Corneal stromal cells use both high- and low-contractility migration mechanisms in 3-D collagen matrices.

ABSTRACT: Corneal keratocyte migration can impact both corneal clarity and refractive outcome following injury or refractive surgery. In this study, we investigated how culture conditions, ECM properties, and Rho kinase activity regulate the mechanics of keratocyte migration, using a nested collagen matrix model. Time-lapse imaging demonstrated that both serum and PDGF stimulate keratocyte migration into the outer matrix. Although the velocity of cell migration was similar, cells in serum were bipolar and induced significant matrix deformation during migration, whereas PDGF induced extension of branching dendritic processes with smaller, more localized force generation. These differences in cell-induced matrix reorganization were verified with a global matrix contraction assay and confocal reflectio

SUBMITTER: Kim A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3302352 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature