Expression analysis of 3D-cultured NCCs compared to non 3D-cultured NCCs and cadaveric human corneal keratocytes.

<p>(A) qPCR analysis showed 3D cultured derived NCCs had lower levels of expression of many neural crest markers, such as <i>PAX3</i>, <i>SOX10</i>, <i>CX32</i>, <i>FOXD3</i> and <i>MSX1</i>, compared to non-3D cultured NCCs. Genes that are highly expressed in corneal keratocytes were up-regulated by 3D culture. (B) The gene expression profile of 3D-cultured NCCs was largely incompatible with cadaveric corneal keratocytes. Most genes assayed had significantly higher or lower levels of gene expression when the two populations were compared.