Conjunctival Epithelial Stem Cells Enriched by p75

Severe conjunctival diseases can cause significant scarring, limited eye movement, and loss of vision. While surgical reconstruction of the conjunctiva represents the principal treatment approach, the lack of efficient methods for stem cell enrichment makes this approach challenging. However, researchers led by Yao Fu and Hao Sun (Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China) have recently reported on the potential of p75 as a stem cell marker that may facilitate the enrichment of conjunctival epithelial stem cells. Wu et al. describe how this simple and effective method of enriching conjunctival epithelial stem cells provides a means to obtain sufficient cells for functional conjunctival reconstruction and may promote the development of a treatment of conjunctival deficiency. For all the details, see STEM CELLS Translational Medicine now!