Rebuilding the Lacrimal Blueprint

Autophagy: an unexpected gatekeeper of lacrimal gland development

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Autophagy is essential for the development and function of human lacrimal gland-like organoids, as shown in a recent Stem Cell Reports study.
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Researchers used a human embryonic stem cell model to create three-dimensional lacrimal gland-like organoids that mimic early ocular development.
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Genetic disruption of autophagy led to improper lacrimal gland differentiation and reduced expression of key markers, affecting gland-like cluster formation.
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Organoids lacking autophagy exhibited cellular stress, including protein aggregation and increased apoptosis, resembling chronic dry eye disease processes.
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Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and melatonin improved secretion in autophagy-deficient organoids, with NMN reversing deeper cellular abnormalities.

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