“Derivation of retinal organoids with improved number and structure of Müller glia generated from human and mouse pluripotent stem cells” Domain of stem cell biology, developmental biology, neurobiology.

Retinal degenerative diseases are the most prevalent cause of blindness in the Western world. Abscence of remedy for most of these conditions push scientists to develop reliable models of eye to study degeneration and search for treatment. Derived from stem cells retina organoids already carry out these functions in research. However, they have heterogeneous and immature organisation, likely due to impact of non-retinal tissue and low number of Müller cells, respectevily.

In this project we want to study the effect of different chemicals and proteins to form murine retina organoids with better structure. To do that, first, we want to modify genome of mouse stem cells by inserting a reporter gene to one of the earliest markers of eye development (Rax gene). It will help to track appearance of early retinal progenitors and isolate them to forms homogenous optic cup organoids later. And second, we plan to find exogenous and endogenous factors that will facilitate formation of properly developed Müller glia cells. That accomplishment would ensure accurate organoid maintenance and function. When key protocol procedures will be identified, a similar approach will be undertaken with the human stem cells.