'Validating the application of iPSC-derived Müller glia in a glaucoma therapy'
Lead Research Organisation:
University College London
Department Name: Institute of Ophthalmology
Abstract
Glaucoma is the commonest cause of irreversible blindness in the world. It is characterized by damage to specialized neurons of the retina (ganglion cells) and the optic nerve (the part that connects the eye to the brain). The research aims to validate the use of Müller glia derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), for designing a cell therapy to treat advanced glaucoma. This proposal stems from our published work that showed that a population of cells from the adult human retina, known as 'Müller glia', have stem cell characteristics. When transplanted into the eye of animals with ganglion cell damage, these cells induced a significant recovery of visual function. We ascribed this function to the ability of these cells to physically and metabolically support the repair of ganglion cell axons, causing restoration of visual function. However, sourcing Müller glia from the adult human eye could limit the development of a therapy for use in a large population due to scarcity of tissue availability and the immune response that these cells can induce in a host. To facilitate the development of a cell therapy that could benefit many individuals, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) may constitute a better cell choice as it might be possible to produce well characterized and traceable cells (ie, semi-defined cell preparations) for retinal therapies. In addition, development of iPSC banks (haplobanks) to derive iPSC compatible with many individuals, may facilitate cell transplantation in a large population cohort. On this basis, the main objectives of our proposed research are:
1) To isolate and propagate Müller glia with stem cell characteristics from retinal organoids produced by iPSC in vitro, and to examine the genetic and physical properties of these cells, as well as their ability to produce nerve-protective factors in the laboratory: We will use iPSC and protocols provided by Prof Pete Coffey at the Institute of Ophthalmology, as well as protocols recently developed in our laboratory to isolate Müller cells from retinal organoids. These cells will be also examined for their ability to release factors that protect nerve cells.
2) To transplant iPSC-derived Müller cells into rat eyes with experimental glaucoma, and to assess visual function in these animals: To induce glaucoma, Brown Norway rats will be injected with magnetic beads into the anterior part of the eye to induce high intraocular pressure and consequent damage to the ganglion cells and the optic nerve (the main features of glaucoma). Animals will receive an intra-ocular injection of Müller cells (dead or alive) and their visual function will be assessed at various times (up to 24 weeks) after injection by measurement of their electrophysiological (ERG) response to light. We will also image in vivo the thickness of the nerve fibres that extend along the inner part of the retina towards the optic nerve.
3) To examine the ability of transplanted Müller cells to induce retinal ganglion cell/axon repair in the grafted eye using immuno-histochemical and electron-microscopy techniques, and to assess whether protective factors produced by Müller cells may be present in the transplanted retina: Histological and electron-microscopy examination of the transplanted retina will be undertaken at various times (up to 24 weeks) after transplantation to assess the integrity of host ganglion cells and to determine the presence of protective factors associated with the transplanted cells.
We expect that the results will provide the basis for the future formulation of a pre-clinical development plan for the use of iPSC-derived Müller glia as a therapy for end stage glaucoma. This project will benefit from the availability of GMP iPSC lines derived by our collaborator Prof P. Coffey. Although iPSC have been derived from UK and US donors, Prof Coffey has proved the safety of UK derived stem cell lines in collaboration with the MRC PRION Unit.
1) To isolate and propagate Müller glia with stem cell characteristics from retinal organoids produced by iPSC in vitro, and to examine the genetic and physical properties of these cells, as well as their ability to produce nerve-protective factors in the laboratory: We will use iPSC and protocols provided by Prof Pete Coffey at the Institute of Ophthalmology, as well as protocols recently developed in our laboratory to isolate Müller cells from retinal organoids. These cells will be also examined for their ability to release factors that protect nerve cells.
2) To transplant iPSC-derived Müller cells into rat eyes with experimental glaucoma, and to assess visual function in these animals: To induce glaucoma, Brown Norway rats will be injected with magnetic beads into the anterior part of the eye to induce high intraocular pressure and consequent damage to the ganglion cells and the optic nerve (the main features of glaucoma). Animals will receive an intra-ocular injection of Müller cells (dead or alive) and their visual function will be assessed at various times (up to 24 weeks) after injection by measurement of their electrophysiological (ERG) response to light. We will also image in vivo the thickness of the nerve fibres that extend along the inner part of the retina towards the optic nerve.
