TITLE:
The Limbal Niche and Its Role in Maintaining Corneal Regeneration
AUTHORS:
Jaysukh P. Singh
KEYWORDS:
Cornea, Limbus, Molecular Biology, Stem Cells, Lineage Tracing, Live Imaging
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Ophthalmology,
Vol.14 No.1,
February
29,
2024
ABSTRACT:
In
recent years, stem cells have been a focal point in research designed to
evaluate the efficacy of ophthalmologic therapies, specifically those for
corneal conditions. The corneal epithelium is one of the few regions of the
body that maintains itself using a residual stem cell population within the
adjacent limbus. Stem cell movement has additionally captivated the minds of
researchers due to its potential application in different body regions. The
cornea is a viable model for varying methods to track stem cell migratory
patterns, such as lineage tracing and live imaging from the limbus. These
developments have the potential to pave the way for future therapies designed
to ensure the continuous regeneration of the corneal epithelium following
injury via the limbal stem cell niche. This literature review aims to analyze
the various methods of imaging used to understand the limbal stem cell niche
and possible future directions that might be useful to consider for the better
treatment and prevention of disorders of the cornea and corneal epithelium.