Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Transdifferentiation”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 361 records · Page 20Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Transdifferentiation of distal but not proximal tubular epithelial cells from human kidney in culture.

Human renal proximal and distal (thick ascending limb and early distal convoluted tubule) epithelial cells have been isolated according to their specific antigen expression. The cells were well characterized by flow cytometry, enzyme cytochemistry and electron microscopy and cultured for up to 3 months. Cultured tubular cells coexpressed cytokeratin and vimentin as intermediate filament proteins. While primary isolated cells, proximal as well as distal, revealed the phenotypic characteristics of their nephron origin, cultured distal cells showed the tendency to dedifferentiate/transdifferentiate. Distal cells lost their characteristic expression of Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein and started de novo expression of the proximal marker proteins aminopeptidase M, gamma-glutamyl transferase and dipeptidyl peptidase IV. The expression of these antigens by distal cells could be shown by flow-cytometric analysis and fluorescence microscopy. Enzyme activity assays revealed the activity of aminopeptidase M, gamma-glutamyl transferase and dipeptidyl peptidase IV, but not of the proximal marker enzyme alkaline phosphatase. This antigenic shift could not be prevented in different culture media, and the original phenotype could not be restored. Cultured cells displayed characteristic hormonal stimulation patterns indicative of their proximal and distal origins, as shown by activation of adenylate cyclase by different peptide hormones. These results indicate that distal tubular cells possibly transdifferentiate to a more proximal phenotype in view of loss of the distal marker enzyme Tamm-Horsfall protein and de novo expression of proximal marker enzymes like dipeptidyl peptidase IV and aminopeptidase M.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗
PubMed2001

Transdifferentiation of pigmented epithelial cells: a source of retinal stem cells?

In urodeles, larval anurans, embryonic chicks and rodents, the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) is capable of transdifferentiation and generating new neurons. Recent evidence suggests that pigmented cells in the ciliary body of the adult rodent eye are capable of producing new neurons in vitro. Here we provide data to suggest that the pigmented epithelium at the retinal margin of postnatal chickens is similar to that found in the embryonic retina. Pigmented cells at the retinal margin expressed mitf and pax6, transcription factors that are transiently expressed by the developing RPE. Furthermore, these pigment cells at the retinal margin express high levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and accumulate bromodeoxyuridine, indicating that they continue to proliferate long after embryonic stages of development. Exogenous fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) or insulin alone did not affect the proliferation of these cells, while FGF2 plus insulin induced their proliferation and loss of pigmentation. We propose that the pigmented cells at the retinal margin of the postnatal chicken are similar to those found in the embryonic eye, and these cells could be a source of neural regeneration under appropriate conditions.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Epitheliomesenchymal transdifferentiation of cultured RPE cells.

Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells of the proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) membrane take on the shape of fibroblasts and participate in fibrosis, thus deviating from the character of epithelial cells. This study was undertaken to evaluate RPE cell transdifferentiation in vitro. During the culture of porcine RPE cells, primary and 10th-passaged RPE cells were investigated for cell growth in response to transforming growth factor (TGF) beta(2), change of phenotype and amount in collagen synthesis as well as expression of alpha-smooth-muscle actin (alpha-SMA). TGF-beta(2) inhibited the proliferation of the primary cultures of RPE cells in a dose-dependent manner, while the spindle-shaped 10th-passaged RPE cells were not inhibited by TGF-beta(2). The 10th-subcultured cells did not show much difference in the quality of collagen synthesis, other than type VIII collagen which was not produced. Collagen synthesis was dose-dependently stimulated by TGF-beta(2). The stimulation by TGF-beta(2) in the 10th-passaged RPE cells was much greater than in primary RPE cells. The 10th-subcultured RPE cells produced substantial alpha-SMA compared to alpha-SMA production by primary RPE cells. These results were also observed by confocal laser microscopy. These findings indicated that RPE metaplasia resulting in a change of biological cell behavior might be a necessary predisposing step in the development of PVR.