3) To examine the ability of transplanted Müller cells to induce retinal ganglion cell/axon repair in the grafted eye using immuno-histochemical and electron-microscopy techniques, and to assess whether protective factors produced by Müller cells may be present in the transplanted retina: Histological and electron-microscopy examination of the transplanted retina will be undertaken at various times (up to 24 weeks) after transplantation to assess the integrity of host ganglion cells and to determine the presence of protective factors associated with the transplanted cells.
We expect that the results will provide the basis for the future formulation of a pre-clinical development plan for the use of iPSC-derived Müller glia as a therapy for end stage glaucoma. This project will benefit from the availability of GMP iPSC lines derived by our collaborator Prof P. Coffey. Although iPSC have been derived from UK and US donors, Prof Coffey has proved the safety of UK derived stem cell lines in collaboration with the MRC PRION Unit.
Technical Summary
Glaucoma is a major cause of blindness characterized by retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss and optic nerve damage. This study builds on our previous findings that a population of Müller glial with stem cell characteristics can be isolated from the human retina and can be induced to differentiate into the major types of retinal neurons in vitro. Upon transplantation onto the retina of RGC depleted animals, these cells induced a significant recovery of visual function. Sourcing Müller glia from donor eyes could limit therapy development due to limitations in obtaining tissue and compatibility issues. To develop a therapy that could benefit many patients, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) may yield well characterized cells and may be potentially derived from cell banks to provide cells to a large number of individuals. On this basis, our objectives are to undertake a feasibility study and generate a proof of concept that iPSC-derived Müller glia may be used for development of therapy to treat advanced glaucoma. The main aims of the proposed research are: 1) To isolate and propagate Müller glia from retinal organoids derived from iPSC in vitro, and to examine their genetic and phenotypic characteristics as well as their ability to produce neurotrophins. 2) To transplant iPSC-derived Müller glia into the vitreous of the glaucomatous rat eye and to assess the thickness of the nerve fibre layer (NFL) in vivo, as well as the retinal function in transplanted animals using electrophysiological methods. 3) To examine the ability of transplanted cells to induce RGC/axon repair and RGC survival in the grafted eye using immuno-histochemical and electron-microscopy techniques, and to assess whether neurotrophins produced by MG may be present in the transplanted retina. We expect that the results will provide the basis for the future formulation of a pre-clinical development plan for the use of iPSC derived Müller glia as a therapy for end stage glaucoma.
Planned Impact
Glaucoma is the commonest cause of irreversible blindness in the world. Although current management may control disease progression, many patients continue to develop visual impairment and eventually become blind. Globally there are 7 million people blinded by this condition. Glaucomatous visual loss is irreversible in nature and there are no current therapies to restore RGC or axonal function. Because only a small number of RGC are needed to maintain functional vision, stem cell transplantation to provide physical and metabolic support to RGC may potentially reverse some RGC-axonal damage, restore useful visual function and improve quality of life.
Blindness causes a major economic burden to society as people affected do not contribute financially and rather require support from it. Finding new treatments that prevent or delay blindness would have a significant impact on the economy, as individuals affected by end stage glaucoma may not only be active in the workforce for longer, but they will enjoy a better quality of life. The research has direct relevance to the exploration of innovative treatments for ocular conditions affecting a very large number of individuals worldwide. With recent advances in medical treatments, it is possible to prevent substantial visual loss in many patients affected by severe disease, but in a long term, it is impossible to prevent blindness finally occurring in many individuals.
Present treatments for end stage Glaucoma using stem cells are not yet available, and although much work is being undertaken by many Scientists in the retinal field, very little attention has been given to this condition. If a new cell based treatment could be developed for these patients to prolong or delay visual loss or even partially restore sight, this would significantly impact not only in the UK and the world economy, but also would improve the quality of life of many individual affected by retinal degenerative disease across developed and undeveloped countries.
