Squishy matters - Corneal mechanobiology in health and disease

Sara M Thomasy; Brian C Leonard; Mark A Greiner; Jessica M Skeie; Vijay Krishna Raghunathan

doi:10.1016/j.preteyeres.2023.101234

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Squishy matters - Corneal mechanobiology in health and disease

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Squishy matters - Corneal mechanobiology in health and disease

Sara M Thomasy, Brian C Leonard, Mark A Greiner, Jessica M Skeie and Vijay Krishna Raghunathan

Progress in retinal and eye research, Vol.99, 101234

03/2024

DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2023.101234

PMCID: PMC11193890

PMID: 38176611

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Abstract

The cornea, as a dynamic and responsive tissue, constantly interacts with mechanical forces in order to maintain its structural integrity, barrier function, transparency and refractive power. Cells within the cornea sense and respond to various mechanical forces that fundamentally regulate their morphology and fate in development, homeostasis and pathophysiology. Corneal cells also dynamically regulate their extracellular matrix (ECM) with ensuing cell-ECM crosstalk as the matrix serves as a dynamic signaling reservoir providing biophysical and biochemical cues to corneal cells. Here we provide an overview of mechanotransduction signaling pathways then delve into the recent advances in corneal mechanobiology, focusing on the interplay between mechanical forces and responses of the corneal epithelial, stromal, and endothelial cells. We also identify species-specific differences in corneal biomechanics and mechanotransduction to facilitate identification of optimal animal models to study corneal wound healing, disease, and novel therapeutic interventions. Finally, we identify key knowledge gaps and therapeutic opportunities in corneal mechanobiology that are pressing for the research community to address especially pertinent within the domains of limbal stem cell deficiency, keratoconus and Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy. By furthering our understanding corneal mechanobiology, we can contextualize discoveries regarding corneal diseases as well as innovative treatments for them.

Corneal wound healing

Cornea

Mechanotransduction

Stiffness

Cell-matrix interactions

Mechanobiology

Details

Title: Subtitle: Squishy matters - Corneal mechanobiology in health and disease
Creators: Sara M Thomasy - University of California, Davis
Brian C Leonard - University of California, Davis
Mark A Greiner - University of Iowa
Jessica M Skeie - University of Iowa
Vijay Krishna Raghunathan - University of Houston
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Progress in retinal and eye research, Vol.99, 101234
DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2023.101234
PMID: 38176611
PMCID: PMC11193890
NLM abbreviation: Prog Retin Eye Res
ISSN: 1350-9462
eISSN: 1873-1635
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 01/02/2024
Date published: 03/2024
Academic Unit: Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics; Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Record Identifier: 9984539757902771

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