Collagen XII regulates stromal wound closure*

The role of collagen XII in regulating injury repair and reestablishment of corneal function is unknown. This manuscript aims to investigate the role(s) of collagen XII in the repair of incisional and debridement injuries in an adult mouse model. Two different types of injury in wild type and Col12a1-/- corneas were created to investigate the effects of collagen XII -in wound repair and scar formation-by using clinical photographs, immunohistology, second harmonic generation imaging and electron microscopy. Results showed that collagen XII is a regulator of wound closure after incisional injuries. Absence of collagen XII retarded wound closure and the wound healing process. These findings show that collagen XII regulates fibrillogenesis, CD68 cell lineage infiltration, and myofibroblast survival following injury. In vitro studies suggest that collagen XII regulates deposition of an early and provisional matrix by interacting with two proteins regulating early matrix deposition: fibronectin and LTBP1(latent transforming growth factor 8 binding protein 1). In conclusion, collagen XII regulates tissue repair in corneal incisional wounds. Understanding the function of collagen XII during wound healing has significant translational value.

Automated summary

The role of collagen XII in corneal injury repair and function restoration is investigated in this study. Incisional and debridement injuries were created in adult mice model to study the effects of collagen XII on wound closure and scar formation. The results showed that collagen XII is a regulator of wound closure, and its absence delays the wound healing process. Collagen XII regulates fibrillogenesis, CD68 cell lineage infiltration, and myofibroblast survival following injury. In vitro studies suggest that collagen XII interacts with fibronectin and LTBP1 to regulate early matrix deposition. Overall, understanding the function of collagen XII in wound healing has significant translational value in clinical applications.