Organotypic 3D Cell Culture of the Embryonic Lacrimal Gland.

Ectodermal organ development, including lacrimal gland, is characterized by an interaction between an epithelium and a mesenchyme. Murine lacrimal gland is a good model to study non-stereotypical branching morphogenesis. In vitro cultures allow the study of morphogenesis events with easy access to high-resolution imaging.

AAV2/9-mediated gene transfer into murine lacrimal gland leads to a long-term targeted tear film modification.

Corneal blindness is the fourth leading cause of blindness worldwide. Since corneal epithelium is constantly renewed, non-integrative gene transfer cannot be used to treat corneal diseases. In many of these diseases, the tear film is defective.

Hypolacrimia and Alacrimia as Diagnostic Features for Genetic or Congenital Conditions.

As part of the lacrimal apparatus, the lacrimal gland participates in the maintenance of a healthy eye surface by producing the aqueous part of the tear film. Alacrimia and hypolacrimia, which are relatively rare during childhood or young adulthood, have their origin in a number of mechanisms which include agenesia, aplasia, hypoplasia, or incorrect maturation of the gland. Moreover, impaired innervation of the gland and/or the cornea and alterations of protein secretion pathways can lead to a defective tear film.

Ectodysplasin-A signaling is a key integrator in the lacrimal gland-cornea feedback loop.

A lack of ectodysplasin-A (Eda) signaling leads to dry eye symptoms, which have so far only been associated with altered Meibomian glands. Here, we used loss-of-function () mutant mice to unravel the impact of Eda signaling on lacrimal gland formation, maturation and subsequent physiological function. Our study demonstrates that activity is dispensable during lacrimal gland embryonic development.

Corneal Epithelial Abrasion with Ocular Burr As a Model for Cornea Wound Healing.

The murine cornea provides an excellent model to study wound healing. The cornea is the outermost layer of the eye, and thus is the first defense to injury. In fact, the most common type of eye injury found in clinic is a corneal abrasion.

Epithelial Markers aSMA, Krt14, and Krt19 Unveil Elements of Murine Lacrimal Gland Morphogenesis and Maturation.

As an element of the lacrimal apparatus, the lacrimal gland (LG) produces the aqueous part of the tear film, which protects the eye surface. Therefore, a defective LG can lead to serious eyesight impairment. Up to now, little is known about LG morphogenesis and subsequent maturation.