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Nureen L, Biazik J, Carnell M, Di Girolamo N. A detailed survey of the murine limbus, its stem cell distribution, and its boundaries with the cornea and conjunctiva. Stem Cells Transl Med 2024:szae055. [PMID: 39077915 DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szae055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
The narrow intersection between the cornea and conjunctiva, otherwise known as the limbus, is purported to harbor stem cells (SCs) that replenish the ocular surface epithelium throughout life. Damage to this site or depletion of its SCs can have dire consequences for eye health and vision. To date, various SC and keratin proteins have been used to identify the limbus, however, none could definitively mark its boundaries. Herein, we use the mouse as a model system to investigate whether structural and phenotypic features can be used to define the limbus and its boundaries with adjacent tissues. We demonstrate that differentially aligned blood and lymphatic vessels, intraepithelial nerves, and basal epithelial cellular and nuclei dimensions can be used as structural landmarks of the limbus. Identification of these features enabled approximation of the limbal expanse, which varied across distinct ocular surface quadrants, with the superior nasal and inferior temporal limbus being the widest and narrowest, respectively. Moreover, label-retaining SCs were unevenly distributed across the ocular circumference, with increased numbers in the superior temporal and inferior temporal moieties. These findings will heighten our current understanding of the SC niche, be beneficial for accurately predicting SC distribution to improve their isolation and devising efficacious cell therapies, and importantly, aid the ongoing search for novel SC markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lamia Nureen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Joanna Biazik
- Electron Microscope Unit, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Michael Carnell
- Katharina Gaus Light Microscopy Facility, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Nick Di Girolamo
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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2
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Thomasy SM, Leonard BC, Greiner MA, Skeie JM, Raghunathan VK. Squishy matters - Corneal mechanobiology in health and disease. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 99:101234. [PMID: 38176611 PMCID: PMC11193890 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2023.101234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
The cornea, as a dynamic and responsive tissue, constantly interacts with mechanical forces in order to maintain its structural integrity, barrier function, transparency and refractive power. Cells within the cornea sense and respond to various mechanical forces that fundamentally regulate their morphology and fate in development, homeostasis and pathophysiology. Corneal cells also dynamically regulate their extracellular matrix (ECM) with ensuing cell-ECM crosstalk as the matrix serves as a dynamic signaling reservoir providing biophysical and biochemical cues to corneal cells. Here we provide an overview of mechanotransduction signaling pathways then delve into the recent advances in corneal mechanobiology, focusing on the interplay between mechanical forces and responses of the corneal epithelial, stromal, and endothelial cells. We also identify species-specific differences in corneal biomechanics and mechanotransduction to facilitate identification of optimal animal models to study corneal wound healing, disease, and novel therapeutic interventions. Finally, we identify key knowledge gaps and therapeutic opportunities in corneal mechanobiology that are pressing for the research community to address especially pertinent within the domains of limbal stem cell deficiency, keratoconus and Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy. By furthering our understanding corneal mechanobiology, we can contextualize discoveries regarding corneal diseases as well as innovative treatments for them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Thomasy
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, United States; Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, School of Medicine, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, United States; California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, United States.
| | - Brian C Leonard
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, United States; Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, School of Medicine, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Mark A Greiner
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States; Iowa Lions Eye Bank, Coralville, IA, United States
| | - Jessica M Skeie
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States; Iowa Lions Eye Bank, Coralville, IA, United States
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3
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Sumioka T, Matsumoto KI, Reinach PS, Saika S. Tenascins and osteopontin in biological response in cornea. Ocul Surf 2023; 29:131-149. [PMID: 37209968 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The structural composition, integrity and regular curvature of the cornea contribute to the maintenance of its transparency and vision. Disruption of its integrity caused by injury results in scarring, inflammation and neovascularization followed by losses in transparency. These sight compromising effects is caused by dysfunctional corneal resident cell responses induced by the wound healing process. Upregulation of growth factors/cytokines and neuropeptides affect development of aberrant behavior. These factors trigger keratocytes to first transform into activated fibroblasts and then to myofibroblasts. Myofibroblasts express extracellular matrix components for tissue repair and contract the tissue to facilitate wound closure. Proper remodeling following primary repair is critical for restoration of transparency and visual function. Extracellular matrix components contributing to the healing process are divided into two groups; a group of classical tissue structural components and matrix macromolecules that modulate cell behaviors/activities besides being integrated into the matrix structure. The latter components are designated as matricellular proteins. Their functionality is elicited through mechanisms which modulate the scaffold integrity, cell behaviors, activation/inactivation of either growth factors or cytoplasmic signaling regulation. We discuss here the functional roles of matricellular proteins in mediating injury-induced corneal tissue repair. The roles are described of major matricellular proteins, which include tenascin C, tenascin X and osteopontin. Focus is directed towards dealing with their roles in modulating individual activities of wound healing-related growth factors, e. g., transforming growth factor β (TGF β). Modulation of matricellular protein functions could encompass a potential novel strategy to improve the outcome of injury-induced corneal wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayoshi Sumioka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, 811-1 Kimiidera, 641-0012, Japan.
