Single-Cell RNA Sequencing of Murine Limbal Epithelia Reveals Gas1 as a Novel Stem/Progenitor Cell Marker for the Corneal Epithelium.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The corneal epithelium is endowed with a rare population of stem cells that reside within the limbus, a circumferential transition zone that partitions the cornea from the conjunctiva. These cells are thus referred to as limbal epithelial stem cells. Despite the surge in investigations using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of the ocular surface, a unifying marker(s) that distinguishes these cells from their progeny is yet to be identified.

Methods

We used a keratin (K)-14-driven lineage-tracing system and SmartSeq-2 single-cell transcriptomics in 5- to 60-week-old mice to interrogate the identity of limbal epithelia. These results were then validated using flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and a central corneal injury model.

Results

Four cell clusters

SUBMITTER: Richardson A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12753149 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature