Human amniotic epithelial cell niche enhances the functional properties of human corneal endothelial cells via inhibiting P53-survivin-mitochondria axis.

The particular microenvironment or niche plays an important role in determining the fate of stem cells and adult cells. The objective of this study was to explore the potential role of the niche of human amniotic epithelial cells in enhancing the functional properties of human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs). The HCECs were cultured in different media, including corneal endothelium medium (CEM), 20% human amniotic epithelial cell culture medium (20% HAEC-Me), and 20% human amniotic epithelial cell-conditioned medium (20% HAEC-CM). We observed that the HCECs cultured in the 20% HAEC-CM had an increased proliferative capacity, higher colony-forming efficiency (CFE), fewer apoptotic cells, and similar cell-junction formation capabilities and pump functionality compared with primary HCECs. Compared with CEM and 20% HAEC-Me, the 20% HAEC-CM system enhanced the functional properties of HCECs by reducing the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), maintaining the membrane potential (Δψm) at higher levels, reducing the expression of the p53 protein, and increasing the level of survivin protein expression. This study may shed light on the expansion of HCECs and the clinical applications of these cells in regenerative medicine, especially in corneal tissue engineering.