Wnt/β-catenin signaling stimulates the self-renewal of conjunctival stem cells and promotes corneal conjunctivalization.

ABSTRACT: Limbal stem cell deficiency causes conjunctivalization characterized by the covering of the corneal surface with conjunctival epithelium. However, the driving force for the encroachment of these conjunctival cells is unclear. Conjunctival stem cells are bipotent stem cells that can proliferate and differentiate into conjunctival epithelial cells and goblet cells to maintain regeneration of the conjunctival epithelium. Here, we show a robust proliferative response of conjunctival stem cells and upregulation of Wnt2b and Wnt3a gene expression in the conjunctivae of mice with induced limbal stem cell deficiency. Topical application of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling activator CHIR resulted in increased proliferation of ΔNp63α-positive stem cells in the basal layers of the bulbar and forniceal con

SUBMITTER: Jang E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9440202 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature