Retinoid Processing in Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cultures

Stem cell therapy for retinal degenerative diseases such as age-related macular degeneration is a promising clinical option for the replacement of photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Induced pluripotent stem cell technology has emerged as a viable potential source of cells for transplantation in retinal degenerative disorders. Induced pluripotent stem cells have been used to derive RPE and have been tested for their functional behavior. These cells have the ability to express RPE-specific proteins and morphologically resemble native RPE. Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived RPE are also able to contribute to the visual cycle by their ability to metabolize all-trans retinol, a critical function of RPE in maintaining visual function. Advances in induced pluripotent stem cell technology will contribute to the development of clinical therapies for retinal degenerative diseases as well as provide a tool to understand the pathology of these disorders.