Periocular neural crest cell differentiation into corneal endothelium is influenced by signals in the nascent corneal environment.

ABSTRACT: During ocular development, periocular neural crest cells (pNC) migrate into the region between the lens and presumptive corneal epithelium to form the corneal endothelium and stromal keratocytes. Although defects in neural crest cell development are associated with ocular dysgenesis, very little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved in this process. This study focuses on the corneal endothelium, a monolayer of specialized cells that are essential for maintaining normal hydration and transparency of the cornea. In avians, corneal endothelial cells are first to be specified from the pNC during their migration into the presumptive corneal region. To investigate the signals required for formation of the corneal endothelium, we utilized orthotopic and heterotopic injections of dissoc

SUBMITTER: Babushkina A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7484247 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature