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The development of organoid technology marks a turning point in eye care research, providing human models that are more complex than standard cell culture and simpler than whole organism studies. Protheragen's services in organoid development offer stunning new capabilities to all researchers who seek to fathom disease roots, expedite drug creation, or devise tailored therapeutic strategies.
Organoid models are self-contained three-dimensional (3D) cellular structures that are created using stem cells or tissue biopsy specimens and have the ability to replicate the form and function of particular organs or tissues. They can be cultured in vitro to model the complex interactions and physiological conditions, as well as replicate the native tissues. Organoids are more precise and relevant when it comes to the study of organ development, disease mechanisms, and drug efficacy in comparison to standard two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures or animal models. They have greatly advanced biomedicine as well as provided better opportunities to study and test.
Fig.1 Schematic diagram of the organoid development process. (Martinelli I., et al., 2022)Organoid models have proven to be effective in advancing the understanding and therapeutic development of eye diseases in the field of ophthalmology. Such models are able to generate various ocular tissues including the cornea, retina, and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), enabling investigation of the pathophysiological processes of various conditions including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, and retinitis pigmentosa. These organoids serve as a powerful platform for the preclinical assessment of new ophthalmic drugs and increased screening of drug candidates for therapeutic processes.
Table 1. Ex vivo organotypic models used in ocular testing. (Shafaie S., et al., 2016)
| Name | Testing objective | Test method indicator | Validation status | Limitations |
| Isolated chicken eye (ICE) | Ocular sensitivity and corrosion | Increase in corneal thickness, permeability, and opacity | EVCAM statement of scientific validity for identification of severe irritants and ocular corrosives | Possible limitation for solids |
| Bovine corneal opacity and permeability (BCOP) | Ocular sensitivity and corrosion | Increase in corneal thickness, permeability, and opacity | EVCAM statement of scientific validity for identification of severe irritants and ocular corrosives | Not as sensitive in distinguishing between mild irritants with the standard protocol |
| Isolated rabbit eye (IRE) | Ocular sensitivity and corrosion | Increase in corneal thickness, and opacity | Further review is recommended | Possible limitation for solids |
EVCAM, European Center for the Validation of Alternative Methods.
Protheragen delivers end-to-end solutions for ophthalmic organoid model development, combining cutting-edge stem cell technology with deep-domain expertise in ocular biology. Our service portfolio includes:
Corneal Organoids
These models have been augmented corneal tissues, such as the epithelium, stroma and endothelium which further enhance studying corneal diseases and assessing the effectiveness of ophthalmic medications. These corneal organoids are well suited for research on keratoconus and corneal degeneration and the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Retinal Organoids
We derive our retinal organoids from pluripotent stem cells which undergo further differentiation to form various retinal components such as photoreceptors, bipolar, and ganglion cells. These organoids are particularly useful in studying the development of the retina, retinal degenerative diseases, and the impact of various neuroprotective drugs.
Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) Organoids
Protheragen has designed RPE organoids to replicate the specialized functions of the retinal pigment epithelium. These models are relevant values for studying age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and for assessing the effect of therapies aimed at RPE cells.
Retinal Ganglion Cell (RGC) Organoids
We focus our RGC organoids on the retinal ganglion cells, which are important in facilitating the relay of visuospatial information from the retina to the brain's occipital lobe. These organoids serve as perfect models for investigating optic neuropathies and glaucoma, and for designing protective therapies against neuronal damage.
Organoid models offer a unique opportunity to investigate the intricacies of human biology and pathology in a controlled environment, paving the way for personalized targeted therapies. At Protheragen, we specialize in the development of advanced organoid models tailored for ophthalmic research and drug development. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
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