Authors:Wang Gongyue,Zhang Yijia,Zhang Mingchang,Xie Huatao
Corresponding author: Xie Huatao, Email:huataoxie@hust.edu.cn
Published:2026-10-10
DOI:10.3760/cma.j.cn115989-20260309-00098
ABSTRACT
Meibomian gland dysfunction is recognized as the primary cause of dry eye. As a lipid-secreting gland, the normal renewal and secretory function are essential for maintaining tear film stability and ocular surface homeostasis. Findings from lineage tracing, single-cell transcriptomics, and organoid models suggest that several spatially distinct stem/progenitor cell populations may be involved in maintaining meibomian gland homeostasis, which are regulated by the microenvironment, aging, and inflammation. This review summarizes current evidence regarding the localization and markers of stem/progenitor cells, the roles of the microenvironment and key signaling pathways in regulating their self-renewal and differentiation. We also discuss recent advances in meibomian gland organoid models for drug screening and targeted therapeutic development. These findings may help provide a theoretical basis and translational pathways for developing regenerative and therapeutic strategies targeting meibomian gland stem/progenitor cells.
KEYWORDS：
Meibomian gland dysfunction;Meibomian gland stem/progenitor cells;Lineage tracing;Organoids
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Authors Info & Affiliations
Wang Gongyue
Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
Zhang Yijia
Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
Zhang Mingchang
Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
Xie Huatao
Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
Figures & Tables
Figure 1 Homeostasis and regeneration of meibomian gland stem/progenitor cells HMGECs, human meibomian gland epithelial cells; MGD, meibomian gland dysfunction
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Table 1 Key signaling pathways regulating the fate and function of meibomian gland stem/progenitor cells PPARγ, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ; MGD, meibomian gland dysfunction; Fgfr2/FGFR2, fibroblast growth factor receptor 2; MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase
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