Observations on nascent matrix structures in embryonic cornea: Important in cell interactions, or merely vestiges of the lens surface?

Young, Robert D. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8300-8002, Knupp, Carlo ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9127-2252, Koudouna, Elena ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9959-4667, Ralphs, James R. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5367-0732, Ma, Yanhui, Lwigale, Peter Y., Jester, James V. and Quantock, Andrew J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2484-3120 2020. Observations on nascent matrix structures in embryonic cornea: Important in cell interactions, or merely vestiges of the lens surface? Archives of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology 2 (2) , pp. 67-72. 10.46439/ophthalmology.2.014

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Abstract

Here we present some new observations on early stages in chick corneal development obtained by remining of datasets obtained via serial block face scanning electron microscopy. We focus on matrix cords, proteoglycan-rich structures of apparent ectodermal origin, emerging from the epithelial basal lamina, which extend proximally into the growing collagenous matrix destined to become the corneal stroma. Cords have no known function. In their earliest manifestation, we describe how they appear to run continuously from epithelium to the lens, in contact with both tissues and may therefore be simply vestigial structures, remaining from the earlier detachment of the lens from its parent ectoderm. However, neural crest cells migrating to form the corneal endothelial monolayer appear to form close associations with cords via elaborate pseudopodial extensions. Presumptive endothelium and keratocytes, in the subsequent wave of neural crest cell influx, may conceivably utilise cords, as well as utilising collagenous fibrils of the interstitial matrix, as substrate cues in cell guidance, attachment and migration. The possibility also exists that cords fulfil a functional role in corneal morphogenesis via mechanotransduction through cell matrix interactions.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Optometry and Vision Sciences Biosciences
Publisher:	ProBiologists
ISSN:	2692-4331
Funders:	BBSRC, MRC
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	14 May 2021
Date of Acceptance:	10 August 2020
Last Modified:	05 Jan 2024 05:45
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/141341

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