From TIME · Alice Park · · 1m 40s
Eye Cells Rejuvenated for First Time
Scientists rejuvenate vision cells in people with glaucoma using reprogramming therapy.
In brief
Scientists rejuvenate vision cells in people with glaucoma using reprogramming therapy. Two people with glaucoma show improved vision after receiving reprogramming therapy that restores retinal ganglion cells. Originally reported by TIME.
First human trial
Three people received reprogramming therapy designed to rejuvenate vision cells for the first time in humans.
FDA-approved reprogramming
The therapy uses three of four Yamanaka factors to reprogram retinal ganglion cells in glaucoma patients.
Yamanaka's Nobel-winning work
Japanese scientist Shinya Yamanaka earned a Nobel Prize in 2012 for turning mature cells back to embryonic-like states.
Retinal ganglion cells
Retinal ganglion cells connect the retina to the optic nerve and lose function in glaucoma due to fluid pressure.
Therapy delivery
Scientists injected transcription factors into the vitreous fluid to reprogram damaged retinal ganglion cells.
David Sinclair's theory
David Sinclair believes aging cells lose function due to epigenetic noise that disrupts cellular instructions.
Three-year research
Graduate student Yuancheng Lu spent three years testing reprogramming with three factors before success.
First mouse success
Lu sent Sinclair images of the first mouse with glaucoma that regenerated retinal connections after therapy.
Human trial results
Two out of three glaucoma patients showed improved vision after eight weeks of reprogramming therapy.
Next steps
Researchers plan to test higher doses to improve vision while maintaining safety through doxycycline.
Potential applications
The therapy could help people with NAION, a vision loss condition similar to a stroke in the eye.
Future research
Scientists aim to use reprogramming for other cells including brain, knee, back, and liver cells in animals.
What to remember
Two people with glaucoma show improved vision after receiving reprogramming therapy that restores retinal ganglion cells.
