Data from: The core planar cell polarity gene, Vangl2, directs adult corneal epithelial cell alignment and migration

This study shows that the core planar cell polarity (PCP) genes direct the aligned cell migration in the adult corneal epithelium, a stratified squamous epithelium on the outer surface of the vertebrate eye. Expression of multiple core PCP genes was demonstrated in the adult corneal epithelium. PCP components were manipulated genetically and pharmacologically in human and mouse corneal epithelial cells in vivo and in vitro. Knockdown of VANGL2 reduced the directional component of migration of human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells without affecting speed. It was shown that signalling through PCP mediators, dishevelled, dishevelled-associated activator of morphogenesis and Rho-associated protein kinase directs the alignment of HCE cells by affecting cytoskeletal reorganization. Cells in which VANGL2 was disrupted tended to misalign on grooved surfaces and migrate across, rather than parallel to the grooves. Adult corneal epithelial cells in which Vangl2 had been conditionally deleted showed a reduced rate of wound-healing migration. Conditional deletion of Vangl2 in the mouse corneal epithelium ablated the normal highly stereotyped patterns of centripetal cell migration in vivo from the periphery (limbus) to the centre of the cornea. Corneal opacity owing to chronic wounding is a major cause of degenerative blindness across the world, and this study shows that Vangl2 activity is required for directional corneal epithelial migration.

Figure 2: Prism files for Figure 2 - see README_for_...ure 2
Figure S3: Prism Files for Fig. S3 - see README_for_...re S3
Figure S4: Prism Files for Figure S4 - see README_for_...re S4
Figure 3A
Figure 3B
Figure 3C
Figure 3D
Figure 4A
Figure 4B
Figure 4C
Figure 4D
Figure 4E
Figure 4F
PRISM FILES

This work is licensed under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication license.