Ex vivo expansion of limbal stem cells is affected by substrate properties

Jones, R. R., Hamley, I. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4549-0926 and Connon, C. (2012) Ex vivo expansion of limbal stem cells is affected by substrate properties. Stem Cell Research, 8 (3). pp. 403-409. ISSN 1876-7753 doi: 10.1016/j.scr.2012.01.001

Abstract/Summary

Limbal epithelial stem cells play a key role in the maintenance and regulation of the corneal surface. Damage or destruction of these cells results in vascularisation and corneal opacity. Subsequent limbal stem cell transplantation requires an ex vivo expansion step and preserving cells in an undifferentiated state remains vital. In this report we seek to control the phenotype of limbal epithelial stem cells by the novel application of compressed collagen substrates. We have characterised the mechanical and surface properties of conventional collagen gels using shear rheology and scanning electron microscopy. In doing so, we provide evidence to show that compressive load can improve the stiffness of collagen substrates. In addition Western blotting and immunohistochemistry display increased cytokeratin 3 (CK3) protein expression relating to limbal epithelial cell differentiation on stiff collagen substrates. Such gels with an elastic modulus of 2900 Pa supported a significantly higher number of cells than less stiff collagen gels (3 Pa). These findings have substantial influence in the development of ocular surface constructs or experimental models particularly in the fields of stem cell research, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/26207
Item Type	Article
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy > School of Pharmacy > Division of Pharmacology Interdisciplinary centres and themes > Chemical Analysis Facility (CAF) > Electron Microscopy Laboratory (CAF) Life Sciences > School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy > Department of Chemistry
Uncontrolled Keywords	Limbal Stem Cells, Collagen Gel, Differentiation
Publisher	Elsevier
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