Comprehensive analysis of differentially expressed genes responsed to mechanical stretch in human corneal keratocytes.

Mechanical stimulation is an important factor for the development of complications after LASIK, but the molecular mechanism still remains unclear. In this study, we have employed whole genome microarray expression profiling as a discovery platform to identify genes responded to mechanical stretch in human corneal keratocytes. Furthermore, the specific signal transduction pathways were discussed. Mechanical stretch regulated gene expression was measured in human corneal keratocytes subjected to cyclic stretch (0-15% elongation, 0.5 Hz, sine waveform) for 0, 1 and 6 hours, respectively. Totally, 840 differentially expressed genes were identified in keratocytes under mechanical stretching, among which 493 genes were up-regulated and 388 genes were down-regulated. Theses differential genes were mainly involved in cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, ECM-receptor interaction, Focal adhesion, TNF signaling pathway, and MAPK signaling pathway. Mechanical stretch regulated gene expression was measured in human corneal keratocytes subjected to cyclic stretch (0-15% elongation, 0.5 Hz, sine waveform) for 0, 1 and 6 hours, respectively. Three independent experiments were performed for each stretch time (0, 1 or 6 hours).