Any new treatments for glaucoma that can be successfully applied could also benefit other scientists in the neuroscience field, as the principles and technologies used for cell based therapies to repair the inner neural retina could also be applied to a wide range of neural degenerative diseases of the brain. We are working with an International Venture Capitalist with a strong links to Moorfields Eye Hospital, who convened an international scientific panel in London last year to review our scientific approach to repairing RGC axon function by using MG cells. Amongst the panel were Drs Ron McKay (National Institute of Health, U.S.A), and Mahendra Rao (New York Stem Cell Foundation), who examined our research and supported our approach. The Venture Capitalist has expressed interest on creating a UK Start-Up company to develop the pre-clinical and clinical phases of the therapy once the experimental work to support the development of preclinical studies is completed. If a cell therapy for glaucoma can be established, it would not only benefit patients affected by terminal disease, but also the Biomedical Industry, as the work would pave the way for the generation of a new therapeutic modality to treat a large number of individual worldwide.
It is expected that in addition to the economic impact, the study will have educational impact. Knowledge acquired through the research will be disseminated across science, engineering, undergraduate and medical/graduate students. New knowledge in the development of cell based therapies to treat end stage glaucoma will become an integral part of specialised lectures, and research projects will provide expert training to postdoctoral fellows and postgraduate project students.
Blindness causes a major economic burden to society as people affected do not contribute financially and rather require support from it. Finding new treatments that prevent or delay blindness would have a significant impact on the economy, as individuals affected by end stage glaucoma may not only be active in the workforce for longer, but they will enjoy a better quality of life. The research has direct relevance to the exploration of innovative treatments for ocular conditions affecting a very large number of individuals worldwide. With recent advances in medical treatments, it is possible to prevent substantial visual loss in many patients affected by severe disease, but in a long term, it is impossible to prevent blindness finally occurring in many individuals.
Present treatments for end stage Glaucoma using stem cells are not yet available, and although much work is being undertaken by many Scientists in the retinal field, very little attention has been given to this condition. If a new cell based treatment could be developed for these patients to prolong or delay visual loss or even partially restore sight, this would significantly impact not only in the UK and the world economy, but also would improve the quality of life of many individual affected by retinal degenerative disease across developed and undeveloped countries.
Any new treatments for glaucoma that can be successfully applied could also benefit other scientists in the neuroscience field, as the principles and technologies used for cell based therapies to repair the inner neural retina could also be applied to a wide range of neural degenerative diseases of the brain. We are working with an International Venture Capitalist with a strong links to Moorfields Eye Hospital, who convened an international scientific panel in London last year to review our scientific approach to repairing RGC axon function by using MG cells. Amongst the panel were Drs Ron McKay (National Institute of Health, U.S.A), and Mahendra Rao (New York Stem Cell Foundation), who examined our research and supported our approach. The Venture Capitalist has expressed interest on creating a UK Start-Up company to develop the pre-clinical and clinical phases of the therapy once the experimental work to support the development of preclinical studies is completed. If a cell therapy for glaucoma can be established, it would not only benefit patients affected by terminal disease, but also the Biomedical Industry, as the work would pave the way for the generation of a new therapeutic modality to treat a large number of individual worldwide.
It is expected that in addition to the economic impact, the study will have educational impact. Knowledge acquired through the research will be disseminated across science, engineering, undergraduate and medical/graduate students. New knowledge in the development of cell based therapies to treat end stage glaucoma will become an integral part of specialised lectures, and research projects will provide expert training to postdoctoral fellows and postgraduate project students.
People |
ORCID iD |
Gloria Limb (Principal Investigator) | |
Peng Tee Khaw (Co-Investigator) |
Publications
Moustafa MT
(2017)
Protective Effects of Memantine on Hydroquinone-Treated Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells and Human Retinal Müller Cells.
in Journal of ocular pharmacology and therapeutics : the official journal of the Association for Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Fincham GS
(2018)
Posterior Vitreous Detachment and the Posterior Hyaloid Membrane.
in Ophthalmology
Eastlake K
(2021)
Prospects for the application of Müller glia and their derivatives in retinal regenerative therapies.
in Progress in retinal and eye research
Eastlake K
(2017)
Comparison of proteomic profiles in the zebrafish retina during experimental degeneration and regeneration.
