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Bmi1+ Progenitor Cell Dynamics in Murine Cornea During Homeostasis and Wound Healing

Bmi1+ Progenitor Cell Dynamics in Murine Cornea During Homeostasis and Wound Healing Thumbnail


Abstract

The outermost layer of the eye, the cornea, is renewed continuously throughout life. Stem cells of the corneal epithelium reside in the limbus at the corneal periphery and ensure homeostasis of the central epithelium. However, in young mice, homeostasis relies on cells located in the basal layer of the central corneal epithelium. Here, we first studied corneal growth during the transition from newborn to adult and assessed Keratin 19 (Krt19) expression as a hallmark of corneal maturation. Next, we set out to identify a novel marker of murine corneal epithelial progenitor cells before, during and after maturation, and we found that Bmi1 is expressed in the basal epithelium of the central cornea and limbus. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Bmi1+ cells participated in tissue replenishment in the central cornea. These Bmi1+ cells did not maintain homeostasis of the cornea for more than 3 months, reflecting their status as progenitor rather than stem cells. Finally, after injury, Bmi1+ cells fueled homeostatic maintenance, whereas wound closure occurred via epithelial reorganization. Stem Cells 2018.

Acceptance Date Dec 28, 2017
Publication Date Apr 1, 2018
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Stem Cells
Print ISSN 1066-5099
Publisher AlphaMed Press
Pages 562-573
DOI https://doi.org/10.1002/stem.2767
Keywords Bmi1, cornea, maturation, progenitor, renewal, stem cell, wound healing
Publisher URL http://doi.org/10.1002/stem.2767

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