Effect of growth factors on the proliferation and gene expression of human meibomian gland epithelial cells.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

We hypothesize that growth factors, including epidermal growth factor (EGF) and bovine pituitary extract (BPE), induce proliferation, but not differentiation (e.g., lipid accumulation), of human meibomian gland epithelial cells. We also hypothesize that these actions involve a significant upregulation of genes linked to cell cycle processes, and a significant downregulation of genes associated with differentiation. Our objective was to test these hypotheses.

Methods

Immortalized human meibomian gland and conjunctival epithelial cells were cultured for varying time periods in the presence or absence of EGF, BPE, EGF + BPE, or serum, followed by cell counting, neutral lipid staining, or RNA isolation for molecular biological procedures.

Results

Our studies show

SUBMITTER: Liu S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3626315 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature