Purpose
Corneal tissue engineering has attracted the attention of many researchers over the years in part due to the cornea’s avascularity and relatively, straight forward structure. However, the highly organized and structured nature of this optically clear tissue has presented a great challenge. We have previously developed a model where human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs) are stimulated by a stable Vitamin C (VitC) derivative to self-assemble an extracellular matrix (ECM). Addition of TGF-β1 enhanced the assembly of ECM; however, it was accompanied by the upregulation of specific fibrotic markers. In this study, we tested the effects of all three TGF-β isoforms (-β1, -β2 and -β3) on ECM production, as well as, expression of fibrotic markers.
Methods
HCFs were grown in four media conditions for 4 weeks: (Control) VitC only; (T1) VitC+TGF-β1; (T2) VitC+TGF-β2; or (T3) VitC+TGF-β3. Cultures were analyzed with Western Blots, TEM and indirect-immunofluorescence (IF).
Results
Compared to controls, all TGF-β isoforms stimulated matrix production by ~3 times. IF showed the presence of type III collagen and smooth muscle actin (SMA) in T1 and T2; however, T3 showed little, to no, expression. In western blots, T3 stimulated a lower type III/type I collagen ratio when compared to the other conditions. In addition, TEM indicated that T3 stimulated a higher level of matrix alignment and organization.
Conclusions
HCFs stimulated by VitC and TGF-β3 appear to generate a matrix that mimics the normal adult or developing human cornea; whereas, TGF-β1 and -β2 are driving the constructs toward a more fibrotic path.