5 Key Takeaways

• 1

  Autophagy is essential for the development and function of human lacrimal gland-like organoids, as shown in a recent Stem Cell Reports study.

• 2

  Researchers used a human embryonic stem cell model to create three-dimensional lacrimal gland-like organoids that mimic early ocular development.

• 3

  Genetic disruption of autophagy led to improper lacrimal gland differentiation and reduced expression of key markers, affecting gland-like cluster formation.

• 4

  Organoids lacking autophagy exhibited cellular stress, including protein aggregation and increased apoptosis, resembling chronic dry eye disease processes.

• 5

  Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and melatonin improved secretion in autophagy-deficient organoids, with NMN reversing deeper cellular abnormalities.