Inventors:
Christopher Malcuit - Ware MA, US
Linda Lemieux - Hubbardston MA, US
William Holmes - Worcester MA, US
Pedro Huertas - Concord MA, US
Lucy Vilner - Johnston RI, US
International Classification:
A61K 35/12, C12N 5/071, A61P 27/02, C12Q 1/02
Abstract:
The present invention provides improved methods for producing RPE cells from human embryonic stem cells or from other human pluripotent stem cells. The invention also relates to human retinal pigmented epithelial cells derived from human embryonic stem cells or other human multipotent or pluripotent stem cells. hRPE cells derived from embryonic stem cells are molecularly distinct from adult and fetal-derived RPE cells, and are also distinct from embryonic stem cells. The hRPE cells described herein are useful for treating retinal degenerative diseases.