Ep. 10: RPE and Macular Degeneration Featuring Dr. Sally Temple
Jan 14, 2014
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Dr. Sally Temple, scientific director of the Neural Stem Cell Institute, is a trailblazer in neural stem cell research. She discusses her groundbreaking discovery of a novel stem cell in the eye that holds promise for treating macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness. The conversation also delves into the emotional impact of losing vision versus hearing and highlights the challenges gender disparity poses within the scientific community. Finally, they touch on innovative techniques in RPE cell research and preparations for future clinical trials.
Dr. Sally Temple's discovery of stem-like cells in the adult brain has paved the way for innovative therapies in regenerative medicine.
Research on RPE cells is crucial for developing effective treatments for macular degeneration, addressing both dry and wet forms of the disease.
Collaborative efforts are underway to optimize RPE cell culture and bolster the safety and efficacy of upcoming clinical trials in regenerative therapies.
Deep dives
Understanding Macular Degeneration and RPE
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in individuals over the age of 65, affecting approximately 10 million people in the United States alone. The disease impacts the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a critical layer of cells behind the retina that supports photoreceptor function. There are two forms of macular degeneration: dry and wet. The dry form is characterized by gradual RPE degeneration, while the wet form involves abnormal blood vessel growth that can lead to severe vision loss.
Dr. Sally Temple’s Pioneering Work
Dr. Sally Temple is a key figure in stem cell research, particularly in discovering neural stem cells in the late 1980s. Her current work involves using RPE cells derived from human eyes to develop therapeutic options for macular degeneration. Dr. Temple's lab has identified a subpopulation of RPE cells that proliferate in culture, offering a promising avenue for cell replacement therapy. The hope is to translate these findings into clinical trials to provide treatment for patients suffering from this degenerative disease.
Current Treatments and Their Limitations
Currently, treatments for dry macular degeneration are limited, with no effective medications available to prevent its progression. For wet macular degeneration, anti-angiogenic drugs can mitigate vision loss by counteracting abnormal blood vessel growth. However, these treatments do not address the underlying degeneration of RPE cells in the dry form, highlighting a critical need for new therapies. Understanding the mechanisms behind RPE cell degeneration will be essential for developing effective interventions.
Towards Clinical Trials: Challenges Ahead
Dr. Temple's research aims to bring RPE cell therapy closer to clinical application, with plans to file an Investigational New Drug application in the near future. The path to clinical trials is complicated, requiring extensive preclinical studies to demonstrate safety and efficacy. Collaborations with multiple institutions are being established to optimize the RPE cell culture process and design effective administration methods. The ultimate goal is to introduce these therapies into human trials to ultimately restore vision in patients with macular degeneration.
The Future of RPE Cell Research
The field of regenerative medicine is evolving, with hope that RPE cells could not only be transplanted to restore vision but also activated within the eye to promote cell healing. Leveraging advancements in our understanding of stem cells, researchers aim to develop strategies that enhance the body’s natural repair mechanisms. Moreover, ongoing efforts are being made to identify surface markers for RPE cells, which would streamline the purification process and improve the efficiency of cell-based therapies. The potential for RPE cells to revolutionize treatment for macular degeneration represents an exciting frontier in ophthalmic care.
Guest:
In this episode, we bring on a true pioneer in the stem cell field, Dr. Sally Temple, scientific director of the Neural Stem Cell Institute. Dr. Temple discovered that stem-like cells exist in the adult brain in the late 80s and has since gone on to characterize these cells extensively. Her group has recently discovered a novel stem cell in the eye that they plan to use as a new therapy for macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness. In the science roundup we talk about everything from caffeine boosting memory, to the possibility of the Y chromosome disappearing.
Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Sally Temple
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