Keratocyte-Derived Myofibroblasts: Functional Differences With Their Fibroblast Precursors

Abstract

We found significant differences in cell morphology between fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. Fibroblasts expressed and deposited significantly higher quantities of fibril forming corneal collagens I and V. In contrast, myofibroblasts expressed and deposited higher quantities of fibronectin and other non-collagenous matrix components. A significant difference in the activation of latent TGF-β activation exists between fibroblasts and myofibroblasts when measured with a functional luciferase assay. Fibroblasts and myofibroblasts differ in their morphology, extracellular matrix synthesis, and deposition, activation of latent TGF-β, and chemotaxis. CONCLUSIONS. The differences in the expression and deposition of extracellular matrix components by fibroblasts and myofibroblasts are likely related to critical roles they play during different stages of corneal wound healing.