Description
Myopia is a leading global ophthalmologic disorder, with 50% of the population projected to be affected by 2050. Current management focuses on optical correction, neglecting the underlying pathological remodeling of posterior ocular tissues. Furthermore, animal models are limited in translational validity to human outcomes due to interspecies differences.
To overcome these challenges, we developed a paediatric isogenic posterior ocular tissue mimetic (IPOM) using primary scleral and choroidal fibroblasts from paediatric donor sclera and choroid tissues. These were reprogrammed into iPSCs and differentiated into RPE, endothelial cells, and pericytes to ensure a donor-matched background. IPOM was engineered within a tri-layer architecture: a compressed collagen scleral layer mimicking native stiff sclera, a vascularized choroid, and an RPE monolayer. Over 21 days, the IPOM successfully demonstrated matrix remodeling, characterized by significant reductions in both scleral and choroidal thickness as cells actively interacted with the collagen matrix. By Day 21, dense CD31+ vascular networks in choroid layer matured into fenestrated, PLVAP+ capillaries wrapped by PDGFRβ+ iPSC-pericytes, mirroring native choriocapillaris. Simultaneously, the iPSC-RPE layer established hallmarks including apical polarity, basal infoldings and E-cadherin+ junctional complexes.
IPOM is a novel engineered tissue mimetic that reproduces the architecture and vascularization of human posterior ocular tissues. This multi-cell-type IPSC-derived platform enables personalized modelling of posterior ocular pathology including myopia. IPOM is dynamic and exhibits biological responsiveness, establishing it as a robust human system for investigating the mechanisms of myopic progression and advancing personalized medicine.
Lay Abstract
Nearsightedness, or myopia, is one of the most common children eye disease in the world. While glasses and laser surgeries correct vision, they do not cure the underlying damage happening inside the eye. Findings from animal research do not always work in human patients. To solve this, we created "mini-eye" models called IPOM (Isogenic Posterior Ocular Mimetics) that mimic the back of the human eye using donated paediatric tissues.
Using stem cell technology, we transformed donor cells into the specific cell types needed to build the eye’s layers: the white outer shell (sclera), a vessel-rich middle layer (choroid), and a protective retinal layer (RPE). By day 21, these lab-grown models formed dense blood vessel networks and a functional protective barrier, mirroring real human eye anatomy. The tissue also demonstrated active remodeling, proving it is dynamic and responsive.
This breakthrough moves myopia research towards personalized medicine. Scientists can now grow a mini-eye using a patient’s cells to help doctors predict how the patient’s eye will respond to treatment. This paves the way for delivering a safer, more effective and customized care that treats the root cause of myopia, not just the symptoms.
| Lay Title | Development of Human "Mini-Eye" Model for Myopia Research |
|---|---|
| Role | Postdoctoral Researcher |