Abstract
We generated retinal ganglion cells from human/murine induced pluripotent stem cells（iPSCs）and embryonic stem cells（ESCs）, which allowed us to investigate optic nerve diseases in vitro. While hereditary diseases are investigated with human disease-specific iPSCs-RGC generated from patient cells, non-hereditary diseases, including ischemic optic neuropathy, glaucoma and trauma, are investigated with human iPSCs/ESCs-RGC upon the application of stress, hypoxia, high pressure, and extensional force. An in vitro evaluation system for chemical agents is used for drug discovery that includes neuro-protective and neuro-regenerative drugs. RGC and axon development are also investigated using molecular biology techniques. RGCs survive in the retina when injected into the vitreous cavity of mice, which suggests the possibility of RGC transplantation. Thus, RGCs generated from iPSCs/ESCs contribute translational research for optic nerve diseases.
