Table 4 Translational challenges of using iPSC-derived corneal cells in disease modeling and therapy

Somatic cell reprogramming

Genomic stability

Using non-integrating (sendai virus, episomal vectors, small molecules) methods for reprogramming, karyotyping before reprogramming, optimizing culture conditions

Low efficiency

Epigenetic modifiers, e.g., HDAC inhibitors, and stimulatory factors, e.g.., p53i, miRNA, signaling agonist and antagonists [134]

iPSC-derived corneal cells

Improper differentiation/genomic stability

Developing appropriate protocols (Tables 1, 2, and 3) and optimizing culture conditions, robust screening, and characterization criteria

Genetic variability (inter- and intra-clonal)

Genome editing/isogenic lines/big sample size