Spatial distribution of niche and stem cells in ex vivo human limbal cultures.

ABSTRACT: Stem cells at the limbus mediate corneal epithelial regeneration and regulate normal tissue homeostasis. Ex vivo cultured limbal epithelial transplantations are being widely practiced in the treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency. In this report, we examined whether the limbal niche cells that nurture and regulate epithelial stem cells coexist in ex vivo limbal cultures. We also compared the inherent differences between explant and suspension culture systems in terms of spatial distribution of niche cells and their effect on epithelial stem cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation in vitro. We report that the stem cell content of both culture systems was similar, explaining the comparable clinical outcomes reported using these two methods. We also showed that the niche cells ge

SUBMITTER: Mariappan I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4214849 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature