Abstract

DO.23.03

Potential role of extracellular matrix proteins including laminins in RPE replacement strategies

Aisenbrey S.
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tuebingen

Adhesion to Bruch’s membrane and formation of cells as monolayer with proper polarization after transplantation to the subretinal space remain a major challenge in cell transplantation surgery. Extracellular matrix components play a prominent role in cell adhesion during aging and under pathological conditions including those in AMD. Laminins are distributed in specific compartments in the retina and the RPE-choroid-Burch’s membrane complex. Mice deficient for specific laminin chains show structural and functional changes of the retina, the RPE and/or retinal vasculature. RPE cells express ECM proteins including specific laminins in vivo and in vitro, and can form a matrix containing those laminins. RPE cells adhere preferably to specific laminin subtrates compared to other extracellular matrix components. Adhesion of RPE cells to Bruch’s membrane laminins is mediated by specific integrins and integrin-linked kinases. Composition of matrix molecules is likely to play a critical role in diseases involving the Bruch’s membrane-RPE complex and would, therefore, be critical for culture and transplantation approaches of RPE cells and their possible substitutes. The purpose of this review is to illustrate function of laminins and their receptors in vivo and in vitro, to outline possible modulation of RPE cells, and to discuss the potential role in cell transplantation for RPE replacement.

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