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Sphere-forming cells from peripheral cornea demonstrate polarity and directed cell migration
Jinny Jung Yoon1, Ellen F Wang, Salim Ismail
1Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1020, New Zealand.
Cell Biology International
|April 27, 2013
Summary
Peripheral corneal cell spheres are dynamic progenitor cell sources for corneal repair. They exhibit controlled migration and growth on collagen substrates, crucial for regenerative medicine applications.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Peripheral cornea progenitor cells, cultured as spheres, show potential for treating corneal degenerative diseases.
- Controlling cellular repopulation on substrates is vital to prevent adverse growth patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cell migration patterns of peripheral corneal cell spheres on adhesive substrates.
- To understand the influence of environmental cues and cell-cell interactions on sphere behavior.
Main Methods:
- Sphere-forming assay for human peripheral corneal cells.
- Time-lapse imaging to record behavior on collagen substrate.
- Immunocytochemistry and proliferation assays for cell analysis.
Main Results:
- Spheres formed via cell division and aggregation, with sustained division up to 4 months.
- Cell division increased with differentiation medium and collagen exposure.
- Spheres expressed both epithelial and stromal cell markers.
- Exposure to collagen induced polarized and collective cell migration, with spheres adapting migration strategies.
- Proximity of spheres led to cell exclusion zones, indicating intercellular communication.
Conclusions:
- Peripheral corneal cell spheres are dynamic entities.
- They can develop polarity and modify migration in response to environmental cues.
- These findings are significant for developing controlled cell-based therapies for corneal regeneration.
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