Evaluation of adult stem cell differentiation in the trabecular meshwork of the eye as a regenerative medicine approach for Glaucoma using novel polym

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world and is an optic neuropathy affecting the vision of older adults. There is an urgent need for new approaches to treat Glaucoma and a regenerative medicine approach offers promise. The TM is 3D sieve-like structure of collagen beams lined with TM cells. As the eye ages, the number of functional TM cells declines, and this is accelerated in Glaucoma. We have identified groups of cells with stem cell-like properties residing in the TM. Why these cells do not repopulate the TM structure as we age is unknown. This exciting collaborative project will investigate the ability of TM cells to differentiate, migrate and repopulate the TM beams in altered 3D architecture.

The aim of this project is to: i) assess stem/progenitor cell differentiation and repopulation on novel 3D polymer scaffolds coated with different extracellular matrix (ECM) components at varying degrees of stiffness before ii) functional testing in ex-vivo human glaucoma perfusion models. Investigation of the 3D scaffolds will be in collaboration with our industrial Case Partner, Spheritech. The novel polymer structures are based upon a patented cross-linked peptide, poly-epsilon-lysine (peK) which closely resembles the 3D structure of the TM in the eye. The project is therefore appropriate for graduates with a diverse STEM background inclusive of engineers with an interest in biology and biotechnology.