Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Ophthalmology Laboratory

Dr. Nasser Ibrahim Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center

Contact Us

Investigator / Contact Person Daniel Pelaez, Ph.D.

Lab 305-482-4904

Email dpelaez@miami.edu

Research

Tissue engineering and regenerative ophthalmology is a field that has been making remarkable strides in recent years, revolutionizing the way we treat eye diseases and injuries. Using cutting-edge technologies and innovative approaches, researchers in this field are developing advanced materials, biocompatible scaffolds, and bioactive molecules that can help restore vision and repair damaged eye tissues. From corneal transplants and retinal implants to stem cell therapies and gene editing, the possibilities in tissue engineering and regenerative ophthalmology are truly awe-inspiring. With its potential to improve the quality of life for millions of people worldwide, it's no wonder that this field is considered one of the coolest and most exciting areas of research today.

Regenerative Cellular Therapies

Neurosphere made from human iPSC-derived retinal ganglion cells (RGC) isolated from our retinal organoid platform

Using our retinal organoid platform as well as direct differentiation protocols, we generate new retinal progenitor cells and tissue grafts for regenerative therapies to replace structures lost to disease or trauma. We are capable of generating progenitor cells for retinal ganglion cells (RGC) which are lost in diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, as well as for photoreceptors and retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) which are affected in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa. We are now working on the best approach to transplant these cells and lab generated retinal tissue grafts to enhance engraftment and functional integration of these regenerative cells
Stem Cell Derived Retinal Organoids

Human induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPSC) derived Retinal Organoid

Using the latest in stem cell technology and culture, we have established a unique retinal organoid platform from which new retinal tissues can be generated in the lab for regenerative applications using any person's own stem cells. This platform affords us a unique opportunity to generate and study human retinal tissues for projects focused on disease modeling and development, high-throughput drug screening, and as a source of regenerative cell populations for cellular therapies and transplantation.
Endogenous Regeneration

Immunohistochemistry fluorescent image of a frog (xenopus laevis) eye showing reactive Muller Glia (white) in the injured retina

Throughout nature, several species retain significant regenerative capabilities and can even regenerate their eyes and reestablish vision following blinding injuries. Why and when mammals lost this ability is a matter of great interest to the field of opthalmology. Throughout the history of medicine, human have been very adept at harnessing the powers found in nature to further our own health. In the laboratory we study the mechanisms responsible for endogenous repair in these lower vertebrates with the goal of gaining insights that will allow us to induce regeneration from within the human eye and restore sight.
Gene Therapy and Editing

Immunohistochemistry fluorescent image of mouse retinal ganglion cells following modulation of repulsive axonal guidance cues in-vitro

The eye is an ideal organ system for the development and use of genetic therapies and gene editing approaches. Within the confinement of the eye we can target the desired tissues directly and maximize local concentrations of therapeutic agents in a well-defined environment. In the laboratory, we have developed several genetic therapies and gene editing strategies to halt or reverse neurodegenerative processes, to provide neuroprotection to injured cells, and to exert regeneration of lost and dysfunctional tissues. We are evaluating some of these novel therapeutic agents in preclinical studies with hopes of developing the next generation of therapies for eye diseases.

Research

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Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Ophthalmology Laboratory