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Hepatocyte growth factor function and c-Met expression in human lens epithelial cells
I M Wormstone1, S Tamiya, J M Marcantonio
1School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom. i.m.wormstone@uca.ac.uk
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|November 30, 2000
Summary
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor c-met are present in human lens cells and stimulate proliferation and migration. This suggests an autocrine loop potentially involved in posterior capsule opacification.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor c-met are crucial for various cellular functions.
- While extensively studied in other tissues, their role in the human lens remains less explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of HGF and c-met in human lens epithelial cells.
- To determine the expression and function of HGF and c-met in the context of the human lens.
Main Methods:
- Human donor eye tissues and the FHL124 lens cell line were utilized.
- Immunocytochemistry, FACS, ELISA, and radiolabeled incorporation assays were employed.
- Cell proliferation, protein synthesis, and migration were quantitatively assessed.
Main Results:
- HGF was detected in capsular bag cultures, and c-met was expressed on native epithelium and upregulated after mechanical trauma.
- FHL124 cells showed c-met expression, influenced by serum availability.
- HGF stimulation led to increased proliferation, protein synthesis, and cell migration.
Conclusions:
- c-Met receptors are expressed in human lens cells and are sensitive to environmental and mechanical cues.
- HGF is present and actively stimulates key cellular processes in the lens.
- An autocrine loop involving HGF and c-met is likely present and may play a role in posterior capsule opacification.