Challenges and Advances in the Production of Transplantable Retinal Tissue from Retinal Organoids

Retinal degenerative diseases (RDD), which impair photoreceptors, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and associated retinal cells, result in severe vision loss. For patients with advanced RDD, tissue replacement therapies, such as transplantation, offer potential pathways to visual rehabilitatio...

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Main Authors: Samir Malhotra, Magdalene J. Seiler, Andrew W. Browne
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Knowledge E 2025-06-01
Series:Journal of Ophthalmic & Vision Research
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Online Access:https://knepublishing.com/index.php/JOVR/article/view/17499
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author Samir Malhotra
Magdalene J. Seiler
Andrew W. Browne
author_facet Samir Malhotra
Magdalene J. Seiler
Andrew W. Browne
author_sort Samir Malhotra
collection DOAJ
description Retinal degenerative diseases (RDD), which impair photoreceptors, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and associated retinal cells, result in severe vision loss. For patients with advanced RDD, tissue replacement therapies, such as transplantation, offer potential pathways to visual rehabilitation. While fetal retinal transplantation has shown some promise in preclinical and clinical studies, human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived retinal organoids (ROs) present a promising alternative. ROs are three-dimensional tissues that replicate key aspects of retinal development, making them viable candidates for transplantation. However, the path toward clinical application faces two primary challenges: achieving Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)- compliant production and overcoming technical difficulties associated with safe transplantation. Current RO production protocols are often limited by variability in tissue morphology, yield, and reproducibility, while transplantation efforts are hindered by rosette formation and mechanical damage to the subretinal space. Recent innovations, including automated bioreactor systems and optimized surgical techniques, offer potential solutions. Further advances in understanding and preventing rosette formation are essential to improve transplantation outcomes. Continued research and technological development are necessary to unlock the full potential of ROs for visual rehabilitation in patients with retinal degeneration.
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spelling doaj-art-28c3c6754bc84fac83c960f3a58af2502025-08-20T03:28:47ZengKnowledge EJournal of Ophthalmic & Vision Research2008-20102008-322X2025-06-012010.18502/jovr.v20.17499Challenges and Advances in the Production of Transplantable Retinal Tissue from Retinal Organoids Samir Malhotra0https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8542-0335Magdalene J. Seiler1https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0869-9923Andrew W. Browne2Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CASue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CADepartment of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine Retinal degenerative diseases (RDD), which impair photoreceptors, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and associated retinal cells, result in severe vision loss. For patients with advanced RDD, tissue replacement therapies, such as transplantation, offer potential pathways to visual rehabilitation. While fetal retinal transplantation has shown some promise in preclinical and clinical studies, human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived retinal organoids (ROs) present a promising alternative. ROs are three-dimensional tissues that replicate key aspects of retinal development, making them viable candidates for transplantation. However, the path toward clinical application faces two primary challenges: achieving Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)- compliant production and overcoming technical difficulties associated with safe transplantation. Current RO production protocols are often limited by variability in tissue morphology, yield, and reproducibility, while transplantation efforts are hindered by rosette formation and mechanical damage to the subretinal space. Recent innovations, including automated bioreactor systems and optimized surgical techniques, offer potential solutions. Further advances in understanding and preventing rosette formation are essential to improve transplantation outcomes. Continued research and technological development are necessary to unlock the full potential of ROs for visual rehabilitation in patients with retinal degeneration. https://knepublishing.com/index.php/JOVR/article/view/17499PhotoreceptorsPluripotent Stem CellsRegenerative MedicineRetinal DegenerationRetinal Transplantation
spellingShingle Samir Malhotra
Magdalene J. Seiler
Andrew W. Browne
Challenges and Advances in the Production of Transplantable Retinal Tissue from Retinal Organoids
Journal of Ophthalmic & Vision Research
Photoreceptors
Pluripotent Stem Cells
Regenerative Medicine
Retinal Degeneration
Retinal Transplantation
title Challenges and Advances in the Production of Transplantable Retinal Tissue from Retinal Organoids
title_full Challenges and Advances in the Production of Transplantable Retinal Tissue from Retinal Organoids
title_fullStr Challenges and Advances in the Production of Transplantable Retinal Tissue from Retinal Organoids
title_full_unstemmed Challenges and Advances in the Production of Transplantable Retinal Tissue from Retinal Organoids
title_short Challenges and Advances in the Production of Transplantable Retinal Tissue from Retinal Organoids
title_sort challenges and advances in the production of transplantable retinal tissue from retinal organoids
topic Photoreceptors
Pluripotent Stem Cells
Regenerative Medicine
Retinal Degeneration
Retinal Transplantation
url https://knepublishing.com/index.php/JOVR/article/view/17499
work_keys_str_mv AT samirmalhotra challengesandadvancesintheproductionoftransplantableretinaltissuefromretinalorganoids
AT magdalenejseiler challengesandadvancesintheproductionoftransplantableretinaltissuefromretinalorganoids
AT andrewwbrowne challengesandadvancesintheproductionoftransplantableretinaltissuefromretinalorganoids