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Collagen Mimetic Peptides Promote Corneal Epithelial Cell Regeneration

Authors :
Eric Schlumpf
Brian J. Del Buono
Brian P. Ceresa
David J. Calkins
Robert O. Baratta
Source :
Frontiers in Pharmacology, Frontiers in Pharmacology, Vol 12 (2021)
Publication Year :
2021
Publisher :
Frontiers Media SA, 2021.

Abstract

The cornea of the eye is at risk for injury through constant exposure to the extraocular environment. A highly collagenous structure, the cornea contains several different types distributed across multiple layers. The anterior-most layer contains non-keratinized epithelial cells that serve as a barrier to environmental, microbial, and other insults. Renewal and migration of basal epithelial cells from the limbus involve critical interactions between secreted basement membranes, composed primarily of type IV collagen, and underlying Bowman’s and stromal layers, which contain primarily type I collagen. This process is challenged in many diseases and conditions that insult the ocular surface and damage underlying collagen. We investigated the capacity of a collagen mimetic peptide (CMP), representing a fraction of a single strand of the damaged triple helix human type I collagen, to promote epithelial healing following an acute corneal wound. In vitro, the collagen mimetic peptide promoted the realignment of collagen damaged by enzymic digestion. In an in vivo mouse model, topical application of a CMP-containing formulation following a 360° lamellar keratectomy targeting the corneal epithelial layer accelerated wound closure during a 24 h period, compared to vehicle. We found that the CMP increased adherence of the basal epithelium to the underlying substrate and enhanced density of epithelial cells, while reducing variability in the regenerating layer. These results suggest that CMPs may represent a novel therapeutic to heal corneal tissue by repairing underlying collagen in conditions that damage the ocular surface.

Details

ISSN :
16639812
Volume :
12
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Frontiers in Pharmacology
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....cf0f0b18c9b5dc40cf8e04ab3f724ed3
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.705623