Stem cells are always a hot topic – they hold huge potential to treat many diseases of the eye, and famously, Holoclar (a stem cell-based treatment for moderate to severe limbal stem cell deficiency caused by burns) was the first therapy of this class to be approved in Europe. When it comes to the research and development of stem cell-based therapies, there are essentially four main stem cell types being used: embryonic, adult, induced pluripotent and human parthenogenetic. But now a fifth, amniotic mesenchymal stromal cells (AMSCs), is under investigation. AMSCs are derived from the amniotic membranes of the human placenta and, thanks to their unique immunological properties, may be particularly suited for treating retinal disease.

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About the Author

Michael Schubert

While obtaining degrees in biology from the University of Alberta and biochemistry from Penn State College of Medicine, I worked as a freelance science and medical writer. I was able to hone my skills in research, presentation and scientific writing by assembling grants and journal articles, speaking at international conferences, and consulting on topics ranging from medical education to comic book science. As much as I’ve enjoyed designing new bacteria and plausible superheroes, though, I’m more pleased than ever to be at Texere, using my writing and editing skills to create great content for a professional audience.