Objective:

To investigate the role of autophagy in the development and function of human lacrimal gland-like organoids.

Approach:

Key Findings:

• Autophagy is essential for proper lacrimal gland differentiation and function.
• ATG5 knockout led to reduced expression of key markers and diminished secretory function.
• Autophagy-deficient organoids exhibited signs of cellular stress and degeneration.
• NMN effectively reversed deeper cellular abnormalities and improved secretion, while melatonin also showed beneficial effects.

Interpretation:

The study highlights the critical role of autophagy in lacrimal gland health and suggests potential therapeutic avenues for dry eye disease through NMN and melatonin.

Limitations:

• Translation from organoid models to clinical applications requires further validation.
• The long-term effects and safety of NMN and melatonin in humans are not yet established.

Conclusion:

This research provides a new perspective on maintaining and restoring lacrimal gland health, with implications for treating dry eye disease.

Attribution Notice

This content is an AI-generated, fully rewritten summary based on a published scholarly article. It does not reproduce the original text and is not a substitute for the original publication. Readers are encouraged to consult the source for full context, data, and methodology.