Single cell RNA-sequencing data generated from human pluripotent stem cell-derived lens epithelial cells.

Detailed transcriptomic analyses of differentiated cell populations derived from human pluripotent stem cells is routinely used to assess the identity and utility of the differentiated cells. Here we provide single cell RNA-sequencing data obtained from ROR1-expressing lens epithelial cells (ROR1e LECs), obtained via directed differentiation of CA1 human embryonic stem cells. Analysis of the data using principal component analysis, heat maps and gene ontology assessments revealed phenotypes associated with lens epithelial cells. These data provide a resource for future characterisation of both normal and cataractous human lens biology. Corresponding morphological and functional data obtained from ROR1e LECs are reported in the associated research article "A simplified method for producing human lens epithelial cells and light-focusing micro-lenses from pluripotent stem cells " (Dewi et al., 2020).

A simplified method for producing human lens epithelial cells and light-focusing micro-lenses from pluripotent stem cells.

Here we describe a modified method for harvesting tens-of-millions of human lens epithelial-like cells from differentiated pluripotent stem cell cultures. To assess the utility of this method, we analysed the lens cell population via: light microscopy; single cell RNA-sequencing and gene ontology analyses; formation of light-focusing micro-lenses; mass spectrometry; and electron microscopy. Both individually and collectively, the data indicate this simplified harvesting method provides a large-scale source of stem cell-derived lens cells and micro-lenses for investigating human lens and cataract formation.

Use of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells to Define Initiating Molecular Mechanisms of Cataract for Anti-Cataract Drug Discovery.

Cataract is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Currently, restoration of vision in cataract patients requires surgical removal of the cataract. Due to the large and increasing number of cataract patients, the annual cost of surgical cataract treatment amounts to billions of dollars. Limited access to functional human lens tissue during the early stages of cataract formation has hampered efforts to develop effective anti-cataract drugs. The ability of human pluripotent stem (PS) cells to make large numbers of normal or diseased human cell types raises the possibility that human PS cells may provide a new avenue for defining the molecular mechanisms responsible for different types of human cataract. Towards this end, methods have been established to differentiate human PS cells into both lens cells and transparent, light-focusing human micro-lenses. Sensitive and quantitative assays to measure light transmittance and focusing ability of human PS cell-derived micro-lenses have also been developed. This review will, therefore, examine how human PS cell-derived lens cells and micro-lenses might provide a new avenue for development of much-needed drugs to treat human cataract.