Growth Factor Regulation of Corneal Keratocyte Differentiation and Migration in Compressed Collagen Matrices

Abstract

Corneal keratocytes are able to differentiate normally and respond to growth factors within compressed collagen matrices, which provide a high-stiffness, 3D environment, similar to native stromal tissue. In addition, nesting these matrices provides a unique platform for investigating the mechanics of keratocyte migration after exposure to specific wound-healing cytokines.