Imaging Transplanted Photoreceptors in Living Nonhuman Primates with Single-Cell Resolution
Ebrahim Aboualizadeh, M. Joseph Phillips, Juliette E. McGregor, David DiLoreto, Jennifer M. Strazzeri, Kamal Dhakal, Brittany Bateman, Lindsey D. Jager, Kelsy L. Nilles, Sara A. Stuedemann, Allison L. Ludwig, Jennifer J. Hunter, William H. Merigan, David M. Gamm, David R. Williams
Abstract
human embryonic stem cell (hESC) reporter line were delivered subretinally to macaques with normal retinas and following selective ablation of host photoreceptors using an ultrafast laser. The fluorescent reporter together with FAOSLO allowed transplanted photoreceptor precursor survival, migration, and neurite formation to be monitored over time in vivo. Histological examination suggested migration of photoreceptor precursors to the outer plexiform layer and potential synapse formation in ablated areas in the macaque eye.