Induction of Epithelial Progenitors In Vitro from Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells and Application for Reconstruction of Damaged Cornea in Mice

Abstract

Epithelial progenitors were successfully induced in vitro from ES cells and were applicable as grafts for treating corneal epithelial injury. ES cells may become an unlimited donor source of corneal epithelial cells for corneal transplantation and may restore useful vision in patients with a deficiency of limbal epithelial cells. This is an important first trial toward assessing the use of ES cells to reconstruct corneal epithelial cells.