Genomic characterization of sub-populations in human pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal progenitor cells that drive retinal layer structure

The mechanism underlying retinal spheroid layer formation was investigated using Rax::GFP-positive retinal progenitor cells from human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal organoids. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that well-layered spheroids transiently activated canonical WNT2B–FZD7 signaling followed by temporary expression of non-canonical WNT5A. Despite structural differences in vitro, non- layered and well-layered retinal spheroids on differentiation Day 60 successfully developed into cone and rod subtypes of photoreceptors and established synaptic connections with host bipolar cells after transplantation in a retinal degeneration rat model, resulting in light-evoked functional recovery.

Additionally, part of the presumable Rax::GFP-positive retinal progenitor cells differentiated into non- retinal lineages, including ciliary marginal zone-like, retinal pigment epithelium, and spinal cord-like tissues in vitro, reflecting the developmental plasticity of RAX-positive cells. These findings suggest that canonical and non-canonical WNT signaling pathways sequentially orchestrate early retinal morphogenesis, whereas environmental factors within the host retina strongly drive the alignment and functional integration of graft photoreceptors.