Corneal Epithelial-Stromal Interactions During Regeneration and Fibrosis

Schepens Eye Research Institute, Boston MA

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Fibrosis, or scarring, is an evolutionarily developed method to rapidly close and repair a wound. Excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and the generation of contractile fibroblasts (myofibroblasts) characterize fibrosis. In the cornea, severe wounds heal using fibrosis. However, in contrast to other tissues where function is maintained, fibrosis in the cornea leaves an opaque cornea that can impair vision. In the past funding period, we made the exciting observation that expression of integrin ¿v¿6 in the epithelium after wounding appears to play a major role in directing the fibrotic response in the cornea. Integrin ¿v¿6 binds to ECM, but more importantly, also has the ability to activate TGF-¿1 (T1) and -¿3 (T3). These isoforms of TGF-¿ have been linked to stimulating (T1) and blunting (T3) fibrosis. Interestingly, our preliminary data indicate that a single application of T after wounding almost completely blunts the scarring response and that in an in vitro model, T3 may even reverse fibrosis. The hypothesis we propose to test is: Enhanced expression of ¿v¿6 and subsequent activation of T1 is a crucial initiating step in wound healing and fibrosis. Activation of T3 later in the healing process dampens the progression towards fibrosis and scarring. We propose three specific aims to address the following questions. First, does ¿v¿6 differentially activate T1 and T3 in wounds that resolve versus those that scar? Second, is ¿v¿6 expression required for the stimulation of a fibrotic response? Third, does T3 promote regeneration in corneal wounds? In vivo wound healing models in mice will be used to examine these questions. However, the majority of experiments will make use of an innovative co-culture model that combines human corneal epithelial cells with human corneal fibroblasts that have been stimulated to secrete a stroma-like matrix. Specific components of fibrosis will be examined along with signaling components of fibrosis. Immunofluorescence microscopy, qRT-PCR, and protein assays will be the major analysis tools. In addition, specific inhibitors of ¿v¿6 expression and function will be used. Scarring processes to be examined include: myofibroblast generation and apoptosis, TGF-¿-signaling pathways and ECM deposition. Relevance to Public Health - Over 10 million people world-wide suffer from blinding due to corneal scarring. Currently, no therapies are available except for corneal transplantation. Our studies will also evaluate if manipulating ¿v¿6 or if treating wounds with T3 can reduce corneal scarring in a human model.