"Stem Cells Restore Some Vision in Blind Mice" - Amy Norton
Mount Sinai researchers have made history with the first recorded restoration of vision in animal models through activation of retinal stem cells. In a newly published study observing the reactivation of critical cells in mouse models to regain their vision, researchers from the Ocular Stem Cell Program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have found indications that ophthalmic diseases such as macular degeneration (MD) or retinitis pigmentosa – previously believed to be irreversible – can be reversed. The discovery is in due part to zebrafish. The class of freshwater fish is capable of repairing retina damage within a few days through cellular makeup, said lead researcher, Bo Chen, PhD, associate professor of ophthalmology and director of the Ocular Stem Cell Program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. “This type of therapeutic treatment is very generous,” Dr. Chen said. “A lot of retina conditions are caused by genetic disease. Restarting the regeneration is being able to correct those problems.”
- Bo Chen, PhD, Associate Professor, Ophthalmology, Director, Ocular Stem Cell Program, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
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