Clinical application of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells derived from human embryonic stem cells

The retina is part of the central nervous system and contains specialized neurons, photoreceptors, that convert light signals into electric signals, further transmitted to the brain by different neurons. In vivo, the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) constitutes a distinct monolayer of pigmented cells lying between the neural retina and Bruch's membrane, which provides essential support for the long-term preservation of retinal integrity and visual function. The aims of our study is to (i) generate a clinically-compatible polarized monolayer of RPE cells derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESC) disposed on a biocompatible membrane and (ii) test their functional properties in RP animal models in order to develop a clinical trial for patients suffering from genetic RPE disorders. RPE cells obtained are polarized and functional. Our method is robust and productive: a single six-well plate of hESCs can generate 8 x10[sup 7] RPE cells. This protocol should now be adapted for clinically compatible conditions.