Preparation of extracellular matrices produced by cultured corneal endothelial and PF-HR9 endodermal cells.

The ECM is an organized complex of collagens, proteoglycans, and glycoproteins, all interacting to produce a highly stable structure upon which cells migrate, proliferate, differentiate, and survive in vivo. Cultured bovine corneal endothelial (BCE) cells and PF-HR9 endodermal cells produce underlying ECMs that adhere strongly to plastic and closely resemble subendothelial and subepithelial basement membranes in vivo in their morphology, molecular composition, and biological activities. This unit describes the methods for preparation of these ECMs, their properties, and their cellular effects.