Culture of limbal stem cells on human amniotic membrane

Cell Tissue Bank. 2012 Aug;13(3):513-9. doi: 10.1007/s10561-012-9300-x. Epub 2012 Mar 7.

Abstract

Limbal stem cells (LSC) have an important role in the maintenance of the corneal surface epithelium, and autologous cultured limbal epithelial cell (HLECs) transplantations have contributed substantially to the treatment of the visually disabling condition known as LSC deficiency. A major challenge is the ability to identify LSC in vitro and in situ, and one of the major controversies in the field relates to reliable LSC markers. This study was carried out to evaluate the culture of a limbal biopsy on human amniotic membrane (HAM): directly on the chorionic side and on intact epithelium, and the expression of the stem cell associated markers: ABCG2, p63. HAM has been extensively used for ocular surface reconstruction and has properties which facilitate the growth of epithelial cells controlling inflammation and scarring.

MeSH terms

  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Member 2
  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / biosynthesis
  • Amnion*
  • Cell Culture Techniques
  • Cornea / cytology
  • Epithelial Cells / cytology
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism
  • Epithelium, Corneal / cytology
  • Epithelium, Corneal / metabolism
  • Feeder Cells
  • Humans
  • Limbus Corneae / cytology*
  • Limbus Corneae / growth & development*
  • Limbus Corneae / metabolism
  • Membrane Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Neoplasm Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Tissue Culture Techniques

Substances

  • ABCG2 protein, human
  • ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Member 2
  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters
  • CKAP4 protein, human
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Neoplasm Proteins