The Role of E-Cadherin in Maintaining the Barrier Function of Corneal Epithelium after Treatment with Cultured Autologous Oral Mucosa Epithelial Cell Sheet Grafts for Limbal Stem Deficiency

Abstract EN

The role of E-cadherin in epithelial barrier function of cultured autologous oral mucosa epithelial cell sheet (CAOMECS) grafts was examined.

CAOMECS were cultured on a temperature-responsive surface and grafted onto rabbit corneas with Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency (LSCD).

E-cadherin levels were significantly higher in CAOMECS compared to normal and LSCD epithelium.

Beta-catenin colocalized with E-cadherin in CAOMECS cell membranes while phosphorylated beta-catenin was significantly increased.

ZO-1, occludin, and Cnx43 were also strongly expressed in CAOMECS.

E-cadherin and beta-catenin localization at the cell membrane was reduced in LSCD corneas, while CAOMECS-grafted corneas showed a restoration of E-cadherin and beta-catenin expression.

LSCD corneas did not show continuous staining for ZO-1 or for Cnx43, while CAOMECS-grafted corneas showed a positive expression of ZO-1 and Cnx43.

Cascade Blue® hydrazide did not pass through CAOMECS.

Because E-cadherin interactions are calcium-dependent, EGTA was used to chelate calcium and disrupt cell adhesion.

EGTA-treated CAOMECS completely detached from cell culture surface, and E-cadherin levels were significantly decreased.

In conclusion, E cadherin high expression contributed to CAOMECS tight and gap junction protein recruitment at the cell membrane, thus promoting cellular adhesion and a functional barrier to protect the ocular surface.