A unique F-actin and junctional organization that maintains the corneal endothelial barrier

Abstract

Introduction: The corneal endothelium is responsible for the correct hydration of the corneal stroma and for an adequate transport through this tissue. Corneal endothelial layer has a particular organization to maintain its curved shape and function. The corneal endothelium has low proliferative capacity and form a monolayer that is subjected to an even mechanical tension coming from the positive pressure of the aqueous humor. Preserving their barrier function under suboptimal conditions, such as corneal pathologies, age and transplantation, is essential for maintaining corneal transparency. Material and methods: We have investigated the structure and the proteins in charge of maintaining corneal endothelial barrier function by confocal microscopy and time lapse spinning disk microscopy in murine corneas ex vivo, and hepatic organoids. Results: We have characterized a novel filamentous actin network that organizes into radial structures arising from the center of the cell under the nucleus towards cell-cell junctions. This structure is also observed in spherical epithelial organoids whose cells are also exposed to positive luminal pressure. Due to the simplicity of the model, it can be easily implemented in any clinic which leads to increasing ADR and preventing CRC, but requires validation in large multicenter trials.