Age-related reduction in the functional properties of adult stem cells located in the peripheral region of human retinal pigment epithelium.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Adult stem cells (SCs) with self-renewal and multilineage potential have been reported upon culturing human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. The current study aimed to identify the location of SCs in human RPE and to elucidate the age-related changes.

Methods

Peripheral, equatorial, and central RPE cells from donors of three age groups were analyzed for their sphere-forming, clonal, and label-retaining cell properties. Furthermore, native human RPE flatmounts were immunostained for SC and proliferating cell markers.

Results

Cells with higher sphere-forming and clonal ability were identified only in young donors (<30 years) and were restricted to the periphery. Upon culturing, cells from peripheral and equatorial regions had the label-retaining cell (LRC

SUBMITTER: Arif W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11338411 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature