Expression of haematopoietic stem cell markers, CD133 and CD34 on human corneal keratocytes

Abstract

Human keratocytes express the haematopoietic stem cell markers CD133 and CD34. This expression decreases with time in culture, with most but not all cells losing expression. On the basis of these markers, the corneal stroma shows a heterogeneous population of cells. Expression or down regulation of expression of these molecules could represent different stages of activation of these cells.