| abstract |
The present invention relates to RPE cells obtainable by directed differentiation from stem cells, particularly human stem cells. It has been specifically discovered that culturing stem cells in the presence of one or more members of the TGF superfamily such as activin A induces directed differentiation into mature functional RPE cells. . This was evidenced by the expression of markers specific for mature RPE cells including MiTF-A, RPE65 or bestrophin. According to one specific embodiment, the cells are pre-cultured with nicotinamide (NA). This was found to enhance the cellular response to the inducing effect of one or more members of the TGF superfamily. The invention also provides methods for performing directed differentiation, as well as methods for using the resulting RPE cells. [Selection] Figure 4C-E |