Stem cell model to assist macular degeneration research

Researchers from the University of Rochestor Medical Center collected skin cells from patients with genetic forms of macular degeneration to help create the model. They then re-programmed th to st cells, and used the st cells to create retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells.The cells derived from patients mimicked several characteristics of macular degeneration when aged in a dish, such as producing the drusen deposits found beneath RPE cells, one of the hallmark characteristics for each form of the disease.Using this model, the group, led by Assistant Professor Ruchira Singh, showed for the first time that dysfunctional RPE cells can cause specific aspects of macular degeneration on their own – without the help of other cells or components of the retina.It also allowed her research team to identify a group of molecules in RPE cells that could be targeted by new macular degeneration drugs.