Extended Data Figure 7: Engineered expression of PAX6 and rabbit LSC deficiency model.
From: WNT7A and PAX6 define corneal epithelium homeostasis and pathogenesis
a–e, Quantification and culture of engineered expression of PAX6 in rabbit SESCs and PAX6 knockdown LSCs. a, qPCR analysis of PAX6 expression in rabbit SESCs with PAX6 transduction (Rb PAX6+ SESCs) or LSCs with PAX6 knockdown (Rb shPAX6 LSCs) (all n = 3, P < 0.05). b, Rabbit SESCs with positive staining of p63 and negative staining of PAX6. Left panel, phase contrast photograph. c, Top row, double immunofluorescence staining of PAX6 and p63 in rabbit SESCs with PAX6 transduction. Top left panel, phase contrast photograph. Bottom row, rabbit PAX6+ SESCs were further labelled with GFP for transplantation. d, Rabbit LSCs with positive staining of p63 and PAX6. Top left panel, phase contrast photograph. e, Culture of GFP-labelled rabbit LSCs with PAX6 knockdown. f, conjunctiva peritomy was performed and a circumferential strip of 2mm anterior limbal conjunctiva was removed (a′). Lamellar scleral and corneal dissection to completely remove LSCs and corneal epithelium along an anterior cornea stroma plane (b′–d′). Dissected cap is shown in (d′, arrows). The exposed cornea stroma bed was covered by human amniotic membrane (e′) and sutures (f′). (n = 3). Scale bars, 100 µm. Data shown as means ± s.d.
