The Role of Vimentin in Human Corneal Fibroblast Spreading and Myofibroblast Transformation.

Vimentin has been reported to play diverse roles in cell processes such as spreading, migration, cell-matrix adhesion, and fibrotic transformation. Here, we assess how vimentin impacts cell spreading, morphology, and myofibroblast transformation of human corneal fibroblasts. Overall, although knockout (KO) of vimentin did not dramatically impact corneal fibroblast spreading and mechanical activity (traction force), cell elongation in response to PDGF was reduced in vimentin KO cells as compared to controls.