Actins↗
PubMed2006

Genipin suppresses subconjunctival fibroblast migration, proliferation and myofibroblast transdifferentiation.

PURPOSE: Inchin-ko-to is a herbal medicine which has therapeutic effects in ameliorating liver fibrosis or cholestatic liver diseases. Its main bioactive component is genipin, which is an intestinal bacterial metabolite of this medication. Accordingly, we determined whether or not Inchin-ko-to suppresses in a wound healing model subconjunctival fibroblast (SCF) migration proliferation and myofibroblast transdifferentiation since an inhibitory effect could be of value in improving trabeculotomy outcome. METHODS: Effects of genipin on SCF cell migration were examined subsequent to wounding confluent monolayer cultures. Alamar blue staining evaluated the effects of genipin (0-50 microg/ml) on fibroblast cell proliferation. Immunostaining determined alpha-smooth muscle actin (alphaSMA) expression. Western blotting evaluated (alphaSMA) expression and phospho-Smad2 formation. Real-time RT-PCR evaluated TGFbeta1 and collagen Ialpha2 mRNA expression. Enzyme-immunoassay determined culture medium collagen I content. RESULTS: Genipin suppressed wound-induced cell migration and proliferation. It also decreased collagen type I TGFbeta1 and alphaSMA mRNA and protein expression. Smad2 signaling was inhibited by genipin in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: Genipin suppresses injury-induced fibrogenic responses in SCFs. This result suggests that the herbal medicine Inchin-ko-to might have therapeutic value following trabeculotomy.

Actins↗
PubMed2006

Pleiotrophin induces transdifferentiation of monocytes into functional endothelial cells.

OBJECTIVE: Pleiotrophin (PTN) is a cytokine that is expressed by monocytes/macrophages in ischemic tissues and that promotes neovascularization, presumably by stimulating proliferation of local endothelial cells. However, the effect of PTN on monocytes/macrophages remains unknown. We investigated the role of PTN in regulating the phenotype of monocytes/macrophages. METHODS AND RESULTS: RT-PCR, real-time PCR, and fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis revealed that the expression of PTN by monocytic cells led to a downregulation of CD68, c-fms, and CD14 monocytic cell markers and an upregulation of FLK-1, Tie-2, vascular endothelial-cadherin, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1, endothelial NO synthase, von Willebrand factor, CD34, GATA-2, and GATA-3 endothelial cell markers. Fibrin gel assays showed that the treatment of mouse and human monocytic cells with PTN led to the formation of tube-like structures. In vivo studies showed that PTN-expressing monocytic cells incorporated into the blood vessels of the quail chorioallantoic membrane. The intracardial injection of PTN-expressing monocytic cells into chicken embryos showed that cells integrated only into the developing vasculature. Finally, the injection of PTN-expressing monocytes into a murine ischemic hindlimb model significantly improved perfusion of the ischemic tissue. CONCLUSIONS: PTN expression by monocytes/macrophages led to a downregulation of their monocytic cell markers and an upregulation of endothelial cell characteristics, thus inducing the transdifferentiation of monocytes into functional endothelial cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Reversible transdifferentiation of alveolar epithelial cells.

Alveolar epithelial type II (AT2) cells have been thought to be the progenitors of terminally differentiated type I (AT1) cells in the adult animal in vivo. In this study, we used an AT1 cell-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb VIII B2) to investigate expression of the AT1 cell phenotype accompanying reversible changes in expression of the AT2 cell phenotype. AT2 cells were isolated and cultured either on attached collagen gels or on gels detached 1 or 4 days after plating and maintained thereafter as floating gels. Monolayers on both attached and floating gels were harvested on days 4 and 8 and analyzed by electron microscopy for changes in morphology and binding of mAb VIII B2. Results indicate that: (1) alveolar epithelial cells (AEC) on attached gels develop characteristics of the AT1 cell phenotype, (2) AEC on gels detached on day 1 maintain features of the AT2 cell phenotype (and do not react with mAb VIII B2), and (3) the expression of AT1 cell phenotypic traits seen by day 4 on attached gels is reversed after detachment. We conclude that commitment to the AT1 and AT2 cell lineages requires continuous regulatory input to maintain the differentiated states, and that transdifferentiation between AT2 and AT1 cells may be reversible.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Transdifferentiation of ciliated cells during repair of the respiratory epithelium.

Since the lung is repeatedly subjected to injury by pathogens and toxicants, maintenance of pulmonary homeostasis requires rapid repair of its epithelial surfaces. Ciliated bronchiolar epithelial cells, previously considered as terminally differentiated, underwent squamous cell metaplasia within hours after bronchiolar injury with naphthalene. Expression of transcription factors active in morphogenesis and differentiation of the embryonic lung, including beta-catenin, Foxa2, Foxj1, and Sox family members (Sox17 and Sox2), was dynamically regulated during repair and redifferentiation of the bronchiolar epithelium after naphthalene injury. Squamous cells derived from ciliated cells spread beneath injured Clara cells within 6-12 h after injury, maintaining the integrity of the epithelium. Dynamic changes in cell shape and gene expression, indicating cell plasticity, accompanied the transition from squamous to cuboidal to columnar cell types as differentiation-specific cell markers typical of the mature airway were restored. Similar dynamic changes in the expression of these transcription factors occurred in ciliated and Clara cells during regeneration of the lung after unilateral pneumonectomy. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that ciliated epithelial cells spread and transdifferentiate into distinct epithelial cell types to repair the airway epithelium.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Blocking airway mucous cell metaplasia by inhibiting EGFR antiapoptosis and IL-13 transdifferentiation signals.

Epithelial hyperplasia and metaplasia are common features of inflammatory and neoplastic disease, but the basis for the altered epithelial phenotype is often uncertain. Here we show that long-term ciliated cell hyperplasia coincides with mucous (goblet) cell metaplasia after respiratory viral clearance in mouse airways. This chronic switch in epithelial behavior exhibits genetic susceptibility and depends on persistent activation of EGFR signaling to PI3K that prevents apoptosis of ciliated cells and on IL-13 signaling that promotes transdifferentiation of ciliated to goblet cells. Thus, EGFR blockade (using an irreversible EGFR kinase inhibitor designated EKB-569) prevents virus-induced increases in ciliated and goblet cells whereas IL-13 blockade (using s-IL-13Ralpha2-Fc) exacerbates ciliated cell hyperplasia but still inhibits goblet cell metaplasia. The distinct effects of EGFR and IL-13 inhibitors after viral reprogramming suggest that these combined therapeutic strategies may also correct epithelial architecture in the setting of airway inflammatory disorders characterized by a similar pattern of chronic EGFR activation, IL-13 expression, and ciliated-to-goblet cell metaplasia.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Enhancement of tumor invasion depends on transdifferentiation of skin fibroblasts mediated by reactive oxygen species.

Myofibroblasts, pivotal for tumor progression, populate the microecosystem of reactive stroma. Using an in vitro tumor-stroma model of skin carcinogenesis, we report here that tumor-cell-derived transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) initiates reactive oxygen species-dependent expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin, a biomarker for myofibroblastic cells belonging to a group of late-responsive genes. Moreover, protein kinase C (PKC) is involved in lipid hydroperoxide-triggered molecular events underlying transdifferentiation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts (mesenchymal-mesenchymal transition, MMT). In contrast to fibroblasts, myofibroblasts secrete large amounts of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), resulting in a significant increase in the invasive capacity of tumor cells. The thiol N-acetyl-L-cysteine, the micronutrient selenite as well as selenoprotein P and the lipid peroxidation inhibitors alpha-tocopherol and butylated hydroxytoluene significantly lower both the number of TGFbeta1-initiated myofibroblasts and the secretion of HGF, VEGF and IL-6, correlating with a diminished invasive capacity of tumor cells. This novel concept of stromal therapy, namely the protection of stromal cells against the dominating influence of tumor cells in tumor-stroma interaction by antioxidants and micronutrients, may form the basis for prevention of MMT in strategies for chemoprevention of tumor invasion.

Acetylcysteine↗
PubMed2002

p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase is required for TGFbeta-mediated fibroblastic transdifferentiation and cell migration.

Transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) contributes to tumor progression by inducing an epithelial to mesenchymal transdifferentiation (EMT) and cell migration. We found that TGFbeta-induced EMT was blocked by inhibiting activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) with H-7, a protein kinase C inhibitor, and with SB202190, a direct inhibitor of p38MAPK. Inhibition of the p38MAPK pathway affected TGFbeta-mediated phosphorylation of ATF2, but did not inhibit phosphorylation of Smad2. SB202190 impaired TGFbeta-mediated changes in cell shape and reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. Forced expression of dominant-negative (DN) MAPK kinase 3 (MKK3) inhibited TGFbeta-mediated activation of p38MAPK and EMT. Expression of DN-p38alpha impaired TGFbeta-induced EMT. Inhibition of p38MAPK blocked TGFbeta-induced migration of non-tumor and tumor mammary epithelial cells. TGFbeta induced activation of the p38MAPK pathway within 15 minutes. Expression of TGFbeta type II (TbetaRII) and type I (TbetaRI/Alk5) kinase-inactive receptors blocked EMT and activation of p38MAPK, whereas expression of constitutively active Alk5-T204D resulted in EMT and phosphorylation of MKK3/6 and p38MAPK. Finally, dominant-negative Rac1N17 blocked TGFbeta-induced activation of the p38MAPK pathway and EMT, suggesting that Rac1 mediates activation of the p38MAPK pathway. These studies suggest that the p38MAPK pathway is required for TGFbeta-mediated EMT and cell migration.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗
PubMed2005

The homeobox gene Msx in development and transdifferentiation of jellyfish striated muscle.

Bilaterian Msx homeobox genes are generally expressed in areas of cell proliferation and in association with multipotent progenitor cells. Likewise, jellyfish Msx is expressed in progenitor cells of the developing entocodon, a cell layer giving rise to the striated and smooth muscles of the medusa. However, in contrast to the bilaterian homologs, Msx gene expression is maintained at high levels in the differentiated striated muscle of the medusa in vivo and in vitro. This tissue exhibits reprogramming competence. Upon induction, the Msx gene is immediately switched off in the isolated striated muscle undergoing transdifferentiation, to be upregulated again in the emerging smooth muscle cells which, in a stem cell like manner, undergo quantal cell divisions producing two cell types, a proliferating smooth muscle cell and a differentiating nerve cell. This study indicates that the Msx protein may be a key component of the reprogramming machinery responsible for the extraordinary transdifferentation and regeneration potential of striated muscle in the hydrozoan jellyfish.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2006

BMP2/4 and BMP5-8 in jellyfish development and transdifferentiation.

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) have key roles in gastrulation, mesoderm induction and axial patterning. The multitude of bilaterian BMPs employed in these morphogenetic processes contrasts starkly with the scarcity of BMPs in Cnidaria, the most basal eumetazoan phylum. In coral, sea anemone and hydra species, BMPs have been found to be associated with larval and polyp axial patterning. In the hydrozoan jellyfish Podocoryne (Hydractinia) carnea the BMP2/4 and BMP5-8 genes are expressed unilaterally in the larva, corroborating a possible role in larval axial development. With the focal area of BMP expression in the anterior region, however, the jellyfish larva may have a developmental reversal of spatial polarity compared to the anthozoan larva. In medusa development, BMP genes are expressed in divergent expression territories within the presumptive radial canals and in various parts of the endoderm, indicative of an involvement in mesoderm patterning and gastrovascular system formation reminiscent of bilaterian BMP functions. In addition, the BMP2/4 and BMP5-8 genes may play roles in wound response and dedifferentiation or S-phase re-entry, respectively, as the former is expressed in striated muscle cells immediately after excision from the bell and the latter in the initial phase of muscle cell transdifferentiation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2006

Do chondrocytes undergo "activation" and "transdifferentiation" during the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis? A review of the ultrastructural and immunohistochemical evidence.

