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Chapter-034 Limbal Stem Cells, Biology and Pathogenesis in Ocular Surface Disease

BOOK TITLE: Copeland and Afshari's Principles and Practice of Cornea (2 Volumes)

Author
1. Zarei-Ghanavati Siamak
2. Deng Sophie X
ISBN
9789350901724
DOI
10.5005/jp/books/11777_34
Edition
1/e
Publishing Year
2013
Pages
9
Author Affiliations
1. Mashhad Center, University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
2. Jules Stein Eye Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA
Chapter keywords
Congenital aniridia, palisades of Vogt, epithelialization, mucous membrane pemphigoid, limbal epithelial crypt, corneal stroma

Abstract

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can self-renew and give rise to differentiated progeny. All tissue renewal is done by stem cells or progenitor cells to replace differentiated cells that have died or been lost through normal turnover or injury. Corneal epithelium is maintained by corneal epithelial stem cells, which are adult stem cells which sustain a transparent corneal surface, and protect the cornea against environmental damages and microorganism and are located in the limbus in human, and hence are called limbal stem cells (LSCs). LSCs act as a barrier to prevent conjunctival epithelial from migrating to the corneal surface and the necessary microenvironment for their survival and to protect them from damages including ultraviolet (UV) radiation, trauma, and dryness. Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) is classified into primary and secondary; Secondary corneal stem cell deficiency occurs as a result of external factors such as trauma, contact lens wear, systemic autoimmune diseases, ocular surgeries, limbal neoplasm and medications. LSC transplantation is necessary in total LSCD and is discussed in detail in the chapter.

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