 | This article needs more reliable medical references for verification or relies too heavily on primary sources. (August 2020) |  |
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| Trade names | Holoclar |
| Other names | ex vivo expanded autologous human corneal epithelial cells containing stem cells |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | UK Drug Information |
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Limbal stem cells, also known as corneal epithelial stem cells, are unipotent stem cells located in the basal epithelial layer of the corneal limbus. They form the border between the cornea and the sclera. Characteristics of limbal stem cells include a slow turnover rate, high proliferative potential, clonogenicity, expression of stem cell markers, as well as the ability to regenerate the entire corneal epithelium. Limbal stem cell proliferation has the role of maintaining the cornea; for example, by replacing cells that are lost via tears. Additionally, these cells also prevent the conjunctival epithelial cells from migrating onto the surface of the cornea.[2]
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Holoclar EPARwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Schlötzer-Schrehardt U, Kruse FE (September 2005). "Identification and characterization of limbal stem cells". Experimental Eye Research. 81 (3): 247–264. doi:10.1016/j.exer.2005.02.016. PMID 16051216.