Virtual Retina Model Offers Breakthrough Insights for Vision Loss Treatments

虚拟视网膜模型为视力丧失治疗提供突破性见解

December 01, 2025

2025年12月01日

New research from the University of Surrey introduces a pioneering computer model that simulates how the retina forms and regenerates, an innovation that could pave the way for novel treatments for vision loss. By replicating the complex development of retinal cells from a single type of stem cell, this model offers unprecedented insight into the mechanisms of vision formation and repair..

萨里大学的新研究推出了一种开创性的计算机模型，该模型模拟了视网膜的形成和再生，这一创新可能为视力丧失的新型治疗铺平道路。通过复制从一种干细胞发展出复杂的视网膜细胞的过程，该模型为视觉形成和修复机制提供了前所未有的见解。

Simulating Retinogenesis: A First-of-Its-Kind Computational Model

模拟视网膜发生：首个计算模型

The study presents the first computational model capable of detailing how the retina develops its intricate structure from identical progenitor cells. This process, known as retinogenesis, involves the differentiation of these cells into six distinct types of neurons that are essential for visual processing..

该研究提出了首个能够详细描述视网膜如何由相同的祖细胞发育成复杂结构的计算模型。这个过程被称为视网膜发生，涉及这些细胞分化为六种不同类型的神经元，这些神经元对视觉处理至关重要。

Through agent-based modeling, researchers simulated the key stages of retinogenesis, revealing how simple genetic instructions, combined with subtle random variations, lead to the retina’s characteristic layered architecture. This structure is critical for normal visual function.

通过基于代理的建模，研究人员模拟了视网膜发生的关键阶段，揭示了简单的遗传指令与微妙的随机变化如何共同导致视网膜特有的层状结构。这种结构对正常的视觉功能至关重要。

The research findings were presented at the International Work-Conference on Bioinformatics and Biomedical Engineering (IWWBIO) 2025 and published in the Lecture Notes in Computer Science series. The study represents a significant contribution to the growing field of computational biology and ophthalmology..

这项研究的成果在2025年国际生物信息学与生物医学工程工作大会（IWWBIO）上发表，并发布在《计算机科学讲义》系列中。该研究对不断发展的计算生物学和眼科领域做出了重要贡献。

Virtual Cells Powered by BioDynaMo Software

由BioDynaMo软件驱动的虚拟细胞

The research team used the BioDynaMo software platform to build virtual “cells” capable of growth, division, and genetic decision-making, closely mimicking biological behavior. These virtual cells were programmed with gene-regulation logic, enabling researchers to observe how different genetic network designs influence a cell’s decision about which type of neuron to become..

研究团队使用 BioDynaMo 软件平台构建了能够生长、分裂和进行基因决策的虚拟“细胞”，这些细胞紧密模拟了生物行为。这些虚拟细胞被编程了基因调控逻辑，使研究人员能够观察不同的基因网络设计如何影响细胞关于成为哪种类型神经元的决策。

Reentry and Multidirectional Models Reveal Flexible Genetic Pathways

再入和多方向模型揭示灵活的遗传路径

Among the tested genetic network configurations, two specific models, the Reentry and Multidirectional designs, proved most accurate in replicating real biological data. These findings suggest that retinal cells may determine their fate through overlapping, flexible genetic pathways rather than following a fixed developmental sequence.

在测试的基因网络配置中，有两个特定的模型，即再入式和多向设计，被证明最能准确复制真实的生物数据。这些发现表明，视网膜细胞可能通过重叠且灵活的基因途径来决定它们的命运，而不是遵循固定的发育顺序。

This represents a potential shift in how scientists understand the process of cell differentiation in the retina..

这代表了科学家对视网膜细胞分化过程的理解可能会发生转变。

Unlocking New Avenues in Regenerative Eye Research

开启再生眼科研究的新途径

This virtual retina model offers a powerful tool for exploring both healthy eye development and the biological disruptions associated with retinal diseases. It also holds promise for advancing regenerative therapies, particularly those that involve guiding stem cells to rebuild damaged retinal tissue.

这种虚拟视网膜模型为探索健康眼睛发育和与视网膜疾病相关的生物紊乱提供了强有力的工具。它还为推进再生疗法带来了希望，特别是那些涉及引导干细胞重建受损视网膜组织的疗法。

By enhancing understanding of how the retina self-organizes and regenerates, this research could lead to innovative treatments for vision loss in the future..

通过加强对视网膜自我组织和再生机制的理解，这项研究未来可能会带来治疗视力丧失的创新方法。

Reference:

参考：

Cayla Harris et al, Agent-Based Modelling of Retinal Development, Lecture Notes in Computer Science (2025). DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-08452-1_6

Cayla Harris 等，基于代理的视网膜发育建模，《计算机科学讲义》（2025）。DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-08452-1_6