Homeostatic Maintenance of the Murine Corneal Epithelium in Pathophysiological Contexts

    January 2020 in “ Työväentutkimus Vuosikirja ”
    Solja Kalha
    TLDR Corneal health relies on cell migration and cooperation with the lacrimal gland, not Bmi1+ cells, and Eda gene mutations can cause dry eye disease.
    The study investigated the homeostatic maintenance of the murine corneal epithelium, focusing on the maturation process and renewal dynamics. Researchers identified Krt19 as a novel marker in corneal maturation and Bmi1 in progenitor cells, estimating epithelial turnover to be 2-8 weeks in adult mice, with a decrease in older animals. An abrasion injury model revealed that Bmi1+ progenitor cells did not aid in wound healing, which instead relied on epithelial cell migration. The study also explored the lacrimal gland's role, finding that Eda gene mutations affected secretion and led to dry eye disease (DED), highlighting the cooperation between the cornea and lacrimal gland in maintaining ocular health. The research provided insights into Eda-linked DED development and emphasized the need for further studies on tissue communication.
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