Inhibition of Human Corneal Epithelial Production of Fibrotic Mediator TGF-β2 by Basement Membrane–Like Extracellular Matrix

Abstract

Purpose. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2 is a major epithelial mediator of fibrotic marker expression during corneal repair in mice. Production of TGF-β2 protein by cultured rabbit corneal epithelial cells is reduced by plating on a basement membrane–like extracellular matrix extract (Matrigel; BD Biosciences, Bedford, MA). The goal of the present study was to understand further the nature of Matrigel regulation.