| | - Ken-Ichi Matsumoto
- Department of Biosignaling and Radioisotope Experiment, Interdisciplinary Center for Science Research, Head Office for Research and Academic Information, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo, 693-8501, Japan
| | - Peter Sol Reinach
- Department of Biological. Sciences SUNY Optometry, New York, NY, 10036, USA
| | - Shizuya Saika
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, 811-1 Kimiidera, 641-0012, Japan
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4
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Sprogyte L, Park M, Di Girolamo N. Pathogenesis of Alkali Injury-Induced Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency: A Literature Survey of Animal Models. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091294. [PMID: 37174694 PMCID: PMC10177508 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) is a debilitating ocular surface disease that eventuates from a depleted or dysfunctional limbal epithelial stem cell (LESC) pool, resulting in corneal epithelial failure and blindness. The leading cause of LSCD is a chemical burn, with alkali substances being the most common inciting agents. Characteristic features of alkali-induced LSCD include corneal conjunctivalization, inflammation, neovascularization and fibrosis. Over the past decades, animal models of corneal alkali burn and alkali-induced LSCD have been instrumental in improving our understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for disease development. Through these paradigms, important insights have been gained with regards to signaling pathways that drive inflammation, neovascularization and fibrosis, including NF-κB, ERK, p38 MAPK, JNK, STAT3, PI3K/AKT, mTOR and WNT/β-catenin cascades. Nonetheless, the molecular and cellular events that underpin re-epithelialization and those that govern long-term epithelial behavior are poorly understood. This review provides an overview of the current mechanistic insights into the pathophysiology of alkali-induced LSCD. Moreover, we highlight limitations regarding existing animal models and knowledge gaps which, if addressed, would facilitate development of more efficacious therapeutic strategies for patients with alkali-induced LSCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Sprogyte
- Mechanisms of Disease and Translational Research, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Mijeong Park
- Mechanisms of Disease and Translational Research, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Nick Di Girolamo
- Mechanisms of Disease and Translational Research, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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5
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Lin JB, Shen X, Pfeifer CW, Shiau F, Santeford A, Ruzycki PA, Clark BS, Liu Q, Huang AJW, Apte RS. Dry eye disease in mice activates adaptive corneal epithelial regeneration distinct from constitutive renewal in homeostasis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2204134120. [PMID: 36595669 PMCID: PMC9926235 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2204134120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Many epithelial compartments undergo constitutive renewal in homeostasis but activate unique regenerative responses following injury. The clear corneal epithelium is crucial for vision and is renewed from limbal stem cells (LSCs). Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we profiled the mouse corneal epithelium in homeostasis, aging, diabetes, and dry eye disease (DED), where tear deficiency predisposes the cornea to recurrent injury. In homeostasis, we capture the transcriptional states that accomplish continuous tissue turnover. We leverage our dataset to identify candidate genes and gene networks that characterize key stages across homeostatic renewal, including markers for LSCs. In aging and diabetes, there were only mild changes with <15 dysregulated genes. The constitutive cell types that accomplish homeostatic renewal were conserved in DED but were associated with activation of cell states that comprise "adaptive regeneration." We provide global markers that distinguish cell types in homeostatic renewal vs. adaptive regeneration and markers that specifically define DED-elicited proliferating and differentiating cell types. We validate that expression of SPARC, a marker of adaptive regeneration, is also induced in corneal epithelial wound healing and accelerates wound closure in a corneal epithelial cell scratch assay. Finally, we propose a classification system for LSC markers based on their expression fidelity in homeostasis and disease. This transcriptional dissection uncovers the dramatically altered transcriptional landscape of the corneal epithelium in DED, providing a framework and atlas for future study of these ocular surface stem cells in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph B. Lin
- John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences Neurosciences Graduate Program, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Xiaolei Shen
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Charles W. Pfeifer
- John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences Neurosciences Graduate Program, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Fion Shiau
- John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Andrea Santeford
- John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Philip A. Ruzycki
- John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Brian S. Clark
- John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Qin Liu
- John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Center for the Study of Itch and Sensory Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Andrew J. W. Huang
- John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Rajendra S. Apte
- John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
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6
