Biomimetic stochastic topography and electric fields synergistically enhance directional migration of corneal epithelial cells in a MMP-3-dependent manner.

ABSTRACT: Directed migration of corneal epithelial cells (CECs) is critical for maintenance of corneal homeostasis as well as wound healing. Soluble cytoactive factors and the intrinsic chemical attributes of the underlying extracellular matrix (ECM) participate in stimulating and directing migration. The central importance of the intrinsic biophysical attributes of the microenvironment of the cell in modulating an array of fundamental epithelial behaviors including migration has been widely documented. Among the best measures of these attributes are the intrinsic topography and stiffness of the ECM and electric fields (EFs). How cells integrate these multiple simultaneous inputs is not well understood. Here, we present a method that combines the use of (i) topographically patterned substrates (mean

SUBMITTER: Gao J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4798428 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature