Transdifferentiation of epidermal stem cells into corneal epithelial cells in vitro / 第三军医大学学报

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the plasticity of transdifferentiation of epidermal stem cells (ESCs) into corneal epithelial cells. Methods Epidermal stem cells enriched by adhering to type Ⅳ collage were induced in vitro by coculture with corneal stromal fibroblasts. The method of HCC were used to show the expression of K12 which is expressed specially in corneal epithelial cells.Results ESCs with greater proliferation potential strongly expressed K19 and ?_ 1 - integrin. After two-week induction, the K12 positive cells could be detected. Conclusion The data suggested that the epidermal stem cells have the potential to transdifferentiate into corneal epithelial cells in vitro.