The retina is a multi-layered structure lining the posterior segment of the eye. It consists of photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPEpiC). RPEpiC are situated between the neurosensory retina and the choroid, forming the outer blood-retina barrier that controls the chemical composition of the subretinal space [1]. RPEpiC have specific polarized protein distributions within the cell. In contrast to other epithelia which normally faces an apical lumen devoid of matrix, the RPEpiC apical plasma membrane is in direct contact with the extracellular matrix [2]. RPEpiC play a critical role in regulating the adjacent photoreceptor membrane turnover, retinoid metabolism, and protecting the retina from light-induced damages by the intracellular melanin [3], which suggests that RPEpiC may contribute to the pathogenesis of various ocular diseases such as proliferative retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.
Recommended Medium
It is recommended to use Epithelial Cell Medium (EpiCM, Cat. no. 4101) for culturing PRPEpiC in vitro.
Product Use
This product is for research use only. It is not approved for use in humans, animals, or in vitro diagnostic procedures.
Storage
Upon receiving, directly and immediately transfer the cells from dry ice to liquid nitrogen and keep the cells in liquid nitrogen until they are needed for experiments.
Shipping
Dry ice
Warranty
Cells are only warranted if ScienCell media and reagents are used and the recommended protocols are followed.
References
[1] Rizzolo, L. J. (1997) Polarity and the development of the outer blood-retinal barrier. Histol Histopathol 12:1057-1067. [2] Marmorstein, A. D. (2001) The polarity of the retinal pigment epithelium. Traffic 2:867-872. [3] Araki, M., Takano, T., Uemonsa, T., Nakane, Y., Tsudzuki, M., Kaneko, T. (2002) Epithelia-mesenchyme interaction plays an essential role in transdifferentiation of retinal pigment epithelium of silver mutant quail: localization of FGF and related molecules and aberrant migration pattern of neural crest cells during eye rudiment formation. Dev Biol. 244:358-71.