Corneal Keratocytes, Fibroblasts, and Myofibroblasts Exhibit Distinct Transcriptional Profiles In Vitro.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

After stromal injury to the cornea, the release of growth factors and pro-inflammatory cytokines promotes the activation of quiescent keratocytes into a migratory fibroblast and/or fibrotic myofibroblast phenotype. Persistence of the myofibroblast phenotype can lead to corneal fibrosis and scarring, which are leading causes of blindness worldwide. This study aims to establish comprehensive transcriptional profiles for cultured corneal keratocytes, fibroblasts, and myofibroblasts to gain insights into the mechanisms through which these phenotypic changes occur.

Methods

Primary rabbit corneal keratocytes were cultured in either defined serum-free (SF) media, fetal bovine serum (FBS) containing media, or SF media supplemented with TGF-β1 to induce keratocyte, fibroblast

SUBMITTER: Poole K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11918030 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature