Journal Article

DZNE-2026-01062

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Extensive monolayer formation after transplantation depends on an RPE subpopulation derived from human iPSCs

Tessmer, K. ; Hammer, J. ; Gasparini, S. J. ; Schmidtke, K. ; Adhikari, T. ; Michalke, L. ; Schön, A. ; Sulaj, F. ; Loureiro, L. R. ; Last, A. ; Chelius, N. ; Kurtz, A. ; Johannsen, H. ; Carido, M.DZNE* ; Ferguson, S. ; Petzold, A. ; Friedrich, U. A. ; Kurth, T. ; Dahl, A. ; Feldmann, A. ; Almedawar, S. ; Knöbel, S. ; Ader, M.

2026
Elsevier St. Louis

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1016/j.isci.2026.117750

Abstract: Loss of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in the eye leads to photoreceptor dysfunction, death, and eventually, vision loss. Cell replacement strategies using RPE cells derived in vitro from pluripotent stem cells are currently evaluated as a potential therapeutic strategy. Generation of polarized monolayers represents an essential prerequisite for proper RPE function; however, monolayer formation following transplantation of RPE suspensions has not been systematically assessed. Using the sodium iodate mouse model of acute RPE depletion, significant increase in monolayer formation capacity of passage 1 vs. 2 human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived RPE cells was observed three weeks post-transplantation. Transplant-derived monolayers showed characteristic apicobasal polarity, RPE marker expression, phagocytosis function, and preservation of the host outer nuclear layer. The cell surface marker panel CD54+/PSA-NCAM− was identified to enrich for an RPE subpopulation with a high potential for monolayer formation following transplantation. Results underline the importance of defining and isolating competent cell subpopulations for successful RPE transplantation.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Dresden common (Dresden common)

Research Program(s):

1. 899 - ohne Topic (POF4-899) (POF4-899)

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; ; Article Processing Charges ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Life Sciences ; DOAJ Seal ; Essential Science Indicators ; Fees ; IF >= 5 ; JCR ; PubMed Central ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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