Isolated cells from eyes have become an increasingly important tool in eye disease research. With these cells, controlled experiments on mechanisms of, and potential therapies for, eye disease can be conducted. To date, many studies have used the RPE cell line ARPE-19, but propagating and sustaining cell lines such as this is time-consuming and expensive. Also, obtaining human eyes suitable for culture is difficult.
Solution
A novel, immortalized mouse RPE cell line has been developed. Cells derived from mouse models are advantageous in that the RPE cells are more readily obtained, their supply is constant, and physiological differences between donors are minimized. In addition, isolating and propagating cell lines from primary RPE cell lines are expensive and time-consuming.
Competitive Advantage
At present, no other immortalized mouse RPE cell lines are available.
Applications
The cell line could be used to investigate mechanisms of and potential treatments for eye disease.
Patent Status
United States Patent application 12/318,152 was filed on December 22, 2008, and US 2009/0226955 A1 was published 10 September 2009.
Licensing Opportunity
We are seeking a licensing partnership for the manufacture, distribution, and marketing of this cell line.
About the Inventors
Sharon Elliot, Ph.D. is a Research Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine.
Paola Cataunto, Ph.D. is a Research Associate at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine.
Scott Cousins, M.D. is currently Vice Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine.
Selected References
Elliot S, Catanuto P, Fernandez P, Espinosa-Heidmann D, Karl M, Korach K, Cousins SW. 2008. Subtype specific estrogen receptor action protects against changes in MMP-2 activation in mouse retinal pigmented epthelial cells. Exp Eye Res 86:653-660.
Catanuto P, Espinosa-Heidmann D, Pereira-Simon S, Sanchez P, Salas P, Hernandez E, Cousins SW, Elliot SJ. 2009. Mouse retinal pigmental epithelial cell lines retain their phenotypic characteristics after transfection with human papilloma virus: a new tool to further the study of RPE biology. Exp Eye Res 88:99-105.
