Stem Cell Niche Microenvironment: Review

Abstract

The cornea comprises a pool of self-regenerating epithelial cells that are crucial to preserving clarity and visibility. Limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs), which live in a specialized stem cell niche (SCN), are crucial for the survival of the human corneal epithelium. They live at the bottom of the limbal crypts, in a physically enclosed microenvironment with a number of neighboring niche cells. Scientists also simplified features of these diverse microenvironments for more analysis in situ by designing and recreating features of different SCNs. Recent methods for regenerating the corneal epithelium after serious trauma, including burns and allergic assaults, focus mainly on regenerating the LESCs. Mesenchymal stem cells, which can transform into self-renewing and skeletal tissues, hold immense interest for tissue engineering and innovative medicinal exploration. This review summarizes all types of LESCs, identity and location of the human epithelial stem cells (HESCs), reconstruction of LSCN and artificial stem cells for self-renewal.

A Decellularized Human Limbal Scaffold for Limbal Stem Cell Niche Reconstruction

“…It has a unique architecture that comprises limbal crypts between palisades of Vogt, focal stromal projections at the corneal edge of the limbus, and a distinct vascular network [2,3]. The LEPC niche is a specialized protective anatomic location that regulates LEPC function through their interactions with extracellular matrix (ECM) components and neighboring cells via direct contact or soluble growth and signaling factors [4][5][6]. Inflammatory diseases or trauma such as an alkaline burn are the most frequent causes for LEPC loss and destruction of the distinct limbal niche tissue structure, leading to limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) and loss of vision [7,8].…”

AAV2/9-mediated gene transfer into murine lacrimal gland leads to a long-term targeted tear film modification

“…Except for physical harm, corneal blindness often results from a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic causes. In the case of genetic diseases, such as aniridia 29, 30 , or systemic diseases, such as diabetes 13 , corneal defect is often associated with corneal microenvironment dysregulation 31 .…”

Engineering strategies to achieve efficientin vitroexpansion of haematopoietic stem cells: development and improvement

“…Cytokines enhance HSC proliferation, but also largely facilitate HSC differentiation at the same time, which is unacceptable for maintaining HSC cell stemness in vitro. 103 Furthermore, cytokines are unstable in in vitro culture environments and are rapidly inactivated in aqueous liquid, leaving HSCs unable to receive sufficient biological signals to maintain a proliferative or quiescence state. 104,105 Mhanna et al then used sulphated scaffolds to improve the capture of cytokines in the culture system.…”

“…No additional cytokines required Difficulties in detecting potential pathways 103 Nursing cell encapsulation Matrix coating platforms Provides a native biochemical environment Lack of spatial complexity 124 Decellularized materials Hypoxic niche…”