20.03.2019 |
Gutermuth, Angela MD, PhD; Maassen, Jessika BS; Harnisch, Emely MD; Kuhlen, Daniel BS; Sauer-Budge, Alexis; Skazik-Voogt, Claudia MD, PhD; Engelmann, Katrin PhD
Purpose:
Loss of corneal endothelial cells (CECs) bears disastrous consequences for the patient, including corneal clouding and blindness. Corneal transplantation is currently the only therapy for severe corneal disorders. However, the worldwide shortages of corneal donor material generate a strong demand for personalized stem cell–based alternative therapies. Because human mesenchymal stem cells are known to be sensitive to their mechanical environments, we investigated the mechanotransductive potential of Descemet membrane–like microtopography (DLT) to differentiate human mesenchymal stem cells into CEC-like cells.
Cornea 38(1):p 110-119, January 2019. | DOI: 10.1097/ICO.0000000000001765