The biological basis of limbal stem cell deficiency

Limbal stem cell deficiency results from the loss of tissue regenerating stem and progenitor cells. Corneal epithelial regeneration is maintained by stem and progenitor cells which reside in the schlerocorneal limbus. They possess stem cell characteristics and can be stimulated to proliferate by ext...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Der Ophthalmologe : Zeitschrift der Deutschen Ophthalmologischen Gesellschaft 2012-09, Vol.109 (9), p.843
Main Authors: Thomasen, H, Steuhl, K-P, Meller, D
Format: Article
Language:ger
Subjects:
Cell Differentiation - physiology
Epithelium, Corneal - cytology
Epithelium, Corneal - physiopathology
Humans
Limbus Corneae - pathology
Limbus Corneae - physiopathology
Models, Biological
Stem Cells - pathology
Stem Cells - physiology
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Summary:Limbal stem cell deficiency results from the loss of tissue regenerating stem and progenitor cells. Corneal epithelial regeneration is maintained by stem and progenitor cells which reside in the schlerocorneal limbus. They possess stem cell characteristics and can be stimulated to proliferate by external signals. The limbus is the stem cell niche for corneal epithelial stem cells and forms a unique microenvironment in which stem cell characteristics are conserved. Regulation of limbal epithelial stem cells is produced by a network of signals within the niche which governs cell fate decisions with regards to proliferation, differentiation or maintenance of a quiescent status.
ISSN:1433-0423
DOI:10.1007/s00347-011-2507-6