Department of Ophthalmology Researchers Publish New Findings In The Study of Corneal Scarring and Regeneration

August 2, 2019 University of Pittsburgh Department of Ophthalmology researchers published new findings on the role that mesenchymal stem cells play in both preventing corneal fibrosis and regenerating tissue after injury through the delivery of microRNA (miRNA) by way of extracellular vesicles (EV).

The researches write that, “Recent advances in stem cell therapy have demonstrated the potential to restore vision to individuals suffering from corneal scarring. This study demonstrates that the regenerative potential of stem cells from human cornea can be duplicated by delivery of miRNA to ocular tissues by extracellular vesicles. The results open an important avenue for elucidation of the molecular mechanism governing the regenerative process. This information can potentially lead to rapid and inexpensive means of treating corneal blindness for millions of individuals who have no further options for treatment.”

The full paper, published in the journal Stem Cells Translational Medicine, can be found with the following citation: 

Shojaati G, Khandaker I, Funderburgh ML, Mann MM, Basu R, Stolz DB, Geary ML, Dos Santos A, Deng SX, Funderburgh JL. Mesenchymal Stem Cells Reduce Corneal Fibrosis and Inflammation Via Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Delivery of miRNA. Stem Cells Transl Med. 2019 Jul 10. doi: 10.1002/sctm.18-0297. [Epub ahead of print.]