Stem cells are a potentially unlimited source of cells for treating variety of diseases. Regenerative therapies based on stem cells are now possible for human patients with degenerative diseases such as retinal degenerative diseases. However, the mechanisms of stem cells development are still unclear, hindering the progress of clinical applications. Stem cells have two essential properties, self renewal and pluripotency, which are maintained by both intrinsic factors (i.e. transcription factors, microRNAs) and extrinsic stimulants (i.e. growth factors, cytokines). With a focus upon retina, we aim to study how growth factors such as PDGF-C and VEGF-B regulate stem cell development, and find safer ways to increase the efficiency for stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium, photoreceptors, etc.