Biomechanical relationships between the corneal endothelium and Descemet's membrane

Abstract

The posterior face of the cornea consists of the corneal endothelium, a monolayer of cuboidal cells that secrete and attach to Descemet’s membrane, an exaggerated basement membrane. Dysfunction of the endothelium compromises the barrier and pump functions of this layer that maintain corneal deturgesence. A large number of corneal endothelial dystrophies feature irregularities in Descemet’s membrane, suggesting that cells create and respond to the biophysical signals offered by their underlying matrix. This review provides an overview of the bidirectional relationship between Descemet’s membrane and the corneal endothelium. Several experimental methods have characterized a richly topographic and compliant biophysical microenvironment presented by the posterior surface of Descemet’s membrane, as well as the ultrastructure and composition of the membrane as it builds during a lifetime. We highlight the signaling pathways involved in the mechanotransduction of biophysical cues that influence cell behavior. We present the specific example of Fuchs’ Corneal Endothelial Dystrophy as a condition in which a dysregulated Descemet’s membrane may influence the progression of disease. Finally, we discuss some disease models and regenerative strategies that may facilitate improved treatments for corneal dystrophies.

Allogeneic Descemet's Membrane Transplantation Enhances Corneal Endothelial Monolayer Formation and Restores Functional Integrity Following Descemet's Stripping

“…migration, 27 it has been postulated that the presence of guttae reduces effective endothelial cell density and consequently impedes barrier and pump function. 19 It has also been suggested that differences in the mechanical and chemical properties of DM in patients with FED contribute to disease progression, 37 and the DM in FED is known to have a different composition 38 and to be significantly thicker than in normal corneas. 2 Hence, in order to provide adequate visual rehabilitation in patients with FED, we believe that it would be necessary to remove the guttae if wound healing and vision are to be optimized.…”

Change in Central corneal thickness after Phacoemulsification

“…Corneal endothelium consists of a monolayer of polygonal cells. Endothelial cells maintain this tissue in a dehydrated state by their pumping activity, thereby assuring its transparency 1 . This is an active Correspondence to: Muhammad Jawed Sindh Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Hyderabad -Pakistan Email: jawedbiotech@yahoo.com process, which is controlled by Na + /K + -ATPase 2 .…”

Biomechanical changes to Descemet's membrane precede endothelial cell loss in an early-onset murine model of Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy

“…The role of mechanotransduction, a process by which a cell "senses" the extracellular cues and transforms them into biochemical signals, has become increasingly important in our understanding of cell behavior (Panciera et al, 2017). Cells can detect changes in ECM stiffness and topography, converting them into intracellular signals and ultimately, a cellular response (Ali et al, 2016). Transmembrane proteins interact with the actin cytoskeleton to transmit information to cytoplasmic and nuclear targets which affect protein interactions and gene transcription regulating cell proliferation, survival, polarity and many others (Maniotis et al, 1997;Schwarz and Gardel, 2012).…”