Autologe Translokation von Irispigmentepithel auf resorbierbaren Unterlagen als neue therapeutische Methode bei altersbedingter Makuladegeneration (Autologous iris pigment epithelium (IPE) translocation on biodegradable supports as new therapeutic modality to treat age-related macular degeneration)

• Antragsteller: Professor Dr. Bernd Kirchhof
• Fachliche Zuordnung: Augenheilkunde
• Förderung: Förderung von 2001 bis 2004
• Projektkennung: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Projektnummer 5309252

Iris pigment epithelial (IPE) cell translocation represents a new treatment modality of age related macular degeneration as adjuvant therapy after surgical removal of the neovascular complex to replace the degenerated pigment cells. IPE cell transplants must assume the same morphological structure as the original RPE cells to be fully functional, namely they must form an intact monolayer. Therefore, it is critical that IPE cells are transplanted either as a sheet of cells already in a monolayer or that cell adhesion of IPE cell suspensions is facilitated in the presence of aged and injured Bruch's membrane by co-transplantation of basal membrane material. Although transplantation of a sheet of cells is surgically difficult, this will not only assure that the cells will be in a monolayer, but it will allow better translocation and positioning under the macula and prvides new basal membrane material. This proposal has two main parts which will be developed as the collaborative effort of four study centers: One part involves the development of natural supports and transplantation of IPE monolayers on these sheets into the subretinal space. This part lead to a procedure for developing biodegradable membranes which will support the monolayer growth and function of autologous IPE. The second part will focus on the development of liquid artificial biodegradable polymeric gels. These gels enriched with extracellular matrix proteins will be used to culture autologous IPE cells which will then be injected into the subretinal space. This should enhance repopulation of denuded or missing Bruch's membrane by pigment epithelium. Extensive in vitro and in vivo testing will be performed in order to determine the most sutable technique for future human application.

• DFG-Verfahren: Schwerpunktprogramme
• Teilprojekt zu: SPP 1088: Altersabhängige Makuladegeneration
• Beteiligte Person: Professorin Dr. Gabriele Thumann