Ace Therapeutics specializes in providing retinal ganglion cell (RGC) models to support researchers in exploring glaucoma pathogenesis and developing novel therapeutic candidates.
Introduction into Retinal Ganglion Cells
RGCs are the projection neurons of the retina, consisting of cell bodies, complex dendritic structures, and individual axons that transmit visual signals from the outer retina to the brain. In glaucoma, there is a progressive loss of RGCs and their axons, leading to irreversible damage to visual function. Since RGCs are the primary cells damaged in glaucoma, understanding their behavior and mechanisms is crucial for therapeutic development.
Fig.1
Schematic model of RGC injury and recovery. (Fry L E, et al., 2018)
Retinal Ganglion Cell Model Construction Services
Ace Therapeutics provides a variety of RGC models to support comprehensive investigations of their properties, functions, and regulatory mechanisms, enabling breakthroughs in glaucoma research.
The cell types we can target include:
- Rodent RGCs
- Human primary RGCs
- Rabbit primary RGCs
- hiPSC-derived RGCs
- Embryonic stem cell-derived RGCs
- Custom 2D Retinal Ganglion Cell Models
We are dedicated to differentiating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into RGCs to construct 2D RGC models. Our experts are committed to recapitulating the main features of glaucoma in vitro using iPSC-derived RGCs, aiming to help our clients gain a deeper understanding of the underlying physiological mechanisms of RGC loss and provide a unique platform for drug development.
Embryoid Body (EB) Formation
Utilizing conventional 2D culture procedures, iPSCs are induced to form EBs, which are a mixture of cells of each primary germ layer in development.
Neural Rosettes Formation
In the presence of appropriate culture matrix and the addition of concrete molecules or factors, the EBs form neural rosettes containing clusters of Neural progenitor cells.
Neurosphere Formation
Selection of the neural rosette structure to generate neurospheres in suspension culture, which are proliferative aggregates of neural precursor cells with the potential to generate the desired RGC population.
Differentiation and Maturation
By adding specific differentiation factors, the neurospheres further differentiate into RGCs and mature over time.
- Custom 3D Retinal Ganglion Cell Models
We provide 3D RGC model construction services. We employ 3D cell culture technology to allow RGCs to self-organize into 3D structures in vitro, offering researchers a more physiologically relevant model for studying RGC development and disease.
- Tissue engineering
- Microfluidics
- Organs-on-chip technology
Advantages of Using In Vitro RGC Models to Study Glaucoma
RGC death is the ultimate consequence of most glaucoma cases. In vitro RGC models serve as powerful tools to evaluate cellular responses under disease conditions.
- Mechanistic insights: In vitro RGC models facilitate the investigation of the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving the onset and progression of glaucoma.
- Versatile experimental adaptability: In vitro RGC models are compatible with diverse experimental systems, ranging from simple cell lines to more complex models such as tissue cultures and isolated preparations.
- Ethical and methodological refinement: In vitro RGC models reduce reliance on animal testing, thereby lowering ethical controversies and improving experimental consistency.
- Accelerated research efficiency: In vitro RGC models offer a faster and more cost-effective alternative to traditional animal-based approaches in glaucoma studies.
Ace Therapeutics focuses on providing effective solutions for preclinical glaucoma research, which empowers our clients to conduct more accurate studies on the in vivo development and structure of the retina. Contact us directly for consultation and custom in vitro RGC models!
References
- Lu R H, et al. Tissue-engineered models for glaucoma research. Micromachines, 2020, 11(6): 612.
- Fry L E, et al. The coma in glaucoma: retinal ganglion cell dysfunction and recovery. Prog Retin Eye Res, 2018, 65: 77-92.