Stem Cell Research - Frequently Asked Questions

What are stem cells?

Stem cells are cells that aren’t fully developed into a specific cell type. Stem cells have strong potential as medical treatments because researchers are able to develop them into a variety of cell types — for example, retinal cells, spinal cord tissue, and heart cells — that can be used to replace or repair cells and tissue lost to disease or injury. Stem cells can also be implanted to help prevent the death of cells that are affected by disease.

Embryonic stem cells are arguably the most powerful stem cell type, because they can be directed to become almost any cell type in the body, including retinal cells. Generally speaking, embryonic stem cells are more flexible and easily replicated than other cell types.

Are there other types of stem cells?

Yes, researchers are investigating the use of other types of stem cells for treating retinal diseases and other conditions. For example, adult stem cells can be derived from blood, umbilical cord tissue, and some other parts of the body. A bone marrow transplant is an example of a common adult stem cell application.

Eye adult stem cells are more difficult to obtain and less flexible than embryonic stem cells, because they are already partially developed. While adult stem cells are generally less flexible than embryonic stem cells — i.e., they don’t have the potential to become as many different cell types — they are, for some applications, easier to develop and use as treatments.

What are induced pluripotent stem cells?

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) are created using an innovative technique where a developed cell — a typical skin cell, for example — is modified to have properties similar to those of an embryonic stem cell. Researchers believe that iPSC may offer advantages similar to those of embryonic stem cells.

What is the Foundation’s position on stem cell research?

The Foundation respects everyone’s personal and religious views. We support the use of all stem cells in retinal research, because they hold so much potential for saving and restoring vision, especially for people with the most advanced disease and greatest loss of vision. They can also be a valuable resource in the discovery and evaluation of new drugs and treatments.

The Foundation’s goal is to drive research for the treatment approaches that hold the most potential for saving and restoring vision.