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Raja E, Changarathil G, Oinam L, Tsunezumi J, Ngo YX, Ishii R, Sasaki T, Imanaka‐Yoshida K, Yanagisawa H, Sada A. The extracellular matrix fibulin 7 maintains epidermal stem cell heterogeneity during skin aging. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e55478. [PMID: 36278510 PMCID: PMC9724670 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202255478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue stem cells (SCs) divide infrequently as a protective mechanism against internal and external stresses associated with aging. Here, we demonstrate that slow- and fast-cycling SCs in the mouse skin epidermis undergo distinct aging processes. Two years of lineage tracing reveals that Dlx1+ slow-cycling clones expand into the fast-cycling SC territory, while the number of Slc1a3+ fast-cycling clones gradually declines. Transcriptome analysis further indicate that the molecular properties of each SC population are altered with age. Mice lacking fibulin 7, an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein, show early impairments resembling epidermal SC aging, such as the loss of fast-cycling clones, delayed wound healing, and increased expression of inflammation- and differentiation-related genes. Fibulin 7 interacts with structural ECM and matricellular proteins, and the overexpression of fibulin 7 in primary keratinocytes results in slower proliferation and suppresses differentiation. These results suggest that fibulin 7 plays a crucial role in maintaining tissue resilience and epidermal SC heterogeneity during skin aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erna Raja
- International Research Center for Medical Sciences (IRCMS)Kumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA)University of TsukubaTsukubaJapan
| | - Gopakumar Changarathil
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA)University of TsukubaTsukubaJapan
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human SciencesUniversity of TsukubaTsukubaJapan
| | - Lalhaba Oinam
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA)University of TsukubaTsukubaJapan
- School of Integrative and Global MajorsUniversity of TsukubaTsukubaJapan
| | - Jun Tsunezumi
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesKyushu University of Health and WelfareMiyazakiJapan
| | - Yen Xuan Ngo
- International Research Center for Medical Sciences (IRCMS)Kumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA)University of TsukubaTsukubaJapan
- School of Integrative and Global MajorsUniversity of TsukubaTsukubaJapan
| | - Ryutaro Ishii
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA)University of TsukubaTsukubaJapan
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human SciencesUniversity of TsukubaTsukubaJapan
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of TsukubaTsukubaJapan
| | - Takako Sasaki
- Department of Biochemistry IIOita UniversityOitaJapan
| | - Kyoko Imanaka‐Yoshida
- Department of Pathology and Matrix BiologyMie University Graduate School of MedicineMieJapan
| | - Hiromi Yanagisawa
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA)University of TsukubaTsukubaJapan
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of TsukubaTsukubaJapan
| | - Aiko Sada
- International Research Center for Medical Sciences (IRCMS)Kumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA)University of TsukubaTsukubaJapan
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7
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Lee V, Rompolas P. Corneal regeneration: insights in epithelial stem cell heterogeneity and dynamics. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2022; 77:101981. [PMID: 36084496 PMCID: PMC9938714 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2022.101981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of slow-cycling cells at the corneal periphery three decades ago established the limbus as the putative corneal stem cell niche. Since then, studies have underscored the importance of the limbal stem cells in maintaining the health and function of the ocular surface. Advancements in our understanding of stem cell biology have been successfully translated into stem cell therapies for corneal diseases. Here, we review recent developments in mouse genetics, intravital imaging, and single-cell genomics that have revealed an underappreciated complexity of the limbal stem cells, from their molecular identity, function, and interactions with their niche environment. Continued efforts to elucidate stem cell dynamics of this extraordinary tissue are critical for not only understanding stem cell biology but also for advancing therapeutic innovation and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Panteleimon Rompolas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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8
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Ying PX, Fu M, Huang C, Li ZH, Mao QY, Fu S, Jia XH, Cao YC, Hong LB, Cai LY, Guo X, Liu RB, Meng FK, Yi GG. Profile of biological characterizations and clinical application of corneal stem/progenitor cells. World J Stem Cells 2022; 14:777-797. [PMID: 36483848 PMCID: PMC9724387 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v14.i11.777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal stem/progenitor cells are typical adult stem/progenitor cells. The human cornea covers the front of the eyeball, which protects the eye from the outside environment while allowing vision. The location and function demand the cornea to maintain its transparency and to continuously renew its epithelial surface by replacing injured or aged cells through a rapid turnover process in which corneal stem/progenitor cells play an important role. Corneal stem/progenitor cells include mainly corneal epithelial stem cells, corneal endothelial cell progenitors and corneal stromal stem cells. Since the discovery of corneal epithelial stem cells (also known as limbal stem cells) in 1971, an increasing number of markers for corneal stem/progenitor cells have been proposed, but there is no consensus regarding the definitive markers for them. Therefore, the identification, isolation and cultivation of these cells remain challenging without a unified approach. In this review, we systematically introduce the profile of biological characterizations, such as anatomy, characteristics, isolation, cultivation and molecular markers, and clinical applications of the three categories of corneal stem/progenitor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Xi Ying
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhujiang Hospital, The Second Clinical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Min Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Chang Huang
