Single-cell transcriptome analysis of xenotransplanted human retinal organoids defines two migratory cell populations of nonretinal origin

This study investigates how the recipient retina influences transplanted human retinal organoid cells. Human retinal organoid-derived cells were transplanted into photoreceptor-deficient mice to observe cell behavior. Unexpectedly, some human cells migrated into all layers of the recipient retina and traveled long distances. These migratory cells were identified as astrocytes and brain/spinal cord-like neural precursors. Retinal progenitor-derived rods and cones remained in the subretinal space and matured faster than in cultured controls. This suggests the recipient microenvironment supports photoreceptor maturation and survival of non-retinal migratory cells.

• 1
  Human cells transplanted into mice retinas migrated into all retinal layers, identified as astrocytes and brain/spinal cord-like neural precursors.
• 2
  Transplanted photoreceptors matured more rapidly in the subretinal space of recipient mice compared to cultured organoids.
• 3
  The recipient microenvironment promotes the survival and maturation of exogenous photoreceptor cells.