The Role of Vimentin in Human Corneal Fibroblast Spreading and Myofibroblast Transformation.

ABSTRACT: Vimentin has been reported to play diverse roles in cell processes such as spreading, migration, cell-matrix adhesion, and fibrotic transformation. Here, we assess how vimentin impacts cell spreading, morphology, and myofibroblast transformation of human corneal fibroblasts. Overall, although knockout (KO) of vimentin did not dramatically impact corneal fibroblast spreading and mechanical activity (traction force), cell elongation in response to PDGF was reduced in vimentin KO cells as compared to controls. Blocking vimentin polymerization using Withaferin had even more pronounced effects on cell spreading and also inhibited cell-induced matrix contraction. Furthermore, although absence of vimentin did not completely block TGFβ-induced myofibroblast transformation, the degree of transforma

SUBMITTER: Miron-Mendoza M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11240817 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature