Transplantation of differentiated iPSCs as a treatment strategy for glaucoma

Compromised regulation of intraocular pressure (IOP) is the primary risk factor for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), characterized by trabecular meshwork (TM) cell loss. To model this, we created partially denuded TM areas and developed transplantable TM-like cells from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). These cells were tested in an ex vivo perfusion system for two key TM functions: IOP homeostasis and phagocytosis. Transplanted TM-like cells integrated into TM tissue and restored pressure regulation under high IOP challenge, while exhibiting phagocytic activity comparable to native TM cells. This approach demonstrates a novel strategy for TM cell replacement and glaucoma treatment.