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Putative epidermal stem cell convert into corneal epithelium-like cell under corneal tissue in vitro

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Abstract

Rhesus putative epidermal stem cells are being investigated for their potential use in regenerative corneal epithelium-like cells, which may provide a practical source of autologous seed cells for the construction of bioengineered corneas. The goal of this study was to investigate the potential of epidermal stem cells for trans-differentiation into corneal epithelium-like cells. Rhesus putative epidermal stem cells were isolated by type IV collagen attachment method. Flow cytometry analysis, immunohistology and RT-PCR were conducted to identify the expression of specific markers (β1m α6 integrin, K15, K1/K10, K3/K12 and CD71) on the isolated rapid attaching cells. The isolated cells were cocultured with human corneal limbal stroma and corneal epithelial cells. After coculture, the expression of the same specific markers was evaluated in order to identify expression difference caused by the coculture conditions. K3/K12 expression was analyzed in coculture cells on day 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10. Putative epidermal stem cells in conditioned culture media were used as control. Putative epidermal stem cells were predominant in rapid attaching cells by type IV collagen attachment isolation. Before being cocultured, the rhesus putative epidermal stem cells expressed K15, α6 and β1 integrin, but no CD71, K1/K10 and K3/K12. After coculture, these cells expressed K3/K12 (a marker of corneal epithelial cells), K15 and β1 integrin, but no K1/K10. Cells being not coculture converted into terminally differentiated cells expressing K1/K10. These results indicate that rhesus putative epidermal stem cells can trans-differentiate into corneal epithelium-like cells and, therefore, may have potential therapeutic application as autologous seed cells for the construction of bioengineered corneas.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, China

    Gao Nan, Wang ZhiChong, Huang Bing, Ge Jian, Lu Rong, Zhang KeFei, Fan ZhiGang, Lu Li, Peng Zhan & Cui GuangHui

  2. Liwan Hospital of Guangzhou Medical College, Guangzhou, 510165, China

    Zhang KeFei

  3. Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China

    Gao Nan, Wang ZhiChong, Huang Bing, Ge Jian, Lu Rong, Zhang KeFei, Fan ZhiGang, Lu Li, Peng Zhan & Cui GuangHui

Authors
  1. Gao Nan
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  2. Wang ZhiChong
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  3. Huang Bing
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  4. Ge Jian
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  5. Lu Rong
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  6. Zhang KeFei
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  7. Fan ZhiGang
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  8. Lu Li
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  9. Peng Zhan
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  10. Cui GuangHui
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Huang Bing.

Additional information

Supported in part by Hi-tech Research and Development Program of China (Grant No. 2003AA205005), the Specialized Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education (SRFDP, No.20030558074), the Key Technologies Research and Development Programme of the Tenth Five-Year Plan (Grant No. 2004BA720A15), Scientific and Technological Program (Grant Nos. A3020101 and 2003A3020401) of Guangdong Province

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Gao, N., Wang, Z., Huang, B. et al. Putative epidermal stem cell convert into corneal epithelium-like cell under corneal tissue in vitro . SCI CHINA SER C 50, 101–110 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11427-007-0006-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11427-007-0006-4

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