Extracellular Matrix is an Important Component of Limbal Stem Cell Niche

Journal of Functional Biomaterials

Hua Mei¹  Sheyla Gonzalez¹ 

关键词: extracellular matrix;    stem cell niche;    limbal stem cell;    limbus;   

DOI  :  10.3390/jfb3040879

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

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.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2012 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.