2024 Volume 36 Issue 1 Pages 7-11
The mechanism of maintaining lens transparency has not been completely elucidated. We created a threedimensional cell aggregate model (3D model) using our own immortalized human lens epithelial cells (iHLEC-NY1) and evaluated the internal structure and expression of lens-specific proteins. Since we observed protein expression polarity and disappearance of cell nuclei similar to that of the biological lens, we were able to create a 3D model that retained the differentiation ability of lens epithelial cells. Furthermore, a tissue structure comparison between the iHLEC-NY1-3D model and Soemmering's ring showed that the cell arrangement and polarity of protein expression were similar, suggesting the possibility of this model as an in vitro drug development model for secondary cataract. On the other hand, when human iris-derived iPS cells (H-iris iPSCs) were generated and differentiated into lens epithelial cells and a 3D-model was created, A multilayered structure of epithelial-like cells expressing lens tissue stem cell markers was observed.
