iPSCs are somatic cells (non-reproductive cells) that are manually reprogrammed in the laboratory to become pluripotent, that is they have an ability to become different cell types.
With this study, we plan to generate an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line from each donor. The iPSCs can then be used as a research tool in studies investigating the disease, drug discovery and pre-clinical evaluation of potential new treatments.
This reprogramming technology offers several advantages for researchers which include:
This research will further our understanding of the biology of the retinal disease and may lead to the development of potential treatments for the major causes of blindness.
