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NEI Research News

Thanks to the work of NEI scientists and grantees, we’re constantly learning new information about the causes and treatment of vision disorders. Get the latest updates about their work — along with other news about NEI.

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Pipet

New technique enhances quality control of lab-grown cells for AMD treatment

NEI researchers improved a crucial step in the production of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a tissue they grow in the lab from patient blood cells and are testing in a clinical trial as treatment for AMD.
Ruchi Sharma

National Eye Institute researcher receives Knights Templar Eye Foundation award for advancing albinism research

Ruchi Sharma, Ph.D., a staff scientist in the NEI Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Section, received an award from the Knights Templar Eye Foundation (KTEF), a charity sponsored by the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar.

Cell therapy that repairs cornea damage with patient’s own stem cells achieves positive Phase I trial results

Cultivated autologous limbal epithelial cells (CALEC) procedure shown to be safe and feasible with early positive results of restored cornea surfaces or vision gains in four patients with severe chemical burns.

NEI publishes town hall report on cell-based products for treating retinal disease

The National Eye Institute has published "Stem cell sources and characterization in the development of cell-based products for treating retinal disease: An NEI town hall report."

Congressman Pete Sessions visits NIH

Texas Congressman Pete Sessions visited the NIH March 27 to meet with NEI Director Michael F. Chiang, M.D., and to tour NEI’s Section on Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research, led by Kapil Bharti, Ph.D.

Researchers discover therapeutic target to aid in glaucoma treatment

Indiana University researchers have identified a new therapeutic target that could lead to more effective treatment of glaucoma.
Microscopy image of red fluorescent retinal neurons

Lab-grown retinal eye cells make successful connections, open door for clinical trials to treat blindness

Retinal cells grown from stem cells can reach out and connect with neighbors, according to a new study, completing a “handshake” that may show the cells are ready for trials in humans with degenerative eye disorders.
Green-stained limbal stem cells track towards center of mouse cornea.

Dry eye disease alters how the eye’s cornea heals itself after injury

Studying mice, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have found that proteins made by stem cells that regenerate the cornea may be new targets for treating and preventing corneal injuries in people with dry eye.
Printed cells

NIH researchers use 3D bioprinting to create eye tissue

Scientists used patient stem cells and 3D bioprinting to produce eye tissue that will advance understanding of the mechanisms of blinding diseases.
Fluorescently labeled injured zebrafish retina.

Study identifies a signaling cascade behind retina regeneration in zebrafish

Research from University of Michigan scientists reveals Vegf-Notch signaling system that is activated in the injured retina, gives Muller glia stem cell properties.