Spatial transcriptome analysis of the human eyelid depicts meibomian gland cell differentiation: A pilot study.

ABSTRACT: Meibomian glands (MGs) are an integral component of the ocular defense system, as their secretion product, meibum, is essential for protecting the eye surface. To characterize the transcriptional program underlying meibum production, we employed spatial transcriptomics (ST) analysis of the human eyelid from a sample from a 60-year-old male. We resolved 18 distinct eyelid clusters, representing structures such as the conjunctiva, epidermis, hair-associated sebaceous glands, and MGs. Focusing on the MG, we distinguished basal (MEI-B cluster) and differentiating (MEI-DIFF cluster) meibocytes, as well as a third, duct-related cluster (MEI-DUCT). Self-organizing maps (SOM) portrayal of ST images and pseudotime analysis confirmed progress from MEI-B to MEI-DIFF and further to MEI-DUCT, as the la

SUBMITTER: Binder H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12446996 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature