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Updated: Dec 13, 2025
07:28
Corneal Epithelial Abrasion with Ocular Burr As a Model for Cornea Wound Healing
Published on: July 10, 2018
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Integrin: Basement membrane adhesion by corneal epithelial and endothelial cells
Tina B McKay1, Ursula Schlötzer-Schrehardt2, Sonali Pal-Ghosh3
1Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute / Mass Eye and Ear, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
Experimental Eye Research
|July 27, 2020
Summary
Integrins are crucial for cell adhesion and tissue integrity in the cornea. This review details their roles in corneal cells, informing new transplantation therapies.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Ophthalmology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Integrins mediate cell adhesion and mechanotransduction, crucial for tissue integrity.
- Altered integrin expression affects corneal cell adhesion to basement membranes.
- Integrins are vital for basement membrane assembly and growth factor activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on integrin expression and function in corneal epithelial and endothelial cells.
- To highlight similarities and differences in integrin roles between these two corneal cell types.
- To connect integrin function to in vitro cell culture advancements for corneal transplantation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on integrins in corneal epithelial and endothelial cells.
- Analysis of integrin expression patterns in health and disease.
- Synthesis of findings related to basement membrane interactions and growth factor signaling.
Main Results:
- Integrins mediate corneal epithelial cell adhesion to the epithelial basement membrane (EpBM).
- Integrins mediate corneal endothelial cell adhesion to Descemet's membrane.
- Integrins influence basement membrane assembly and activate growth factors like TGFβ1.
Conclusions:
- Understanding integrin function is key to advancing corneal regenerative medicine.
- Integrin knowledge has enabled in vitro cell expansion for corneal transplantation.
- This review provides a comprehensive comparison of integrins in corneal epithelial and endothelial cells.
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