Striatech News

Striatech conducted an on‑site OptoDrum live demo at the University of Tartu, offering hands‑on insight into automated vision testing in a real laboratory environment. Hosted by Professor Mario Plaas and his research group, the session combined methodological discussion with practical experience in standardized visual function assessment. Similar on‑site demos are available to interested research groups upon request.

This Journal Club highlights research by Rachael Pearson et al. on photoreceptor transplantation. Photoreceptor transplantation has long been proposed as a strategy to restore vision, but in advanced retinal degeneration it remained unclear whether the inner retinal neurons could still accept and process new inputs from donor cells. The study shows that human pluripotent stem cell–derived cone photoreceptors can integrate into end-stage mouse retinas, drive retinal function, and induce behavioral responses, revealing that even severely degenerated retinas retain the capacity to remodel in response to healthy photoreceptors.

Striatech regularly shares concise summaries of recent publications where our solutions for neuroscience testing have been used. Now we’d love to feature your work and highlight new neuroscience insights.

2025 was a year of progress, collaboration and exchange within the vision science community. We are grateful for the trust of our partners and collaborators worldwide and proud to support new discoveries – including our continued contribution to the PRO RETINA Foundation, advancing research and patient care. With new projects on the horizon, we look forward to continuing this journey together in 2026.

This Journal Club features innovative research by Harvard’s Cepko lab, exploring gene-independent strategies to preserve vision in retinitis pigmentosa and other genetic forms of blindness. Using AAVs to enhance metabolic support, including MCT2 expression in retinal pigment epithelial cells, they preserved cone photoreceptors and maintained color and daylight vision across diverse genotypes.

This study by Chandler et al explores a gene-independent approach to preserve vision in retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a genetic disorder causing photoreceptor degeneration. By boosting MCT2 protein in retinal pigment epithelial cells, they enhanced glucose availability and reduced glycolysis, improving cone photoreceptor survival in RP models. This metabolic support strategy could help maintain vision in RP patients regardless of their specific genetic mutation. The OptoDrum provided quantitative measurements of visual function and confirming the therapy’s effectiveness in slowing retinal degeneration.

Meet Striatech at EVER 2025 in Florence – you can find us at at the booth of our partner Phoenix Micron (#2) and discover how our solutions can support your studies and experiments.

As we get older, immune cells in the brain called microglia can become overactive and attract aggressive CD8+ T cells. These T cells then attack the brain’s axons’ protective layer, known as myelin, leading to its damage and a decline in brain function. Groh et al reveal the chain reaction behind these age-related brain changes and point to new opportunities for preventing or slowing down brain degeneration. The OptoDrum assay confirmed the link between axon degeneration and behavioral vision deficits.

Meet the Striatech Team! Every company has a story and ours is shaped by the passionate individuals behind Striatech. Herewith, we introduce you to our team—the researchers, innovators, and creators driving our mission forward. From our founders, who pioneered the OptoDrum system, to our Marketing & Sales team, who connect our technology with the research community, each member brings a unique perspective. Through this feature, we’ll share personal insights, challenges and what excites us about visual neuroscience and tech innovation.

Photoreceptor degeneration leads to severe vision loss in diseases like Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA). This study found that transplanting stem cell-derived human cone photoreceptors into a mouse model of LCA restored vision. The transplanted cells formed new connections with the host retina, and treated mice showed strong recovery of light responses and improved ability to track moving patterns in the OptoDrum. These results suggest cone transplantation could be a promising therapy for advanced retinal diseases.

From June 2–5, 2025, Striatech will showcase the latest technologies for vision research at the FELASA Congress in Athens, with a special focus on animal-friendly testing methods. Discover our innovative, stress-reducing Non-Aversive Animal Platform for OptoDrum and other solutions that advance both science and animal welfare.