DR-oBRB

We developed a self-assembling three-dimensional oBRB model by co-culturing iPSC-derived retinal pigment epithelium (iRPE) and vascular networks (iVN) from both healthy donors and DR patients.This model autonomously formed a polarized RPE monolayer, a functional vascular network, and an endogenous Bruch's membrane-like structure at the epithelial-vascular interface, exhibiting superior barrier integrity compared to conventional monolayer cultures. Notably, the DR patient-derived model spontaneously recapitulated pathological hallmarks of DR under standard culture conditions, including RPE atrophy, tight junction disruption, vascular rarefaction, and an elevated pro-angiogenic VEGF/PEDF ratio, suggesting the retention of disease-associated cellular priming.