FGF-2-mediated signal transduction during endothelial mesenchymal transformation in corneal endothelial cells

Exp Eye Res. 2006 Dec;83(6):1309-16. doi: 10.1016/j.exer.2006.04.007. Epub 2006 Jun 12.

Abstract

This review describes the molecular mechanism of endothelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) mediated by fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) in corneal endothelial cells. Corneal fibrosis is rarely observed in corneal endothelium/Descemet's membrane complex; but when this pathologic tissue occurs, it causes a loss of vision. Herein, we will address the cellular activities of FGF-2 and its signaling pathways during EMT. FGF-2 has 5 isoforms: 4 nuclear high molecular weight isoforms and 1 extracellular matrix (ECM) isoform. The vast majority of studies published in the field to date have described the effect of the ECM isoform that is released into the extracellular space, from which it can access plasma membrane receptors. Our discussion will focus on the ECM isoform and its receptor-mediated signal transduction.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Collagen Type I / metabolism
  • Cornea / pathology
  • Corneal Injuries
  • Cytoskeleton / metabolism
  • Endothelium, Corneal / cytology*
  • Endothelium, Corneal / metabolism
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / physiology*
  • Fibrosis
  • Humans
  • Mesoderm / cytology*
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / physiology
  • Signal Transduction / physiology

Substances

  • Collagen Type I
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases