Retinal Pigment Epithelium Differentiation Service
iPSC-derived RPE (retinal pigment epithelium) are cells that are generated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which are reprogrammed adult cells that have the ability to differentiate into many different cell types, including RPE cells. RPE cells are a layer of cells in the retina that are responsible for providing support and nourishment to the light-sensing cells in the retina, as well as helping to maintain the health and function of the retina.
The generation of iPSC-derived RPE involves a process of differentiation that mimics the natural development of RPE cells in the developing embryo. This process involves the sequential activation of different genes and signaling pathways that direct the iPSCs towards an RPE fate.
iPSC-derived RPE cells have several important applications in research and medicine. For example, they can be used as a model for studying retinal diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration, which is a leading cause of blindness in the elderly. By generating RPE cells from iPSCs derived from patients with retinal diseases, researchers can study the disease mechanisms and test potential therapies in a dish.
In addition, iPSC-derived RPE cells have the potential to be used in regenerative medicine. For patients with retinal diseases that involve RPE dysfunction or loss, transplantation of healthy RPE cells could be a potential treatment option. iPSC-derived RPE cells could offer a potential alternative, providing a source of functional RPE cells that can be generated in large quantities and tailored to individual patient needs.
RPE Characterization - Morphology
Figure 1. Morphology characterization of RPE 24 and 48 hours post-thaw.
Standard Packaging:
- Ship 1-2 million iPS cells (1-2 cryovials; 1 million cells/vial); OR
- With pathogen and SARS-CoV-2 test results
- Optional Pathogen Testing Service is available
- With pathogen and SARS-CoV-2 test results
- Select one of our Control iPS Cell Lines; OR
- Let ASC generate your iPSCs from your human or non-human samples
Standard Deliverables:
- Cryopreserved iPSC-derived RPE
- Antibody staining images and/or flow cytometry data for the cell type-specific markers
- Biomarkers:
- MITF, RPE65, ZO-1 - Standard
- PMEL1 - Inquire
- Recovery Test, Mycoplasma Test
- Sub-culture protocol and media (optional)
- Other markers (available upon request)
Standard Workflow and Timeline:
Timeline = 2 months
Optional! RT-PCR, Western Blot, proliferation assays, photoreceptor outer segment (POS) phagocytosis, and other functional assays available upon request.