Mechanical interactions and crosstalk between corneal keratocytes and the extracellular matrix

W. Matthew Petroll, Miguel Miron-Mendoza

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

43 Scopus citations

Abstract

The generation of cellular forces and the application of these physical forces to the ECM play a central role in mediating matrix patterning and remodeling during fundamental processes such as developmental morphogenesis and wound healing. In addition to growth factors and other biochemical factors that can modulate the keratocyte mechanical phenotype, another key player in the regulation of cell-induced ECM patterning is the mechanical state of the ECM itself. In this review we provide an overview of the biochemical and biophysical factors regulating the mechanical interactions between corneal keratocytes and the stromal ECM at the cellular level. We first provide an overview of how Rho GTPases regulate the sub-cellular pattern of force generation by corneal keratocytes, and the impact these forces have on the surrounding ECM. We next review how feedback from local matrix structural and mechanical properties can modulate keratocyte phenotype and mechanical activity. Throughout this review, we provide examples of how these biophysical interactions may contribute to clinical outcomes, with a focus on corneal wound healing.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)49-57
Number of pages9
JournalExperimental Eye Research
Volume133
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1 2015

Keywords

  • Cell mechanics
  • Corneal keratocytes
  • Corneal stroma
  • Extracellular matrix
  • Mechanobiology

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ophthalmology
  • Sensory Systems
  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

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