Eyes grown from stem cells: Cultured mouse embryonic stem cells self-organize into a complex retinal structure

April 7, 2011

With the proper culture conditions, mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells can spontaneously form the rudiments of a retina — the neural tissue and most complex component of the eye. The results, published today (April 6) in Nature, could help researchers answer some outstanding questions about eye development and dysfunction, and hold promise for the development of retinal tissues for transplantation. (The Scientist)