American scientists have detected a previously unknown type of stem cells in the retina of the human eye.
The new stem cells are located in the so-called retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) which consists of a single cell layer. The layer separates the retina from the choroid coat. With its melanin particles it serves as a light filter. It also supplies the photoreceptors with nutrients. In a study American scientists led by Enrique Salero from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, used RPE cells from deceased humans and cultivated them under different conditions in the laboratory.
Normally the pigmented connective tissue cells are dormant. If they are cultivated under special conditions they divide and can produce different cell types such as nerve cells or connective tissue cells. The researchers were able to transform the cells into adult stem cells.
The scientists hope that the pluripotent stem cells can be used for treating retinal damages.
Source: http://www.scinexx.de/newsletter-wissen-aktuell-14294-2012-01-06.html
Abstract: Cell Stem Cell, 2012; doi: 10.1016/j.stem.2011.11.018,
https://www.cell.com/cell-stem-cell/abstract/S1934-5909%2811%2900579-0?script=true
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