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Ageing of the retinal pigment epithelium: implications for transplantation

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Abstract

This review will discuss some of the implications for using cells from aged donors for retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) transplantation. It will consider age-related changes in the structure and function of RPE cells and the accumulation of potentially damaging photoreactive constituents. The review will focus on the role of the ocular pigments lipofuscin and melanin in respect to age-related changes in composition, photoreactivity and potential role in retinal ageing and age-related macular degeneration. The article concludes by considering the suitability of senescent RPE cells for transplantation and whether such cells can be rejuvenated.

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Fig. 2A–F

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  1. School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, CF10 3NB, UK

    Mike Boulton, Malgorzata Różanowska & Tim Wess

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  1. Mike Boulton
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Correspondence to Mike Boulton.

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Boulton, M., Różanowska, M. & Wess, T. Ageing of the retinal pigment epithelium: implications for transplantation. Graefe's Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 242, 76–84 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00417-003-0812-8

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