Actively Recruiting
Implementation of a Protocol for the Transdifferentiation of Buccal Mucosal Epithelium Into Corneal Epithelium
Led by University Hospital, Montpellier · Updated on 2024-08-19
4
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University Hospital, Montpellier
Lead Sponsor
I
Institute for Neuroscience Montpellier
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The cornea is a transparent tissue at the front of the eye that helps focus light onto the retina and protects the eye. Its outer layer, the corneal epithelium, renews constantly through stem cells located in the limbus. Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency (LSCD) is a condition where these stem cells decrease or stop working, leading to loss of corneal transparency and vision problems. Current treatments like autologous or allogeneic grafts carry significant risks and limitations. This study explores a new approach using cells from the oral mucosa, which can be harvested easily and have stem cell properties. Patients needing conjunctival reconstruction will undergo surgery using oral mucosa grafts, after which cells will be collected and cultured to develop a laboratory protocol to transform these oral cells into limbal stem cells. This process aims to create a new source of stem cells for future treatments. Participants will provide consent and undergo conjunctival reconstruction surgery using oral mucosa. Samples from the oral mucosa will be sent to a tissue bank for cell culture and transdifferentiation analysis. Researchers will assess success based on stem cell percentages, colony formation, and expression of specific markers over a 14-day period. The study involves clinical collaboration and laboratory evaluation to develop a protocol for future clinical trials.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Implementation of a Protocol for the Transdifferentiation of Buccal Mucosal Epithelium Into Corneal Epithelium
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Presenting an indication for conjunctival reconstruction using oral mucosa (e.g., recurrent pterygium, conjunctival carcinoma, or ocular burn)
- Provided written consent to participate in this research
- Aged 18 years or older
You will not qualify if you...
- Chronic infection such as HIV, hepatitis, tuberculosis, or Lyme disease
- Oral pathology affecting the health of the oral mucosa tissue as judged by the investigating doctor
- Uncontrolled systemic disease
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Single procedure with follow-up for biopsy
Participants undergo conjunctival reconstruction using buccal mucosa taken from their mouth. After the reconstruction operation, an additional biopsy of buccal mucosa is taken to develop a protocol for transdifferentiating these cells into corneal epithelial stem cells.
1 surgical visit and 1 biopsy visit
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
CHU Gui de Chauliac - Service d'Ophtamologie
Montpellier, Occitanie, France, 34295
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
V
Vincent Daien, MD PhD
H
Hannah Crowdy
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
1
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