Ana Carolina Correia

Experimental Regenerative Medicine: Stem Cell-derived Ganglion Cell Replacement Therapy in Glaucoma Models

In September 2023 I started my PhD at the Ophthalmogenetics lab in the Amsterdam UMC. My supervisor is Prof. Arthur Bergen, and I am also daily supervised by Ellie Wagstaff. My project is a joint doctorate of the Amsterdam University and Sorbonne University. Therefore, I am also supervised by Dr. Xavier Nicol, from the Nicol lab at the Institute de la Vision.

Click here to read more about my project!

Personal Background and Interest

My background is in Biological Engineering from Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon. During my degree, I gained an increased interest in regenerative medicine, stem cell technologies and stem cell-derived in vitro models. For my Master’s project, I had the pleasure to work in the Stem Cell Institute Leuven, KU Leuven, in Prof. Catherine Verfaillie’s lab, under the supervision of Dr. Mostafa Kiamehr. My project was on the development of a 3D stem cell-derived spheroid liver model. For my PhD I was looking for a project focused on regenerative medicine and disease models, and this project fit exactly what I was looking for. It is a very interesting and exciting project, and I am enjoying the challenge of working in the visual neuroscience field.

Aim of the project

The first aim of the project is to characterize a previously developed a ATOH7 CRISPR KO retinal organoid model. Thereafter, I aim to replace affected cells in the developing retinal/optic nerve organoid model with healthy (tagged) stem cells, in various ways and timepoints, and monitor potential success of the replacement in vitro. If successful, the next step will be to translate these findings to the in vivo situation. I also plan to develop a glaucoma intraocular pressure (IOP) organoid model, by microinjection of a hydrogel into a healthy retinal organoid. This model will be characterized and stem cell  replacement therapy will also be performed in this model.

Current activities/Accomplishments

Currently I have been characterizing the ATOH7 CRISPR KO retinal organoid model, using a number of biological read outs including advanced microscopy, DNA and RNAseq, protein analysis, immunohistochemistry, ganglion cell subtype analysis, ganglion cell outgrowth assays, cellular imaging, and bioinformatics. I have also started with the first steps into stem cell replacement therapy studies and the development of the IOP retinal model.