High resolution promoter map of human limbal epithelial cells cultured with keratinocyte growth factor and rho kinase inhibitor

Corneal epithelial cells (CECs) in vitro model have been developed to study and treat corneal disorders. Nevertheless, conventional CEC culture method supplemented with epithelial growth factor (EGF) loses characteristics of CECs. Recently, it has been reported that limbal epithelial cells (LECs) cultured with keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) and rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632 could maintain the expression of some CEC-specific markers. However, the detailed machinery regulating expressions of CEC markers in this system remains to be elucidated. In order to understand the molecular mechanism in effect of different growth factors on LECs, we performed comprehensive gene expression analysis of human LECs cultivated with EGF, or KGF and Y-27632, using cap analysis gene expression (CAGE).