Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides vision prosthesis systems. Exemplary vision prosthesis systems of the invention comprise a light energy generator operably connected to a wearable head piece comprising a device for directing light energy produced by the light energy generator onto a mammalian retina, wherein the light energy generator is tuned to emit light energy of sufficient power to modulate neural activity in the retina. In another aspect, the invention provides methods for irradiating neurons in the retina of the mammalian eye by directing light energy produced by a light energy generator onto a mammalian retina. The methods of the invention may be used to directly modulate the activity of retinal neurons or to introduce molecules into retinal cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for promoting the proliferation of retinal stem cells using IL-17B. IL-17B is put into a cell culture medium containing retinal stem cells to promote the proliferation and/or differentiation of retinal stem cells. The retinal stem cells can then be transplanted into the retina to promote the growth of the photoreceptor cells, the rods and the cones. Also IL-17B can be administered directly into the retina to promote the proliferation and/or differentiation of the retinal stem cells.

Abstract: A cell culture system related to extended in vitro culture of mature neuronal cells and methods for preparing the cell culture system are provided. In a preferred embodiment the invention provides a cell culture system comprising a mixture of mature neuronal retinal cells and cells isolated from a ciliary body. Methods for identifying bioactive agents that alter neurodegeneration of neuronal retinal cells are also provided.

Abstract: In general, the present invention provides methods for promoting the function of retinal cells using neuregulins. A novel aspect of the invention involves the use of neuregulins as growth factors tp promote survival of retinal cells. Treating of the retinal cells to provide these effects may be achieved by contacting retinal cells with a polypeptide described herein. The treatments may be provided to slow or halt net cell loss or to increase the amount or quality of retinal tissue present in the vertebrate.