Limbal stem cell

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Limbal stem cells (also called corneal epithelial stem cells) are stem cells located in the basal epithelial layer of the corneal limbus. Characteristics of limbal stem include slow turnover rate, high proliferative potential, clonogenicity, multipotency, expression of stem cell markers, and the ability to regenerate the entire corneal epithelium. Proliferation of limbal stem cells maintains the cornea; for example, replacing cells that are lost via tears. Limbal stem cells also prevent the conjunctival epithelial cells from migrating onto the surface of the cornea.

Video Limbal stem cell

Medical use

Damage to the limbus can lead to limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), which can be caused by burns, radiation, genetic disorders, surgeries, infection, use of contact lenses, or drug use. Signs and symptoms include conjunctivalisation, corneal vascularisation, edema, ocular discomfort or pain, poor vision, and blindness, which are likely associated with failure in the process of regenerating the corneal epithelium.

In severe LSCD due to burns tentative evidence supports stem cell-based regenerative medicine.

Maps Limbal stem cell

Society and culture

One technique that uses these stem cells in corneal burns is known as Holoclar. In 2015, the European Commission approved a stem cell therapy for people with severe LSCD due to burns, which was the first time that a stem cell therapy other than the use of umbilical cord stem cells was allowed to be sold by any regulatory agency in the world.

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References

Source of the article : Wikipedia