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Updated: Feb 19, 2026
Three-Dimensional, Serum-Free Culture System for Lacrimal Gland Stem Cells
Published on: June 2, 2022
Strategies for Regenerating the Lacrimal Gland
Catherine Y Liu1, Masatoshi Hirayama2, Marwan Ali1
1Lacrimal Cell Biology Laboratory, University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Purpose Of Review:
Aqueous deficient dry eye disease, a significant cause of morbidity worldwide, is due to dysfunction of the main and accessory lacrimal glands. Recent advances in efforts to regenerate lacrimal gland are reviewed.
Recent Findings:
Several strategies are being explored: ex vivo culture models of human and non-human lacrimal gland epithelial and myoepithelial cells, isolation and characterization of adult precursor cells within lacrimal glands, directed differentiation of stem cells to lacrimal gland cells, and organogenesis and engraftment techniques.
Summary:
Conditions for primary cell culture and expansion are being established and will help in the characterization of lacrimal cells. Presumed adult precursor cells have been isolated, laying down foundations for regeneration. Stem cells have been induced to express features of lacrimal gland cells. Engraftment of ex vivo cultured lacrimal tissue is proof of concept that lacrimal gland regeneration and repopulation is possible.
