Existence of Neural Crest-Derived Progenitor Cells in Normal and Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy Corneal Endothelium

The study identified neural crest-derived progenitor (NCDP) cells in the corneal endothelium of both normal and Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) donors. These cells showed rapid proliferation, absence of senescence, and the ability to form spheres, indicating their potential as progenitor cells. They expressed stem cell-related and neural crest marker genes, demonstrating multipotency by differentiating into neurons and corneal endothelial cells. The presence of NCDPs in FECD-affected tissue suggested potential for autologous cell therapies, offering hope for treating corneal endothelial dysfunction without relying solely on corneal transplantation. However, the study noted that the proliferative and pluripotent characteristics of these cells may diminish with age, highlighting the need for further research to understand the environmental factors influencing their potential.