Photoreceptor Regeneration in a Murine Model of Leber Congenital Amaurosis

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PROJECT SUMMARY Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) is an early-onset, severe inherited retinal degeneration that results in childhood blindness. Gene therapy can effectively restore visual function in the Lca5gt/gt mouse model of the disease when delivered to neonatal mice before significant retinal degeneration is present. However, in moderate- and late- stage disease after photoreceptor cell death has occurred, gene therapy is no longer effective. Cell-based therapies hold great promise for regenerating photoreceptors in late-stage retinal degenerations, but progress has been limited by low efficiencies of integration and complex cellular interactions with existing retinal cells. Photoreceptor precursors represent a heterogeneous pool of diverse cells types that have the potential to differentiate into mature photoreceptor cells in the developing and diseased retina. Using unbiased single-cell RNA transcriptomics, the PI identified several novel populations of Crx+ photoreceptor precursors including Crx+/Nfix+ and Crx+/Slc39a1+ cells. The scientific objectives of this proposal are to regenerate photoreceptors in the Lca5gt/gt mouse model of retinal degeneration, by the transplantation of these novel populations of photoreceptor precursors and by the activation of endogenous repair pathways in Müller glia. The Aims of the proposal are 1) Subretinal transplantation of Crx+/Nfix+ and Crx+/Slc39a1+ progenitor cells in Lca5gt/gt mice, and 2) Activation of endogenous Müller glial repair pathways by gene therapy in Lca5gt/gt mice. In addition to these scientific contributions, this proposal outlines a structured, focused training plan that will equip the candidate with the skills and expertise that will serve as the foundation for a career in developing cell-based therapies for retinal disease. The Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania is an ideal environment for training physician scientists in ophthalmic research, and will provide the protected time, resources, and mentorship needed for a successful transition to independence.