Abstract
Purpose: :
To determine whether activation of MAPK signaling pathway is involved in Transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2) -induced cellular migration in human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs) .
Methods: :
The effect of recombinant TGF-β2 (10ng/ml) on migration of cultured HCECs was determined by Boyden chamber assay. Western blot analysis and Bio-PlexTM suspension array system (BIO-RAD) were used to determine the phosphorylation of Erk1/2, p38, and JNK in cultured HCECs stimulated by TGF-β2 (10ng/ml). The effect of specific p38 MAPK inhibitor SB239063 (10µM) on TGF-β2-induced cellular migration was determined by Boyden chamber assay.
Results: :
TGF-β2 stimulated HCECs migration by 1.7-fold compared with control (p<0.001). TGF-β2 induced p38 phosphorylation by 2-fold, but not Erk1/2 or JNK phosphorylation compared with control at 60 min after stimulation. SB 239063 inhibited TGF-β2-induced cellular migration in HCECs.
Conclusions: :
Activation of p38 may be involved in TGF-β2-induced cellular migration in HCECs.
Keywords: cornea: endothelium • signal transduction • wound healing