Limbal epithelial stem cells (family)

Limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs) reside in the basal layer of the limbal area, at the vascularised junction between the corneal and conjunctival epithelium. In the limbus, the cells are found in structures termed the palisades of Vogt, that are believed to provide a supportive and protective environment to the LESCs. Cells are surgically isolated and cultured either on feeder cells or on substrate-like amniotic membranes. Cells are characterized in-vitro, by the expression of P63, ABCG2, and KRT19.