124', 'Disease') :: ['differentiate into eye-like structures'] @entity143 :: ('CHEBI:6121', 'Chemical') :: ['NMDA'] @entity989 :: ('MESH:D012164', 'Disease') :: ['retinal pigment epithelial', 'RPE']
@entity2479 :: (MESH:D012173,Disease) :: ['retinal ganglion']
