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Emerging Approaches for Ocular Surface Regeneration

  • Regenerative Medicine in Ophthalmology (D Myung, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Ophthalmology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

In this manuscript, the recent advancements and novel approaches for regeneration of the ocular surface are summarized.

Recent Findings

Following severe injuries, persistent inflammation can alter the rehabilitative capability of the ocular surface environment. Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) is one of the most characterized ocular surface disorders mediated by deficiency and/or dysfunction of the limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs) located in the limbal niche. Currently, the most advanced approach for revitalizing the ocular surface and limbal niche is based on transplantation of limbal tissues harboring LESCs. Emerging approaches have focused on restoring the ocular surface microenvironment using (1) cell-based therapies including cells with capabilities to support the LESCs and modulate the inflammation, e.g., mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), (2) bioactive extracellular matrices from decellularized tissues, and/or purified/synthetic molecules to regenerate the microenvironment structure, and (3) soluble cytokine/growth factor cocktails to revive the signaling pathways.

Summary

Ocular surface/limbal environment revitalization provides promising approaches for regeneration of the ocular surface.

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Sources of Support

This research was supported by R01 EY024349 (ARD) and core grant EY01792 from NEI/NIH and unrestricted grant to the Department of Ophthalmology from Research to Prevent Blindness.

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  1. Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1855 W. Taylor St, EEI 3164, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA

    Ghasem Yazdanpanah, Sayena Jabbehdari & Ali R. Djalilian

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  1. Ghasem Yazdanpanah
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Yazdanpanah, G., Jabbehdari, S. & Djalilian, A.R. Emerging Approaches for Ocular Surface Regeneration. Curr Ophthalmol Rep 7, 1–10 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40135-019-00193-1

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