Erica Farber, Ph.D.

Jules Stein Eye Institute, University of California – Los Angeles

Project Title: Characterization of microRNAs in stem cell microvesicles
Summary: Fish and amphibians retain stem cells with the ability to regenerate the retina after injury.  However, mammals have lost this ability. Recently, dormant stem cells were discovered in the mammalian eye.  Further elucidation of the communication role of microvesicles within stem cell niches may reveal ways for microvesicles to awaken these dormant stem cells and lead to retina repair. Additionally, microvesicles released from cells engineered to express mRNA, proteins, or siRNA may be useful to deliver these small molecules to the eye.  Dr. Farber and her collegues will characterize the micro RNAs in stem cell microvesicles and establish a way to use microvesicles as vehicles for the transfer of specific small molecules to retinas affected by degenerative disease.