Using small molecules to directly reprogram human fibroblasts into retinal progenitor cells to treat photoreceptor degeneration

  • 2024-01-11
  • Admin System

Dr. Joyce Jean Lu's Research Team Honored with the 20th National Innovation Award

The 20th National Innovation Award ceremony took place on December 27, 2023, at Grand Hilai Taipei. Professionals from various fields gathered to celebrate this prestigious event, which serves as a benchmark in biomedicine and health. The National Innovation Award aims to encourage academic research institutions, biotech companies, and hospitals in Taiwan to contribute to the development of the biotechnology industry, fostering innovation and internationalization.

Dr. Joyce Jean Lu's team achieved remarkable success with their project "Direct Reprogramming of Human Fibroblasts into Retinal Progenitor Cells Using Small Molecules for Treating Photoreceptor Degeneration." This outstanding accomplishment earned them the 20th National Innovation Award. Congratulations to Dr. Lu and her team for their groundbreaking work in treating blindness caused by photoreceptor degeneration.

 2023 20thNationalInnovationAward Team
Team members(from left to right): Miss Chien-Ying Lai from the Genomics Research Center at Academia Sinica, Dr. Pei-Lun Lai from the Biomedical Translation Research Center at Academia Sinica, Professor Joyce Jean Lu from the Genomics Research Center at Academia Sinica, Dr. Yueh-Chang Lee from Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Master's student Yu-Xin Chou from National Taiwan University, and Dr. Hong-Cheng Lee from the Intelligence Medicine Division at the Biomedical Translation Research Center.

 

Dr. Lu, leading the research team at the Academia Sinica, has dedicated herself to addressing the fear and burden associated with blindness. The impact of this condition on humanity surpasses even that of Alzheimer's and cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 25% of incurable blindness cases globally result from photoreceptor degeneration, including conditions like age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and night blindness. Currently, except for 5% night blindness, which can be treated with gene therapy, there are no effective drug treatments for photoreceptor degeneration, and surgery is not a viable option.

Dr. Lu's team is committed to overcoming the challenges posed by photoreceptor degeneration. They have successfully induced human fibroblasts into retinal progenitor cells using small-molecule drugs. This transformation process does not involve genetic modification or viral transduction and has demonstrated excellent therapeutic effects through animal experiments. Importantly, the process carries no risk of tumor formation. The technology proves to be convenient in clinical applications and boasts a low production cost, with a high conversion efficiency. Notably, compared to major competitors who can only restore black-and-white vision, Dr. Lu's team offers patients the opportunity to regain both black-and-white and color vision, providing a more comprehensive visual experience.

Looking forward, Dr. Lu expressed her commitment to establishing partnerships with medical institutions and pharmaceutical companies, aiming to advance the application of retinal progenitor cells in cell therapy. This opens new treatment options for patients with photoreceptor degeneration. This significant research achievement marks the beginning of a brighter future, bringing renewed hope to those affected by blindness.

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