Hypoxia affects in vitro proliferation and differentiation of mouse corneal epithelial progenitor cell

In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim. 2013 Aug;49(7):508-14. doi: 10.1007/s11626-013-9645-x. Epub 2013 Jun 6.

Abstract

This study was to investigate the proliferation and differentiation of mouse corneal epithelial progenitor cell in hypoxic airlift culture. Mouse corneal epithelial progenitor cell line progenitor cells were cultured under airlift with normoxic and hypoxic conditions for various durations up to 2 wk. Under normoxic conditions when exposed to air, the hyperproliferation and abnormal epidermal-like differentiation of mouse corneal epithelium was induced, whereas when exposed to air under hypoxic conditions, although we observed augmented proliferation, the abnormal differentiation was inhibited. The mechanism by which hypoxia prevents abnormal differentiation may involve downregulation of Wnt signaling pathways, which were inhibited in cells cultured with hypoxic airlift technique. In conclusion, hypoxia can prevent abnormal differentiation while enhancing the proliferation of corneal epithelial cells by blocking Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation*
  • Cell Hypoxia
  • Cell Proliferation*
  • Down-Regulation
  • Epithelial Cells / cytology*
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism
  • Epithelium, Corneal / cytology*
  • Epithelium, Corneal / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Wnt Proteins / genetics
  • Wnt Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Wnt Proteins