7.34 Retina Reconstruction

In the body, tissues are formed to maintain order, organization, and optimization of function. This is particularly demonstrated in the retina, where the arrangement of cells into layers and arrays is a key element for efficient visual processing. Vision loss due to neuronal cell death represents one of the most difficult challenges in regenerative medicine, as these cells display little to no regeneration capacity. Although pharmacological therapies aimed at halting the progression of cell loss are being investigated, cell-based therapy is a promising strategy to not only rescue but also restore lost cells. With the promising development of a new source of retinal cells for transplantation, successful vision restoration is closer to becoming a reality. However, cell-based therapies have been limited by the poor survival of grafted cells upon transplantation to the subretinal space. Deterioration of the retinal microenvironment in advanced stages of retinal degeneration and the lack of signaling cues to allow for proper cell organization and function appear as some of the main challenges highlighting the need for a tissue-engineering approach to the problem of retinal restoration. By providing the appropriate mechanical and signaling cues, biomaterials can efficiently improve cellular differentiation and function.