Dancing to a somewhat different rhythm: Cell migration along the natural basement membrane

[摘要] Much of our understanding of the events which underlie cell migration has been derived from studies of cells in tissue culture. One of the components that mediates this process is the dynamic actin-based microfilament system that can reorganize itself into so-called stress fibers that are considered essential components for cell motility. In contrast, relatively few studies have investigated cell movement along an extracellular matrix (ECM) which is known to influence both cellular organization and behavior. This opinion/viewpoint article briefly reviews cell migration during corneal endothelial wound repair along the tissue’s natural basement membrane, Descemet’s membrane. Because the tissue exists as a cell monolayer it affords one an opportunity to readily explore the effect of cell/matrix influences on cell motility. As such, cell movement along this substrate differs somewhat from that found in vitro and migrating endothelial cells also demonstrate an ability to move along the ECM without the benefit of having an organized actin cytoskeleton.

[学科分类] 仪器

[关键词] Corneal endothelium;Cell migration;Microfilaments;Basement membrane