in Scientific reports
Angbohang A
(2016)
Downregulation of the Canonical WNT Signaling Pathway by TGFß1 Inhibits Photoreceptor Differentiation of Adult Human Müller Glia with Stem Cell Characteristics.
in Stem cells and development
Eastlake K
(2019)
Phenotypic and Functional Characterization of Müller Glia Isolated from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Organoids: Improvement of Retinal Ganglion Cell Function upon Transplantation.
in Stem cells translational medicine
Petrou P
(2017)
Characteristics and vitreoretinal management of retinal detachment in eyes with Boston keratoprosthesis.
in The British journal of ophthalmology
Luis J
(2023)
Cell-Based Therapies for Glaucoma.
in Translational vision science & technology
Eastlake K
(2018)
Therapies for Retinal Degeneration - Targeting Common Processes
Description | Advice on research policies |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
Description | Member of International Research Awards panel |
Geographic Reach | Europe |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
Description | Development of a cell therapy for glaucoma |
Amount | £880,791 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 1111254 |
Organisation | Apollo Therapeutics |
Sector | Private |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2017 |
End | 01/2020 |
Description | Development of an allogeneic Müller-like cell therapy for the treatment of glaucoma |
Amount | £2,255,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | UTF-20-007 |
Organisation | UCL Business |
Sector | Private |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2020 |
End | 03/2023 |
Description | PhD Studentship |
Amount | £210,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd |
Sector | Private |
Country | Japan |
Start | 08/2016 |
End | 03/2020 |
Description | Studentship |
Amount | £100,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | R180016A |
Organisation | Moorfields Eye Charity |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 02/2019 |
End | 01/2022 |
Description | Validating the application of iPSC derived Muller glia in a therapy for Glaucoma |
Amount | £355,145 (GBP) |
Funding ID | MR/P01660X/1 |
Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 12/2017 |
End | 12/2018 |
Title | Brn3b |
Description | Brn3b reporter to identify expression of Brn3b in human stem cells differentianting into retinal ganglion cells |
Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
Year Produced | 2012 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Scentists in the USA at present using this construct to investigate embryonic stem cell differentiation into retinal ganglion cells |
Title | Development of a method to isolate Muller glial cells from pluripotent stem cells |
Description | We developed a method for isolation of Muller glia from retinal organoids derived from ESC and iPSC. We were the first to isolate these cells for use in retinal transplantation. |
Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
Year Produced | 2017 |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | The method will facilitate the sourcing of Muller glia for the development of cell therapies to treat retinal diseases. |
Title | Muller stem cell lines |
Description | Muller stem cells derived from cadaveric human eyes |
Type Of Material | Cell line |
Year Produced | 2006 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Our Muller cell lines are the only cell lines available for retina research in this field. Many groups worldwide are using these cells to investigate the role of Muller glia in the pathogenesis of retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. So far cells have been given to approximately 100 research groups. |
Title | Refinement of an experimental model of glaucoma |
Description | We examined the efect of injecting different size and quantities of microbeads into the anterior chamber of the rat eye to develop a well charcaterized model of glaucoma in the rat. |
Type Of Material | Model of mechanisms or symptoms - mammalian in vivo |
Year Produced | 2017 |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | We have refined and characterized a model of experimental glaucoma for in vivo studies of this disease. |
Title | Sox2 |
Description | shRNA constructs to silence SOX2 gene in human progenitor/stem cells |
Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
Year Produced | 2012 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Scientists are at present using the material for stem cell research |
Description | Development of a cell therapy for glaucoma |
Organisation | Apollo Therapeutics |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | We have developed methods to isolate Muller cells from ESC-derived retinal organoids. We are refining the methodology used to make it compliant with safety regulations for administration of cells into the human eye. |
Collaborator Contribution | They sponsored the development of the therapy, providing the funds and project management. |
Impact | Multidisciplinary collaboration involving various industry sectors who have provided various testing services- ie, Charles River, Catapult- for safety of products being developed to treat human eye disease. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Development of a cell therapy for glaucoma |
Organisation | Apollo Therapeutics |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | We have developed methods to isolate Muller cells from ESC-derived retinal organoids. We are refining the methodology used to make it compliant with safety regulations for administration of cells into the human eye. |
Collaborator Contribution | They sponsored the development of the therapy, providing the funds and project management. |
Impact | Multidisciplinary collaboration involving various industry sectors who have provided various testing services- ie, Charles River, Catapult- for safety of products being developed to treat human eye disease. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Diferentiation of embryonic (ESC) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) for retinal transplantation |
Organisation | University College London |
