Commentary Cellscience Reviews Vol 3 No 3 ISSN 1742-8130

Envisioning cell-based retinal repair

Inherited and acquired forms of retinal degenerative disease are responsible for incurable vision loss in millions of people worldwide. Thus far, cell-based strategies for retinal repair in mammals have yielded mixed results, demonstrating some promise while also revealing numerous obstacles to success. However, recent discoveries have been made that have brought the possibility of photoreceptor replacement closer to reality. This commentary focuses on the work of MacLaren et al (Nature, 2006), that defined a donor cell type capable of integrating into degenerated mouse retina, differentiating into mature rod photoreceptors and partially restoring visual function. Key findings from the article are presented, followed by a discussion of the limitations of this approach and areas for further investigation.

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