March 3, 2026Open Access

PAX6 Deficiency Compromises the Ability of Limbal Epithelial Stem Cells to Properly Differentiate Into Mature Corneal Epithelial Cells

Key Points

PAX6 deficiency leads to defective differentiation of limbal epithelial stem cells into mature corneal epithelial cells, impacting corneal health.
Transcriptomic analysis shows an increase of dysfunctional stem/eTACs in Pax6 heterozygous mice, indicating compromised cell fate commitment.
The findings suggest that PAX6 is vital for the proper development of corneal epithelial cells from limbal stem cells.
These insights may pave the way for targeted therapies to improve corneal regeneration and address related ocular disorders.

Abstract

Our single cell transcriptome of the limbus and cornea of Pax6 het mice indicates that AAK may be due to the increase of dysfunctional stem/eTACs with defects in committing to a corneal epithelial cell fate and differentiation.

PAX6 Deficiency Compromises the Ability of Limbal Epithelial Stem Cells to Properly Differentiate Into Mature Corneal Epithelial Cells

Key Points

Abstract

Cite This Study