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Collagen organization in the secondary chick cornea during development
Andrew J Quantock1, Craig Boote, Veronique Siegler
1Biophysics Group, Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NB, Wales, UK. quantockaj@cf.ac.uk
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|December 31, 2002
Summary
Collagen organization in developing chick corneas was studied using X-ray diffraction. After day 16, increased collagen deposition reduced fibril organization, impacting corneal biomechanics.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Biophysics
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Corneal stroma formation is crucial for proper vision.
- Collagen organization dictates corneal biomechanical properties.
- Understanding embryonic corneal development informs regenerative medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate collagen reorganization in the avian corneal stroma during late embryogenesis.
- To analyze changes in collagen molecular spacing and fibril orientation.
- To appreciate the structural basis of corneal development.
Main Methods:
- High-angle synchrotron X-ray diffraction was used.
- Developing chick corneas (days 13-18) were analyzed daily.
- Collagen molecular spacing and fibril orientation were determined.
Main Results:
- Collagen intermolecular spacing remained constant at ~1.43 nm.
- An orthogonal collagen fibril array was present from days 13-15.
- Increased collagen deposition after day 16 diminished fibril organization.
Conclusions:
- Collagen lateral spacing is constant during chick corneal development (days 13-18).
- An orthogonal collagen fibril array is established early but obscured by later, less organized collagen deposition.
- Altered collagen organization impacts corneal biomechanical strength and shape.