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PAX6 expression identifies progenitor cells for corneal keratocytes
Martha L Funderburgh1, Yiqin Du, Mary M Mann
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA .
Summary
A novel progenitor cell population in the adult corneal stroma expresses PAX6 and can regain the keratocyte phenotype after significant proliferation, offering potential for corneal repair therapies.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Corneal keratocytes produce the transparent extracellular matrix essential for vision.
- During wound healing and in vitro culture, keratocytes transform into fibroblasts, losing their unique matrix synthesis capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify corneal stromal cells capable of reverting to a keratocyte phenotype after extensive proliferation.
- To characterize the properties and potential of these progenitor cells for corneal biology and therapy.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and clonal culture of bovine stromal cells.
- Analysis of cell morphology, marker expression (keratan sulfate, aldehyde dehydrogenase 3A1, keratocan, PAX6), and gene expression.
- Assessment of replicative senescence and karyotype.
Main Results:
- A subset of stromal cells (approx. 3%) showed clonal growth and could adopt a keratocyte phenotype.
- These progenitor cells expressed stem cell and ocular development genes (PAX6, Six2, Six3) and PAX6 protein.
- Progenitor cells maintained keratocyte markers throughout their replicative lifespan, even after extensive proliferation.
Conclusions:
- A previously unidentified population of PAX6-positive progenitor cells exists in the adult corneal stroma.
- These cells retain the capacity to assume a keratocyte phenotype post-proliferation, with implications for treating corneal scarring.