Growth factor mRNA and protein in preserved human amniotic membrane
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Updated: Oct 17, 2026
In Vitro Culture of Epithelial Cells from Different Anatomical Regions of the Human Amniotic Membrane
Published on: November 28, 2019
N J Koizumi1, T J Inatomi, C J Sotozono
1Department of Ophthalmology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Japan. nkoizumi@eye.ophth.kpu-m.ac.jp
Purpose:
To investigate the expression of growth factor mRNA and the level of growth factor protein in preserved human amniotic membrane (AM).
Methods:
RT-PCR was used to examine the expression of mRNA for eight growth factors (EGF, TGF-alpha, KGF, HGF, bFGF, TGF-beta1, -beta2, -beta3) and two growth factor receptors (KGFR and HGFR) in human AM preserved at -80 degrees C for one month. In addition, ELISAs were used to measure the protein concentrations of seven growth factors (EGF, TGF-alpha, KGF, HGF, bFGF, TGF-beta1, -beta2) in preserved human corneas and in AM both with and without amniotic epithelium.
Results:
RT-PCR revealed that human AM expresses mRNA for EGF, TGF-alpha, KGF, HGF, bFGF, TGF-beta1, -beta2, -beta3, KGFR and HGFR, while ELISAs showed that it contains EGF, TGF-alpha, KGF, HGF, bFGF, TGF-beta1, -beta2. AM without amniotic epithelium also contains all seven growth factors examined, however, in this tissue the protein levels of EGF, KGF, HGF and bFGF were found to be significantly lower than in native AM.
Conclusions:
Preserved human AM expresses mRNAs for a number of growth factors and contains several growth factor proteins that might benefit epithelialization after AM transplantation. High levels of EGF, KGF, HGF and bFGF in AM with amniotic epithelium as compared to AM without amniotic epithelium suggest an epithelial origin for these growth factors. We feel that EGF, KGF and HGF in particular might play important roles in ocular surface wound healing after AM transplantation.
Insights
Preserved human amniotic membrane (AM) contains growth factors like EGF and KGF that support epithelialization. AM with epithelium shows higher levels of these key growth factors, aiding ocular surface wound healing.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Human amniotic membrane (AM) is utilized in ocular surface reconstruction.
- Understanding the molecular composition of preserved AM is crucial for its therapeutic efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of growth factor mRNA and protein levels in preserved human amniotic membrane (AM).
Main Methods:
- Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect mRNA for eight growth factors and two receptors.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) quantified protein concentrations of seven growth factors in AM and corneas.
Main Results:
- Preserved AM expressed mRNA for multiple growth factors (EGF, TGF-alpha, KGF, HGF, bFGF, TGF-beta1, -beta2, -beta3) and receptors (KGFR, HGFR).
- AM contained detectable levels of EGF, TGF-alpha, KGF, HGF, bFGF, TGF-beta1, and -beta2 proteins.
- AM with amniotic epithelium exhibited significantly higher protein levels of EGF, KGF, HGF, and bFGF compared to AM without epithelium.
Conclusions:
- Preserved human AM contains growth factors beneficial for epithelialization after transplantation.
- The amniotic epithelium appears to be the source of key growth factors like EGF, KGF, and HGF.
- These growth factors, particularly EGF, KGF, and HGF, likely play a significant role in ocular surface wound healing.
