Abstract
Extracellular matrix plays an important role in stem cell niche which maintains the undifferentiated stem cell phenotype. Human corneal epithelial stem cells are presumed to reside mainly at the limbal basal epithelium. Efforts have been made to characterize different components of the extracellular matrix that are preferentially expressed at the limbus. Mounting evidence from experimental data suggest that these components are part of the stem cell niche and play a role in the homeostasis of limbal stem cells. The extracellular matrix provides a mechanical and structural support as well as regulates cellular functions such as adhesion, migration, proliferation, self-renewal and differentiation. Optimization of the extracellular matrix components might be able to recreate an ex vivo stem cell niche to expand limbal stem cells.
Highlights
Corneal epithelium is constantly renewed by corneal epithelial stem cells, which locate primarily at the basal layer of corneoscleral limbus central corneal epithelium is reported to retain limited self-renewal capacity in some animal models [1]
The collagen members whose expressions are predominant in adult limbus or predominant in developing cornea and the limbus are possible candidate components of limbal stem cell niche
Shimmura and co-workers observed that limbal fibroblasts in vitro and in vivo secrete higher levels of SPARC compared to corneal fibroblasts suggesting a potential functional role of SPARC in homeostasis of the limbal stem cell niche [62]
Summary
Corneal epithelium is constantly renewed by corneal epithelial stem cells, which locate primarily at the basal layer of corneoscleral limbus central corneal epithelium is reported to retain limited self-renewal capacity in some animal models [1]. The stem cell niche where the corneal. 2012, 3 epithelial stem cells, limbal stem cells (LSCs) reside is intensively investigated. The niche has been proposed to maintain the stemness and proliferation of the stem cells. One critical component of the stem cell niche is the extracellular matrix (ECM), which supports cell adhesion, transduces signals to cells through binding to membrane receptors, provides the mechanical strength and buffering space for tissue, and serves as media for intercellular communication. Components of the ECM in the ocular surface are discussed in this article including their potential functions and applications with a focus on the LSC niche
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