Abstract
Presentation Description :
For many years, limbal epithelial stem cell (LSC) prevalence, heterogeneity and niche were unclear. Previously, we identified two discrete murine limbal well-defined zones that were termed “outer” and “inner” limbal niches. Clonal dynamics suggest the outer limbus hosts quiescent LSCs (qLSCs) that serve as reservoir to corneal wound repair whereas the inner active LSCs (aLSCs) regularly replenish the corneal epithelium under homeostasis. Quantitative analysis of clonal cell growth dynamics, proliferation and marker expression suggests that LSC are abundant cells that follow stochastic rules of neutral drift dynamics. Here, we report that the biochemical and biophysical cues from the limbus niche, are essential for the maintenance of qLSCs. We identify new niche cells that contribute to the unique limbal niche microenvironment, and their perturbation leads to loss affects qLSC marker expression, wound healing response and quiescence. I will discuss the broader significance of these observations, potential relevance to pathology and therapy.
This abstract was presented at the 2023 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in New Orleans, LA, April 23-27, 2023.