553 Multi-omics analysis identifies coordination and hierarchy of transcription factors controlling specific epithelial cell fates in corneal epithelium

The homeostasis of the epidermis and corneal epithelium is maintained by proliferation differentiation their corresponding stem cells, keratinocytes in basal layer epidermis, limbal cells limbus cornea. Keratinocytes are morphologically similar but distinct fates to support organ-specific functions. A potential disease mechanism underlying opacity acquiring cell non-transparent emphasizing importance dissect similarity difference between cells. We performed a multi-omics analysis human characterized yet molecular signatures. By gene regulatory network analysis, we identified fate defining transcription factors hierarchy that shared two types those regulate specific epithelial programs. Single-cell RNA-seq cornea confirms factor expression patterns these tissues. Finally, showed genes associated with can cooperatively be targeted cell-specific factors. characterizing signatures, our study uncover circuitry controlling keratinocyte related diseases.