Instability in cell commitment of vertebrate pigmented epithelial cells and their transdifferentiation into lens cells.

摘要: Publisher Summary Although the cell type conversion of pigmented epithelial cells (PECs) can be observed in process Wolffian lens regeneration and neural retina a limited number species, results culture works since 1973 permit to conclude that population PECs capable transdifferentiation is widely conserved vertebrates including humans, at least embryonic period. However, this multipotential property well stabilized physiological conditions situ . The finding close cell–cell contact may one requisites for stabilization revealed by observations cohesive sheet supported continuous collagen substrate. This chapter establishes system which pure dedifferentiated (dePECs) maintained introducing phenylthiourea (PTU), hyaluronidase (HUase), dialyzed fetal bovine serum an appropriate way. With system, cellular properties dePECs investigated detail. Preliminary efforts elucidate mechanisms terms regulation gene expression have been started. It has demonstrated δ-crystallin mature mRNA detected some nonlenticular tissues, such as pigment epithelium, retina, others, early chick embryos To further understand multipotent state level expression, it necessary extend investigation transcription genes are specifically expressed melanogenic determine whether transcripts also present dePECs.