Journal of Biotechnology & Biomaterials
Open Access

Abstract

Self-renewing and multi-lineage differentiation capacities are mostly associated with embryonic stem cells. In the present study, we have investigated whether the adult human cornea-limbal tissue has any self-renewing and multi-lineage differentiation capacities. We report, the identification and isolation of limbal fibroblast-like cells obtained from the adult human corneo-limbal tissue possessing self-renewing capacity and multi-lineage differentiation potential. The cells form cell aggregates or clusters, which express molecular markers, specific for ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm lineages in vitro. Further, these cells mature into a myriad of cell types including neurons, corneal cells, osteoblasts, chondrocytes, adipocytes, cardiomyocytes, hepatocytes and pancreatic islet cells. Despite originating from a non-embryonic source, they express embryonic stem cell and other stem cell markers important for maintaining an undifferentiated state. This multi-potential capability, relatively easy isolation and high rate of ex vivo proliferation capacity make these cells a promising therapeutic tool.

Biography

Firdos Alam Khan, Full Professor, and Chairperson, School of Life Sciences, Manipal University Dubai, UAE received his Doctoral degree in Neuroscience from Nagpur University, India. He has 22 years of research and teaching experience in various domains of Biotechnology. He did his first Post-doctoral research from National Institute of Biological Science, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore, India and second Post-doctoral Fellowship from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, USA. His area of specialty in Biotechnology includes Stem Cell Technology, Neuropharmacology and Neuroscience. He has been awarded two US patents for his discovery in the stem cells.

Email: firdoskhan@manipaldubai.com