Cessation of epithelial cell movement at native type I collagen-epithelial interface in vitro

Two foci of gingival epithelial cells from the dog were grown in culture in dishes which were coated with gingival epithelial extracellular matrix (GEEM). A streak of native, reconstituted type I collagen fibers had been placed at the midline of the dish between the two foci. The epithelial cells spread and proliferated in all directions, but their motility ceased at the collagen-epithelial interface, where they piled up and formed several layers. It is concluded that type I collagen may serve as a biological barrier to stop undesirable epithelial cell movement in vivo.