Human fetal keratocytes have multipotent characteristics in the developing avian embryo

Area of Science:

• Developmental Biology
• Stem Cell Biology
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Human corneal stem cells show multipotency in vitro.
• Human corneal keratocytes' multipotency in vivo remains unproven.
• Neural crest cells are crucial for developing various tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the multipotency of human fetal keratocytes (HFKs).
• To assess HFKs' differentiation into neural crest-derived tissues in an embryonic setting.
• To explore potential regenerative medicine applications.

Main Methods:

• HFKs were injected into chick embryos at specific developmental stages (embryonic days 1.5 and 3).
• Injections targeted cranial mesenchyme near the neural tube and periocular mesenchyme.
• Human cells were identified using the HuNu marker; differentiation was assessed via immunofluorescence.

Main Results:

• HuNu-positive HFKs integrated near migratory neural crest cells and in cardiac mesenchyme.
• HFKs differentiated into smooth muscle cells, stromal keratocytes, and corneal endothelium.
• HFKs did not form neurons, even when located within the trigeminal ganglion.

Conclusions:

• Human fetal keratocytes exhibit multipotency and can differentiate into specific neural crest derivatives.
• HFKs respond to embryonic cues, generating corneal endothelium and stromal keratocytes.
• These findings support the feasibility of using HFKs for regenerative medicine strategies.