The Role Of Notch Signaling Pathway In Corneal Epithelial Cell Migration

Abstract

Purpose: : To elucidate the role of Notch signaling in corneal epithelial cell migration, by examining the effect of endogenous activation of Notch in-vitro.

Methods: : Human corneal epithelial cell line (SV40) was transiently transfected with intracellular NotchIC-GFP or GFP carrier plasmid. Individual cell migration was compared between control cells (GFP trasfected) and Notch activated cells (NotchIC-GFP transfected) in a scratch assay followed by live microscopy using Spinning disc Ziess microscope.

Results: : Both NotchIC-GFP and GFP transfected cells demonstrated healing of the scratch area; however NotchIC-GFP cells were delayed compared to control. The mean healing rate was 0.96 % +/- 1.3% per hour in the NotchIC-GFP cells compared to 3.42 % +/- 2.4% per hour in GFP cells (P:0.003). The percentage of scratch area covered at 16 hours was 43.06% in GFP transfected cells compared to 14.49% in NotchIC-GFP transfected cells.

Conclusions: : Exogenous Notch activation appears to decrease the rate of cornea epithelial cell migration in a scratch assay.

Keywords: wound healing