Ciliary epithelium: an underevaluated target for therapeutic regeneration

Crit Rev Eukaryot Gene Expr. 2012;22(2):87-95. doi: 10.1615/.v22.i2.10.

Abstract

The purpose of stem cells in various organs of vertebrates is to replenish dying cells or to replace damaged tissues. However, a few organs have reasonable, while others have very limited regenerative, capacity. Until the last two decades, the organs such as brain, heart, and kidneys were known to lack regenerative capacity for lack of resident stem cell population. However, with advancement of techniques and an increase in scientific communication, new discoveries have brought novel concepts and data to discover and manipulate these valuable resources. Much focus has been devoted to understanding the regulation and maintenance of these stem cells. We discuss the preclinical data emerging from retino-vascular interactions useful in the exploitation of ciliary epithelium-derived stem cells for therapeutic regeneration.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Ciliary Body / blood supply
  • Ciliary Body / cytology*
  • Humans
  • Pigment Epithelium of Eye / blood supply
  • Pigment Epithelium of Eye / cytology*
  • Regeneration*
  • Regenerative Medicine / methods
  • Retina / cytology*
  • Retinal Degeneration / therapy*
  • Retinal Rod Photoreceptor Cells / cytology
  • Stem Cell Transplantation
  • Stem Cells / cytology