Plasmin-Enhanced Transplantation of Retinal Ganglion Cells via Internal Limiting Membrane Digestion
University of Pittsburgh researchers have discovered a potent enzyme, Plasmin, which facilitates the transplantation of donor retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) by digesting the internal limiting membrane (ILM) without causing inflammatory responses. RGCs are the only neurons in the eyes that transmit visual information to the brain, and they do not regenerate after injury. This invention addresses the challenge of donor RGC survival and integration on recipient retinas, leveraging Plasmin's ability to digest ILM and improve therapeutic outcomes.
Description
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are crucial for transmitting visual information from the eyes to the brain. However, they do not regenerate after injury, making cell transplantation a feasible approach to replace dead RGCs. The internal limiting membrane (ILM) on the retina poses a barrier to donor RGC survival and integration. Plasmin is a potent enzyme that digests ILM without causing inflammatory responses, unlike other enzymes or mechanical approaches such as vitrectomy, which can lead to complications like ocular inflammation or retinal hemorrhage or edema. Plasmin treatment enhances donor RGC survival in treated retinas, offering significant therapeutic potential.Applications
• Retinal ganglion cell transplantation• Treatment of retinal injuries
• Ophthalmic research and therapies