Figure 1
Factors in corneal epithelial wound healing and their functions
| Classification | Factor | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Growth factors | EGF | Promotes cell migration and proliferation |
| Enhances wound closure | ||
| HGF | Enhances cell migration | |
| Upregulates cell proliferation | ||
| Suppresses corneal inflammation | ||
| KGF | Induces corneal epithelial cell proliferation | |
| Enhances stem cells division | ||
| IGF-1 | Has synergistic effect with substance P for epithelial cell migration and cell attachment | |
| IGF-2 | Induces differentiation of limbal stem cells into epithelial cells | |
| Keratin | KRT3/12 or K3/12 | Differentiation marker for terminally differentiated corneal epithelium |
| Structural and mechanical support of the epithelium | ||
| Cytokines | IL-1 | Master regulator in the corneal epithelial wound healing process |
| Accelerates wound healing | ||
| TNF-α | Pro-inflammatory cytokines | |
| Basement membrane proteins | Type IV collagen | Aides cell adhesion, migration and differentiation |
| Laminin | Promotes corneal epithelial cells adhesion | |
| Perlecan | Structural support for epithelial basement membrane | |
| Nidogen | Provide link between components of basement membrane | |
| Gap junction protein | Cx43 | Mediates intercellular communication |
| Integrins | α2, α3, α6, αV, β1, and β4 | Modulate the epithelial shape during migration |
| Ligand for fibronectin, laminin |