A functional monolayer in vitro model of retinal pigment epithelial cells generated from human iPSCs for accurate prediction of clinical outcomes
The retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell model is composed of a monolayer of RPE cells cultured in 24-well Transwell® plates. RPE characterisation includes: morphology assessment, pigmentation, RPE-specific expression at the protein level (BEST1, TYRP1), the analysis of phagocytosis of photoreceptor outer segments, trans-epithelial resistance (TEER), polarity of apical Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factors (PEDF) and basal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion.
At Newcells, we have extensive in-house experience in retinal in vitro models and can work with you to custom project design and develop assays that suit your requirements. Uniquely, our RPE cells are derived from the same healthy donor iPSCs as our retinal organoids which allows combined assessment of both RPE and neurosensory retina using cells from the same genetic background. We are able to generate RPE cells from both our own and customer-supplied iPSCs to suit various project needs. The model format allows for flexibility in dosing and analytical readouts, including functional assessment of the cells.
Available analytical readouts
- Immunofluorescence
- mRNA quantification by RT-qPCR
- Transcriptomics by single-cell RNA sequencing
- Growth factor (VEGF, PEDF) secretion
- Flow cytometry
- Electron microscopy