Chondrocytes, which are the only cell type in the articular cartilage, show substantial morphological and functional differences, depending on their location within the tissue. In OA cartilage, outstanding modifications have been reported concerning their structure and functions. Based on the principle that both structure and function run in a parallel manner, new concepts are arising related to morphological observations. Observations on OA chondrocytes, such as cytoskeleton disruption, development of the secretory machinery (rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex), and cell death by apoptosis, among others, certainly must be related to the role of chondrocytes in OA pathogenesis. In this degradative process, it has been acknowledged that cell death, matrix degradation and subchondral bone remodelling are the main causes of cartilage breakdown in osteoarthritis. The aim of this review was to correlate and integrate in a logical manner the modifications of chondrocytes with cartilage breakdown during osteoarthritis pathogenesis. Furthermore, we intend to open a debate on cell cycle and mitosis, as well as on signalling molecules that might be involved in the morphofunctional changes in OA chondrocytes, which we propose to name "activation" and "transdifferentiation" of chondrocytes. We expect this analysis to be useful for studying OA pathogenesis in depth, with the aim of finding new strategies for the early diagnosis and therapeutic procedures for this invalidating disease, which is already an important public health problem.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Metaplasia--a transdifferentiation process that facilitates cancer development: the model of gastric intestinal metaplasia.

Metaplasia, in general, and intestinal metaplasia, in particular, are transdifferentiation processes triggered by environmental aggressions. The heterogeneity of different morphologic variants of metaplasia and distinction from close morphologic entities--heterotopia and hamartoma--is reviewed. Recent data on the characterization of the molecular and epidemiological data involved in the development and progression of lesions of gastric intestinal metaplasia are discussed. A redefinition of intestinal metaplasia is proposed.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed2006

Bone marrow cells transdifferentiate to cardiomyocytes when introduced into the embryonic heart.

Since rates of cardiomyocyte generation in the embryo are much higher than within the adult, we explored whether the embryonic heart would serve as useful experimental system for examining the myocardial potential of adult stem cells. Previously, we reported that the long-term culturing of adult mouse bone marrow produced a cell population that was both highly enriched for macrophages and cardiac competent. In this study, the myocardial potential of this cell population was analyzed in greater detail using the embryonic chick heart as recipient tissue. Experiments involving the co-incubation of labeled bone marrow cells with embryonic heart tissue showed that bone marrow (BM) cells incorporated into the myocardium and immunostained for myocyte proteins. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated that the heart tissue induced bone marrow cells to express the differentiated cardiomyocyte marker alpha-cardiac myosin heavy chain. The cardiomyocyte conversion of the bone marrow cells was verified by harvesting donor cells from mice that were genetically labeled with a myocardial-specific beta-galactosidase reporter. Embryonic hearts exposed to the transgenic bone marrow in culture exhibited significant numbers of beta-galactosidase-positive cells, indicating the presence of bone marrow-derived cells that had converted to a myocardial phenotype. Furthermore, when transgenic mouse BM cells were injected into living chick embryos, donor cells incorporated into the developing heart and exhibited a myocardial phenotype. Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that donor BM cells exhibiting myocyte markers contained only nuclei from mouse cells, indicating that differentiation and not cell fusion was the predominant mechanism for the acquisition of a myocyte phenotype. These data confirm that adult mouse bone marrow contain cells with the ability to form cardiomyocytes. In addition, the predominance of the macrophage phenotype within the donor bone marrow cell population suggests that transdifferentiation of immune response cells may play a role in cellular regeneration in the adult.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Failure of transdifferentiation of adult hematopoietic stem cells into neurons.

