Type IV collagen, laminin, and fibronectin promote the adhesion and migration of rabbit lens epithelial cells in vitro.

Abstract

The results of these studies indicate that adhesion and migration of lens epithelial cells occurs in response to the lens capsule proteins type IV collagen and laminin and in response to fibronectin, a protein found in the lens during embryologic development. Because fibronectin plays a role in the embryologic development of the lens but is not normally present in the adult lens, the possible introduction of fibronectin into the eye after surgery may play a critical role in the posterior migration of lens epithelial cells and the development of posterior capsular opacification or secondary cataract.