title: Scaffolds and stem cells: delivery of cell transplants for retinal degenerations.
abstract: Retinal degenerations and optic neuropathies often lead to death of photoreceptors or retinal ganglion cells, respectively. Stem cell therapies are showing promise for these diseases in preclinical models and are beginning to transition into human trials, but cell delivery and integration remain major challenges. Focusing on photoreceptor- and progenitor-directed approaches, in this article, the authors review how advances in tissue engineering and cell scaffold design are enhancing cell therapies for retinal degeneration.
authors.affiliation: Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, 1501 NW 10th Avenue, BRB 826, FL 33136, USA.
authors.forename: Karl E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Kador
authors.forename: Jeffrey L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Goldberg
keywords: photoreceptor; progenitor cell; scaffold; stem cell; tissue engineering; transplantation