Abstract

Using Patient-Specific Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells to Model Retinal Diseases

Alice Pebay, Associate Professor, University of Melbourne

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) are leading ageing neurodegenerative diseases of the eye. Although phenotypically distinct, their respective pathophysiologies do share similarities. They are chronic, progressive, and lead to the degeneration of neurons key to the function of the retina or optic nerve. If no treatment is found, the direct and indirect costs associated with these conditions will drastically increase. But Despite enormous research efforts, treatment options are still limited, with no current definitive treatment for AMD and POAG. This paucity of treatment options can be attributed to a fundamental absence in the knowledge around what causes these conditions and how they progress. We use of patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to obtain the key cells involved in these diseases.  To increase power of analysis, we use automation of cell culture to allow large-scale modelling of AMD and POAG. Those methods will be discussed. Ultimately, we aim to improve our molecular understanding of those neurodegenerative diseases, and ultimately facilitate preclinical trials, and translatable outcomes.