Original story from Universitätsklinikum Bonn (Germany). Breakthrough in retinal organoid research as researchers create vascular networks that enhance survival and function of retinal cells. Until now, it has been difficult to maintain retinal ganglion cells deep inside organoids over extended periods. The supply of nutrients and oxygen in the densely packed tissues is limited, leading to cell death. The international team led by Volker Busskamp at the University Hospital Bonn, the University of Bonn and the Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (all Germany) solved this problem by combining human stem cell-derived retinal organoids with endothelial cells, which integrate into the organoids and create lumen-like networks that transport nutrients and oxygen – a crucial requirement for preserving sensitive retinal ganglion cells. In vivo, axons of retinal ganglion cells are forming the optic nerve and relay visual information from the retina to higher brain areas. The scientists tested several methods for integrating the vascular cells and found that pre-cultured endothelial cells integrate best into already formed organoid spheres. This approach preserves developmental processes while significantly increasing the number of surviving ganglion cells. Analyses show that cell types in the vascularized retinal organoids differentiate normally, while optic nerve cells survive longer and achieve higher functional maturity. Award winner discusses potential of retinal organoids How retinal organoids offer powerful disease-modeling capabilities and the promise of stem cell-derived retinal cell replacement therapies for treating sight loss resulting from retinal degeneration. To examine ganglion cell activity, the researchers used microelectrodes and microfluidic devices that…
