Ultrasound method to gently harvest retinal support cells (RPE)
Damage-Free, Ultrasonic Cell Isolation from Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) Monolayers
They are developing a gentle ultrasound technique to remove retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells for safer cell therapy options for people with age-related macular degeneration.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11309088 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use focused ultrasound to lift tiny droplets of RPE cells from lab-grown cell layers without physically touching or damaging the surrounding tissue. This non-contact approach aims to preserve the remaining RPE monolayer and avoid wound-related changes that can happen with traditional scraping or biopsies. Harvested cells will be tested with detailed molecular mapping, including spatial RNA sequencing, to check for leftover stem cells, genetic abnormalities, and other quality markers before any transplant. The goal is to create better quality-control methods for stem cell–derived RPE implants intended for people with advanced dry AMD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with advanced non-neovascular (dry) age-related macular degeneration who are candidates for RPE cell transplantation would be the most likely patients to benefit from treatments developed with this technique.
Not a fit: Patients with neovascular (wet) AMD, retinal conditions not driven by RPE loss, or unrelated causes of vision loss are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could make RPE cell transplants safer and more reliable by improving quality checks and reducing risks like tumor formation or graft failure.
How similar studies have performed: Stem-cell–derived RPE transplants have shown early promise in clinical trials, but using focused ultrasound to harvest intact RPE for molecular quality control is a newer and less-tested method.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Eun Sok — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Kim, Eun Sok
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.