Differential effects of hepatocyte growth factor and keratinocyte growth factor on corneal epithelial cell cycle protein expression, cell survival, and growth.

Purpose: Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) are secreted in the cornea in response to injury. In this study, we investigated the HGF- and KGF-mediated effect on the expression of cell cycle and apoptosis controlling proteins, cell survival, and growth in the corneal epithelium to better understand the possible role of their signaling mechanisms in repairing epithelial injuries.

Methods: The cell survival capability of HGF and KGF in epithelial primary cultures was evaluated by using a staurosporine-induced apoptosis model.