This disclosure relates to genetically engineered retinal organoids that can be used to test therapeutic treatments.

The present invention relates to a method for controlling differentiation of pluripotent stem cells, which method comprises selecting a laminin or a fragment thereof based on binding affinity for the pluripotent stem cells and inducing differentiation of the pluripotent stem cells in the presence of the laminin or a fragment thereof. Here, the binding affinity for cells can be assessed by time-course observation of the survival rate and motility of the cells. According to the present invention, a cell population containing any desired proportion of differentiated cells can be produced from pluripotent stem cells in a simple manner. The cell population obtained by this production method is very useful for cell therapy-based treatment strategies for diseases.

The present invention relates to cross-linked polymers (e.g., hydrogels) including hyaluronan polymer and multimeric cross-linker for treating disorders (e.g., retinal detachment or osteoarthritis), for use in screening models (e.g., in vitro cell culture system), or for cell transplantation (e.g., in vivo cell delivery).

Provided are a composition for ciliogenesis, containing a mesenchymal stem cell or a culture medium of mesenchymal stem cell. The mesenchymal stem cell or the culture medium of mesenchymal stem cell increases the number and promotes growth of primary cilia in cells. The mesenchymal stem cell or the culture medium of mesenchymal stem cell can be used as a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating diseases caused by ciliopathy or ciliary impairment. The mesenchymal stem cell or the culture medium of mesenchymal stem cell can be used as a cosmetic composition. A method for preventing or treating ciliopathy or ciliary impairment is disclosed.

Provided herein is a dual cell aggregate culture of retinal epithelial cells and photoreceptors for use as a research tool, such as the screening of compounds or model for study of retinal diseases, as well as a therapeutic for treating ocular diseases.

The production of high quality retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) cells is necessary for research and potential therapeutic uses. Especially desirable are methods for the production of RPE cells using xeno-free culture conditions. Disclosed herein are novel methods for the production of RPE cells from pluripotent cells with high yields, including xeno-free production methods. Also provided are methods of efficiently isolating RPE cells from cultures containing heterogeneous cell types, allowing for substantially pure RPE cell cultures to be established. Additionally, novel methods for the cryopreservation of RPE cells are provided.

A sphere-like cell aggregate according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a core part containing neural retina; and a covering part continuously or discontinuously covering at least a portion of a surface of the core part.

The present invention is related to 6-6 Fused Bicyclic Heteroaryl Compounds of the Formula A2 or A1 and their Use as LATS Inhibitors, or a salt, stereoisomer or pharmaceutical composition thereof; wherein the variables are as defined herein.

##STR00001##

The present invention further relates to a method of LATS inhibition in a cell population using a compound of Formula A1, or a salt, stereoisomer or pharmaceutical composition thereof. The present invention further provides a method for manufacturing compounds of the invention, and its therapeutic uses. The invention further provides methods to their preparation, to their medical use, their use in the treatment and management of diseases or disorders.

This document provides methods and materials for performing retinal pigment epithelium transplantation. For example, methods and materials for using fibrin supports for retinal pigment epithelium transplantation are provided.

The present invention relates to methods and composition for use in the treatment of retinal degeneration, in particular retinal degeneration due to retinal pigment epithelium dysfunction.