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China
- Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Zhi-Hong Li
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Shock and Microcirculation, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510550, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Qing-Yi Mao
- The Second Clinical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Sheng Fu
- Hengyang Medical School, The University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xu-Hui Jia
- The Second Clinical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yu-Chen Cao
- The Second Clinical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Li-Bing Hong
- The Second Clinical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Li-Yang Cai
- The Second Clinical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xi Guo
- Medical College of Rehabilitation, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ru-Bing Liu
- The Second Clinical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Fan-ke Meng
- Emergency Department, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Guo-Guo Yi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, Guangdong Province, China
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9
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Altshuler A, Amitai-Lange A, Tarazi N, Dey S, Strinkovsky L, Hadad-Porat S, Bhattacharya S, Nasser W, Imeri J, Ben-David G, Abboud-Jarrous G, Tiosano B, Berkowitz E, Karin N, Savir Y, Shalom-Feuerstein R. Discrete limbal epithelial stem cell populations mediate corneal homeostasis and wound healing. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 28:1248-1261.e8. [PMID: 33984282 PMCID: PMC8254798 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The accessibility and transparency of the cornea permit robust stem cell labeling and in vivo cell fate mapping. Limbal epithelial stem cells (LSCs) that renew the cornea are traditionally viewed as rare, slow-cycling cells that follow deterministic rules dictating their self-renewal or differentiation. Here, we combined single-cell RNA sequencing and advanced quantitative lineage tracing for in-depth analysis of the murine limbal epithelium. These analysis revealed the co-existence of two LSC populations localized in separate and well-defined sub-compartments, termed the "outer" and "inner" limbus. The primitive population of quiescent outer LSCs participates in wound healing and boundary formation, and these cells are regulated by T cells, which serve as a niche. In contrast, the inner peri-corneal limbus hosts active LSCs that maintain corneal epithelial homeostasis. Quantitative analyses suggest that LSC populations are abundant, following stochastic rules and neutral drift dynamics. Together these results demonstrate that discrete LSC populations mediate corneal homeostasis and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Altshuler
- Department of Genetics & Developmental Biology, The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine & Research Institute, Technion Integrated Cancer Center, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Aya Amitai-Lange
- Department of Genetics & Developmental Biology, The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine & Research Institute, Technion Integrated Cancer Center, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Noam Tarazi
- Department of Genetics & Developmental Biology, The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine & Research Institute, Technion Integrated Cancer Center, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Sunanda Dey
- Department of Genetics & Developmental Biology, The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine & Research Institute, Technion Integrated Cancer Center, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Lior Strinkovsky
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics & Systems Biology, The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine & Research Institute, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Shira Hadad-Porat
- Department of Genetics & Developmental Biology, The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine & Research Institute, Technion Integrated Cancer Center, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Swarnabh Bhattacharya
- Department of Genetics & Developmental Biology, The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine & Research Institute, Technion Integrated Cancer Center, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Waseem Nasser
- Department of Genetics & Developmental Biology, The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine & Research Institute, Technion Integrated Cancer Center, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Jusuf Imeri
- Department of Genetics & Developmental Biology, The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine & Research Institute, Technion Integrated Cancer Center, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Gil Ben-David
- Department of Genetics & Developmental Biology, The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine & Research Institute, Technion Integrated Cancer Center, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ghada Abboud-Jarrous
- Department of Immunology, The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine & Research Institute, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Beatrice Tiosano
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel
| | - Eran Berkowitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel
| | - Nathan Karin
- Department of Immunology, The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine & Research Institute, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yonatan Savir
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics & Systems Biology, The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine & Research Institute, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Ruby Shalom-Feuerstein
- Department of Genetics & Developmental Biology, The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine & Research Institute, Technion Integrated Cancer Center, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
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