Characterization of LGR5 as a Definitive and Functional Marker for Human Limbal Epithelial Stem Cells.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To investigate the potential of LGR5, a Wnt signaling target and known adult stem cell marker in other organs, as a specific marker for limbal epithelial stem cells (LSCs), which are crucial for corneal epithelium maintenance.

Methods

Post-keratoplasty discards of human corneal-limbal tissues obtained from unidentifiable cadavers were cut into limbal strips and stained for tissue immunofluorescence and cultured in air-liquid interface conditions. Limbal epithelial cells were separated and analyzed for LGR5+ cells using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, quantitative PCR, and western blot were used to analyze markers such as LGR5, ABCB5, ABCG2, p63α, and Ki67. Colony-forming efficiency (CFE) was assessed by seeding cells on

SUBMITTER: Lee HJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12697696 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature