Volker Busskamp | “Transient vascularization improves retinal ganglion cell survival and function in human retinal organoids”
Clinical neuroscience \ Manfred Eigen lecture theatre
Human retinal organoids offer promise for modeling retinal disease and testing therapies but are limited by poor vascular support and axonal instability, leading to retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration. We developed a bioengineered retinal organoid platform incorporating stem cell–derived endothelial cells to form transient vascular-like networks and microfluidic devices to stabilize axonal growth. This approach reduced hypoxia and apoptosis, enhanced organoid growth, and supported long-term RGC survival and functional maturation. Integration with microfluidic–microelectrode arrays enabled sustained spontaneous and light-evoked activity, including photoreceptor-driven ON, OFF, and ON-OFF responses, establishing a durable, functional human retinal model for translational research and therapeutic development.