Pax6-Induced Proliferation and Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Into Limbal Epithelial Stem Cells

Corneal integrity, transparency, and visual acuity are maintained by corneal epithelial cells (CECs), which are continuously renewed by limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs). The limbal stem cell deficiency is associated with ocular diseases. This study aimed to develop a novel method to differentiate bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) into LESC-like cells using a culture medium and paired box 6 (Pax6) transfection. The LESC-like cells were confirmed using the LESC markers CK14 and p63 and CEC marker CK12. Pax6 induces BM-MSCs to differentiate into LESC-like cells in vitro. Mouse models of chemical corneal burn were obtained and treated with the LESC-like cells. The transplantation experiment indicated that Pax6-reprogrammed BM-MSCs attached to and replenished the damaged cornea through the formation of stratified corneal epithelium. The proliferation and colony formation abilities of Pax6-overexpressing BM-MSCs were significantly enhanced. These findings provide evidence that BM-MSCs might serve as an excellent candidate for generating bioengineered corneal epithelium and provide a new strategy for the treatment of clinical corneal damage.