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Published on: July 10, 2018
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Single-Cell Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Dynamic Cellular Processes in Corneal Epithelium During Wound Healing in
Ming Zhou1, Zhuo-Xing Shi1, Zhong Liu1
1State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|September 27, 2024
Summary
This study reveals key cell types and molecular pathways driving corneal wound healing using single-cell RNA sequencing in monkeys. It highlights the role of limbal epithelial cells in promoting healing and offers insights for new therapies.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Genomics
Background:
- Corneal wound healing is essential for vision but its regulatory mechanisms are not fully understood.
- Understanding these processes can lead to improved treatments for corneal injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze cellular activities and transcriptional changes during corneal wound healing.
- To investigate the role of corneal limbal epithelial cells in healing using single-cell RNA sequencing.
Main Methods:
- Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of cynomolgus monkey corneal epithelium at different healing stages.
- Computational analysis for cell clustering and identification of transcriptional changes.
- Cell migration assays and immunofluorescent staining on human corneal cells.
Main Results:
- Characterized nine cell clusters in the monkey corneal epithelium.
- Identified limbal epithelial cells (LEPCs) and basal epithelial cells (BEPCs) as crucial for extracellular matrix formation and wound healing.
- Discovered a transit amplifying cell (TAC) sub-cluster in LEPCs that activates thrombospondin-1 (THBS1) for early healing.
Conclusions:
- This is the first comprehensive transcriptome analysis of individual corneal cells during wound healing in nonhuman primates.
- Elucidated intricate mechanisms of corneal healing.
- Provides a foundation for developing novel corneal wound healing therapies.
