Retinoic acid delays initial photoreceptor differentiation and results in a highly structured mature retinal organoid

• DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03146-x
• Publication Date: 2022-09-16T20:04:53Z
• Authors: Carla Sanjurjo-So...; Nejla Erkilic; Krishna Damodar; Hassan Boukhaddaoui; Michalitsa Diakatou; Marcela Garita-He...; Daria Mamaeva; Gregor Dubois; Zhour Jazouli; Carla Jimenez-Medina; Olivier Goureau; Isabelle Meunier; Vasiliki Kalatzis
• Keywords: Organoid

Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal organoids are a valuable tool for disease modelling and therapeutic development. Many efforts have been made over the last decade to optimise protocols generation of that correctly mimic human retina. Most use common media supplements; however, protocol-dependent variability impacts data interpretation. To date, lack systematic comparison given protocol with or without supplements makes it difficult determine how they influence differentiation process morphology organoids. A 2D-3D method was used generate organoids, which were cultured most commonly supplements, notably retinoic acid. Gene expression assayed using qPCR analysis, protein immunofluorescence studies, ultrastructure electron microscopy 3D confocal biphoton whole Retinoic acid delayed initial stages by modulating photoreceptor gene expression. At later stages, presence led mature well-structured stratified layer containing predominant rod population. By contrast, absence cone-rich less organised non-stratified layer. This study proves importance supplemented culturing More importantly, we demonstrate first time role goes beyond inducing cell fate enhancing organisation organoid.