Henderson Ocular Stem Cell
Laboratory
The Henderson Ocular Stem Cell Laboratory was established at the Retina Foundation through a generous $1 million gift from Jill and Grant Henderson.
Research
Stem cell research uncovers how stem cells can repair, regenerate, or replace damaged or diseased cells in the body. These unique cells have remarkable ability to develop into various specialized cell types, such as nerve, muscle, or retinal cells, and play a crucial role in healing and tissue regeneration.
In the field of retinal health, stem cell research focuses on slowing the progression of vision loss and restore sight by replacing damaged retinal cells or supporting their repair from the patient’s own stem cells, which can be derived from a simple blood draw. This cutting-edge approach has the potential to treat a variety of vision-threatening conditions, offering hope backed by science to patients facing significant vision loss.
Clinical Trials
Patients will have a straightforward experience if selected to be involved in a clinical trial. Their sole involvement will consist of a simple blood draw, which provides us with all the necessary materials and data for our ocular stem cell research.
If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial for AMD, please email amd@retinafoundation.org or call 214-363-3911 ext. 139.
Advancements
The Retina Foundation is pioneering a first-of-its-kind sibling stem cell study to uncover new solutions for AMD. This study now includes over 50 participants, beginning with sisters Jeanne and Diane, whose mother had AMD. Although both sisters carry a known genetic risk factor for the disease, only Jeanne has been diagnosed, presenting a unique opportunity to investigate what protects some individuals despite their genetic predisposition.
Using stem cell–derived retinal cells sometimes referred to as “mini-eyeballs” grown from a simple blood our expert team of scientists and physicians analyzes the cellular and genetic differences between the siblings discordant for AMD. In addition to these comparisons, we test a variety of drug targets directly on patient-specific retinal cells to evaluate their potential effectiveness, offering a powerful example of personalized medicine in action.
What we learn from this sibling study could help change not only Jeanne’s future, but also that of her family and the more than 18 million people living with AMD or at risk for developing it.
Experts
Srinivasa Sripathi, PhD
Director
Adnin Ashrafi, PhD
Staff Scientist
Naresh Rajendran, PhD
Staff Scientist
FNU Sonali
Research Technician
Overview:
The Henderson Ocular Stem Cell Laboratory was established at the Retina Foundation through a generous $1 million gift from Jill and Grant Henderson. Led by Dr. Sripathi, the lab uses patient-specific stem cells to study age-related macular degeneration (AMD) at molecular level, aiming to develop targeted treatments and ultimately, potential cures for those affected by AMD.
About Stem Cell Research
Stem cell research uncovers how stem cells can repair, regenerate, or replace damaged or diseased cells in the body. These unique cells have remarkable ability to develop into various specialized cell types, such as nerve, muscle, or retinal cells, and play a crucial role in healing and tissue regeneration.
In the field of retinal health, stem cell research focuses on slowing the progression of vision loss and restore sight by replacing damaged retinal cells or supporting their repair from the patient’s own stem cells, which can be derived from a simple blood draw. This cutting-edge approach has the potential to treat a variety of vision-threatening conditions, offering hope backed by science to patients facing significant vision loss.
Clinical Trials
Patients will have a straightforward experience if selected to be involved in a clinical trial. Their sole involvement will consist of a simple blood draw, which provides us with all the necessary materials and data for our ocular stem cell research.
Please contact our Clinical Research Coordinator, Paige Grona Kennedy through email pkennedy@retinafoundation.org or a phone call at 214-363-3911 ext. 139 if you are interested in being a part of our clinical studies.
Advancements
The Retina Foundation is pioneering a first-of-its-kind sibling stem cell study to uncover new solutions for AMD. This study now includes over 50 participants, beginning with sisters Jeanne and Diane, whose mother had AMD. Although both sisters carry a known genetic risk factor for the disease, only Jeanne has been diagnosed, presenting a unique opportunity to investigate what protects some individuals despite their genetic predisposition.
Using stem cell–derived retinal cells sometimes referred to as “mini-eyeballs” grown from a simple blood our expert team of scientists and physicians analyzes the cellular and genetic differences between the siblings discordant for AMD. In addition to these comparisons, we test a variety of drug targets directly on patient-specific retinal cells to evaluate their potential effectiveness, offering a powerful example of personalized medicine in action.
What we learn from this sibling study could help change not only Jeanne’s future, but also that of her family and the more than 18 million people living with AMD or at risk for developing it.
Experts
Srinivasa Sripathi, PhD
Director
Adnin Ashrafi, PhD
Staff Scientist
Naresh Rajendran, PhD
Staff Scientist
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