Corneal epithelial differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells generates ABCB5⁺ and ∆Np63α⁺ cells with limbal cell characteristics and high wound healing capacity.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Differentiation of functional limbal stem cells (LSCs) from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) is an important objective which can provide novel treatment solutions for patients suffering from limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). Yet, further characterization is needed to better evaluate their immunogenicity and regenerative potential before clinical applications.

Methods

Human PSCs were differentiated towards corneal fate and cryopreserved using a clinically applicable protocol. Resulting hPSC-LSC populations were examined at days 10-11 and 24-25 during differentiation as well as at passage 1 post-thaw. Expression of cornea-associated markers including PAX6, ABCG2, ∆Np63α, CK15, CK14, CK12 and ABCB5 as well as human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) was analyzed using i

SUBMITTER: Vattulainen M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8691049 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature