Examination of the role of galectins in cell migration and re-epithelialization of wounds

Abstract

Re-epithelialization is a crucial step for wound healing. As galectins play important roles in re- epithelialization, we describe here protocols for in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro examination of the role of galectins in cell migration and in re-epithelialization of wounds. For in vivo models, mouse corneas are wounded by a variety of techniques and the rate of re-epithelialization is quantified. For ex vivo organ culture models, mouse corneas are wounded in situ, the eyes are enucleated, the eyeballs are cultured in the presence or absence of galectins and the rate of re-epithelialization is quantified. For cell cultured- based in vitro assays, we examine formation of lamellipodia and activation of focal adhesion kinase in various epithelial cells.