Department | Institute of Ophthalmology UCL |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We designed new methods for isolation of Muller glia from retinal organoids produced by ESC and iPSC |
Collaborator Contribution | Provided cells and methods to produce retinal organoids from ESC and iPSC |
Impact | N/A |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Sourcing of embryonic (ESC) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) for retinal transplantation |
Organisation | Roslin Cellab |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Design new methods to derive Muller glia cells from retinal organoids formed by pluripotent stem cells. |
Collaborator Contribution | Provision of embryonic stem cell lines |
Impact | N/A |
Start Year | 2017 |
Title | A method for producing therapeutic grade human Müller cells |
Description | The invention is based on a novel process of producing Müller cells from stem cells using a culture process that is free of animal-derived components. Surprisingly in the process of conversion to a GMP- compliant method there has been no loss of yield or reduction in quality of the Müller cells. Cells cultured from pluripotent stem cells by the method of the present invention provide Müller cells that are morphologically like Müller cells derived from the iPSC BJ cell line described in Eastlake et al 2019 (Stem Cells Translational Medicine). Furthermore, the novel process of producing Müller cells from pluripotent stem cells using animal-free derived products is less labour-intensive, cost-effective, time-effective, lowers risk of infections, and is easier to scale up for industrial and clinical applications. As March 2022, the application has no progressed to National patent filings in Europe, US and Japan. |
IP Reference | P31687GB1 |
Protection | Patent application published |
Year Protection Granted | 2020 |
Licensed | No |
Impact | We have been suppported by UCL Tech to prepare cells for a phase 1/2 clinical trial |
Description | Dresden Conference 2016 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Poster presentation- Generated interesting discussion in the stem cell field |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Eye Research conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Scientific presentation and discussions with other researchers |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Eye Research conference (Poster presentation) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Poster presentation and scientific discussions with other researchers |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Invitation to speak at retina conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | I was invited to give a talk at a symposium organized by the German Foundation PRO RETINA. The meeting was attended by circa 400 Scientists, Young Research Fellows and Eye Charity members |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Invitation to speak at retina conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Conference organized by Santen to promote post graduate education |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Invited lecture |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Talk attended by senior and junior researchers as well as post graduate and undergraduate students. Talk generated interesting discussions in the afternoon after the lecture. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Invited lecture |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Interesting discussions and questions from specialist practitioners |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Invited talk |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Circa 70 people attended talk, which generated much discussion with various individual groups on the day. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Invited talk |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Circa 60 people attended the workshop which generated much discussion and informed Industry of new research developments on treatments for retinal diseases. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Invited talk at Eye research Conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Over 100 people attended talk at Workshop organized as part of an Eye conference. Talk generated important Scientific discussions. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Science event for the local community |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | The activity aimed to communicate to the general community the science of vision. It took place during School half term and was attended by many parents and local school children. The event received a very good feedback from the attendees. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Scientific session moderator |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Invited to moderate Scientific session at International Eye conference. Moderated Scientific discussions amongst attendees. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Sessions moderator at scientific meeting |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Invited to moderate Two Scientific sessions at International Eye conference. Moderated Scientific discussions amongst presenters and attendees. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Stem cell conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Discussions with Scientists an Clinicians on new developments on the application of stem cells to therapies. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Talk |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | I was invited to a workshop organized by a charity to storm ideas and acquire current knowledge on new retinal therapies in order to define policy on their research funding scheme. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Worshop invitation |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Invitation to close workshop organized by the National Eye Institute of the United States in May 2016, as part of their Audacious Goal Initiative to cure blindness by 2020. The main purpose of the meeting was to discuss potential approaches for replacement of retinal ganglion cells from endogenous cell sources.. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5pEcFPsOWU&feature=youtu.be |