Previous studies of bone marrow-derived stem cell transdifferentiation into neurons have not involved purified cell populations and determined their exact phenotype prior to differentiation. The present study investigates whether highly purified mouse adult hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), characterized by lineage marker depletion and expression of the cell surface markers Sca1 and c-Kit (Lin(-) Sca1(+) c-Kit(+) [LSK]), can be stimulated to adopt a neuronal fate. When the HSC(LSK) cells were cultured in vitro in neuronal differentiation medium supplemented with retinoic acid, 50% of the cells expressed the neural progenitor marker nestin and no cells had become postmitotic. Electrophysiological recordings on neuron-like cells showed that these cells were incapable of generating action potentials. When the HSC(LSK) cells either were grown in vitro together with neural precursor cells or were transplanted into the striatum or cerebellum of wild-type mouse, they either differentiated into Iba1-immunopositive macrophage/microglia or died. In conclusion, we demonstrate that adult HSC(LSK) cells do not have the capacity to leave the hematopoietic lineage and differentiate into neurons.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Factors mediating the transdifferentiation of islets of Langerhans to duct epithelial-like structures.

We have previously shown that isolated islets embedded in type 1 collagen gel in the presence of a defined medium undergo transdifferentiation within 96 h to duct epithelial structures. The aim of this study was to identify the factors implicated in this process. Freshly isolated canine islets were embedded in type 1 collagen gel, Matrigel or agarose for up to 120 h and cultured in (i) Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM)/F12 plus cholera toxin (CT), (ii) medium CMRL1066 plus CT, (iii) CMRL1066 plus forskolin and (iv) CMRL1066 alone. At 16 h, intracellular levels of cAMP (fmol/10(3) islets) were increased in groups i-iii (642+/-17, 338+/-48, 1128+/-221) compared with group iv (106+/-19, P<0.01). Epithelial differentiation correlated with the total amount of intracellular cAMP measured over 120 h. Islet-epithelial transformation during the initial 36 h was associated with a wave of apoptosis which was followed by a wave of cell proliferation. During epithelial differentiation there was a progressive loss of all islet hormones and the concomitant expression of cytoskeletal proteins characteristic of duct epithelial cells. Islets in collagen and Matrigel demonstrated high rates of epithelial differentiation (63+/-2% and 71+/-4% respectively) compared with those in agarose gel (0+/-0%, P<0.001). Islets suspended in DMEM/F12 plus CT supplemented with soluble laminin or fibronectin did not undergo transformation. Prior incubation of freshly isolated islets with an integrin-binding arginine-glycine-aspartate motif-presenting synthetic peptide also reduced islet transformation. These studies confirm the biological potential of islets of Langerhans to differentiate to duct epithelial structures. cAMP-mediated signal transduction and an appropriate integrin-matrix interaction are necessary for this process to proceed.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Conjunctival epithelial cells do not transdifferentiate in organotypic cultures: expression of K12 keratin is restricted to corneal epithelium.

The conjunctival epithelium is intrinsically different from the corneal epithelium in vivo, but sometimes can transform into an epithelium morphologically indistinguishable from the latter after healing of a total corneal epithelial defect. It remains unclear whether this morphologic transformation represents a process of extrinsic modultation or transdifferentiation of intrinsically divergent epithelium. In air-lifted organotypic cultures, rabbit conjunctival epithelial cells lost goblet cell differentiation and were stratified to the same extent as corneal epithelial cells, resembling the above in vivo morphologic transformation. Paired expression of K3 (64 kD) and K12 (55 kD) keratins has been regarded as a marker for corneal-type differentiation. Immunoblot analysis by monoclonal antibody AE5 revealed that K3 keratin was expressed by both submerged or air-lifted corneal and conjunctival cultures with or without 3T3 fibroblasts in collagen gel. In contrast, K12 keratin was expressed only by air-lifted corneal cultures with 3T3 fibroblasts using monoclonal antibody AK2 and two epitope-specific antibodies to N- and C- terminal oligopeptides deduced from the mouse K12 gene. This finding was also confirmed by Northern hybridization with a rabbit K12 cDNA probe. The expression of K12 keratin was more delayed than that of K3 keratin in air-lifted corneal cultures. This dissociated expression of these two keratins resembles that noted in vivo in the stem cell-containing limbal region. These results suggest that morphologic transformation of the conjunctival epithelium represents extrinsic environment modulation, and that differential expression of K12 but not K3 keratin signifies corneal epithelial differentiation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