Related Experiment Videos
Effects of epidermal growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, and transforming growth factor-beta on corneal cell
M B Grant1, P T Khaw, G S Schultz
1Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610-0226.
Abstract:
The effects of recombinant basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) on migration of human and bovine corneal cells were determined using checkerboard analysis in Boyden chambers. EGF, FGF, and TGF-beta each stimulated high levels of chemotactic migration. Each growth factor, however, induced a different dose-response pattern. Migration stimulated by FGF reached a plateau at a concentration between 100 and 200 ng/ml for endothelial, epithelial, and stromal fibroblasts. By contrast, chemotactic responses to EGF peaked between 10 and 50 ng/ml, then decreased at higher concentrations. TGF-beta also stimulated a peak in migration in all three corneal cells, but the peak of migration occurred at an approximately 1000-fold lower concentration (1 pg/ml) than for EGF. Checkerboard analysis demonstrated that FGF and EGF, but not TGF-beta, stimulated chemokinesis of bovine, stromal, and endothelial cells. These results demonstrate that FGF, EGF, and TGF-beta induce migration in pure populations of bovine and human corneal cells and support the concept that these growth factors may play key roles in corneal wound healing by regulating migration of corneal cells.
Insights
Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) significantly impact corneal cell migration. These growth factors are crucial for corneal wound healing by regulating cell movement.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Corneal wound healing involves complex cellular processes, including cell migration.
- Growth factors are known regulators of cell behavior, but their specific roles in corneal cell migration require detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of recombinant basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) on human and bovine corneal cell migration.
- To elucidate the distinct dose-response patterns and chemokinetic/chemotactic effects of these growth factors on different corneal cell types.
Main Methods:
- Checkerboard analysis in Boyden chambers was employed to assess chemotactic and chemokinetic migration.
- Human and bovine corneal cells (endothelial, epithelial, and stromal fibroblasts) were utilized.
- Recombinant FGF, EGF, and TGF-beta were used at various concentrations.
Main Results:
- EGF, FGF, and TGF-beta all stimulated significant chemotactic migration in corneal cells.
- FGF-induced migration plateaued between 100-200 ng/ml for all cell types.
- EGF-induced migration peaked at 10-50 ng/ml and decreased at higher concentrations.
- TGF-beta induced peak migration at a much lower concentration (1 pg/ml).
- FGF and EGF stimulated chemokinesis in bovine corneal cells, while TGF-beta did not.
Conclusions:
- FGF, EGF, and TGF-beta are potent stimulators of migration in human and bovine corneal cells.
- Each growth factor exhibits a unique dose-response profile and influences migration through chemotaxis and/or chemokinesis.
- These findings support the critical role of FGF, EGF, and TGF-beta in corneal wound healing through the regulation of corneal cell migration.