iCell Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells, 01279

Advance ocular research and therapies with functional and consistent induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived iCell® Retinal Pigment Epithelial (RPE) Cells.

  • Consistent quality iCell Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells are a pure, fully differentiated population of research-grade RPE cells.
  • Biological relevance These cells express mature markers within 28 days and perform key RPE functions, including phagocytosis.
  • Long-term stability iCell Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells remain viable for at least 28 days post-plating.
  • Versatile model These cells provide an ideal in vitro system for ocular disease modeling, drug discovery, and gene therapy testing.
  • Simple implementation Arriving fully differentiated and maturing within 28 days, these RPE cells enable efficient experimental setup.
Catalog # GRPE01279

Products

Kits

  • Cryopreserved iCell Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells, 01279
  • iCell Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Quick Guide
  • Additional reagents required; see Quick/User’s Guide

genetic status

Quantity (Cells Per Vials)

Catalog #

Catalog #:

Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells differentiated from human iPS cells, frozen

From
$485.00

Product Overview

Ocular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy are a result of progressive deterioration of eye tissue leading to loss of vision. The retinal pigment epithelium consists of the pigmented cell layer just outside the neurosensory retina that nourishes the visual photoreceptor cells. Its functions include phagocytosis of photo-damaged photoreceptor outer segments, secretion of essential factors and signaling molecules to maintain retinal homeostasis, and absorption of scattered light and protection against photo-oxidation.

To provide researchers with a human cell model system for understanding basic ocular biology and to develop treatments for ocular diseases, FCDI is now offering iCell® Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells. iCell Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells are a highly pure population of research-grade retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, available in commercial quantities, with the following features:

  • Lineage-committed at cryopreservation, the cells mature within 1 month in vitro:
    • ≥90% (PMEL17, TYRP1) pure population for immature RPE markers at thaw
    • >80% (BEST1, CRALBP) pure population for more mature RPE markers at 4 weeks post-thaw
  • Pattern of marker-expression is characteristic of mature RPE cells (Figure 1)
  • Expected morphology advances over time
  • Robust functionality exhibited within weeks post-thaw:
    • Increasing trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) over time
    • Phagocytotic activity (Figure 3)

Components:

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Our specialists are here to help you find the best product for your application.

Our regular business hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm Central Time (USA)

Performance Data

Phagocytic Activity

iCell Retinal Pigment Cells exhibit phagocytotic activity as shown by pHrodo™ Red-labeled bovine rod outer segments (nuclei, blue).

Figure 1: Phagocytosis

Figure 2: iCell Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Are Pure and Functional

Purity and Function

(A, B) Immunostaining shows the expression of the mature RPE markers, BEST1 and CRALBP. (C) The cells phagocytose pHrodo™ Red-labeled bovine rod outer segments (nuclei, blue). (D) Flow cytometry measurements demonstrate a highly pure, differentiated population (PMEL17, TYRP1) that expresses mature markers (BEST1, CRALBP) after a few weeks in culture. (E) TEER values exceed 200Ω.

Monolayer Formation

ZO-1 immunostaining of tight junctions illuminates the formation of an organized monolayer of polygonal RPE cells (left panel). iCell Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells express the ion channel, bestrophin-1 (BEST1), a membrane protein found primarily in mature RPE cells (right panel).

Figure 3:  iCell Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells at 31 Days

Figure 4: Time Course of Culture Morphology and Pigmentation

Pigmentation and Morphology Development

iCell Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells exhibit polygonal shape, become pigmented over time, and remain viable for an extended culture period (≥28 days).

Product Highlights

Functional

iCell Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells are differentiated from human iPS cells and recapitulate mature blood-retinal barrier function. These cells form tight junctions with TEER values exceeding 200Ω, become increasingly pigmented in culture, and phagocytose rod outer segments.

Highly pure

At thaw, >90% of iCell Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells express PMEL17 and TYPR1. At 4 weeks in culture, >80% express the mature RPE markers, BEST1 and CRALBP.

Homogenous and reproducible

Every batch of iCell Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells is qualified for purity and function to ensure reproducible results.

Easy to implement

iCell Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells are shipped cryopreserved with a Quick Guide to facilitate incorporating these cells into your research.