Sphere-forming cells from peripheral cornea demonstrate the ability to repopulate the ocular surface

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology and Regenerative Medicine
• Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering

Background:

• The limbus, located at the corneoscleral junction, contains stem cells crucial for corneal maintenance.
• Limbic injuries can deplete stem cells, leading to visual impairment and requiring corneal repair strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate peripheral corneal spheres as a potential source for limbal stem cell transplantation.
• To evaluate the capacity of these spheres for limbal stem cell repopulation and corneal reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• Isolation of sphere-forming cells from peripheral cornea.
• Characterization of spheres using immunocytochemistry and quantitative PCR (qPCR).
• Assessment of sphere activity post-implantation into human cadaveric corneal tissue via live cell imaging.

Main Results:

• Spheres expressed stem cell markers (∆NP63α, ABCG2, ABCB5) and a niche marker (notch 1).
• Spheres contained heterogeneous cells, positive for corneal cell markers (vimentin, keratin 3, keratocan, laminin).
• Implanted spheres demonstrated 3D cell migration, proliferation, and repopulation of the corneal surface over 14 days, with increased progenitor cell response.

Conclusions:

• Peripheral corneal spheres show significant potential as transplantable units for ocular surface regeneration.
• These findings support the use of spheres for corneal repair and stem cell repopulation in damaged corneas.