Effects of epidermal growth factor on transforming growth factor-beta1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and potential mechanism in human corneal epithelial cells

AIM: To evaluate the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs). METHODS: HCECs were cultured and treated with TGF-β1 for establishing the model of EMT in vitro. Biological effect of EGF on TGF-β1-induced EMT was evaluated. Proteins and mRNAs expression changes of E-cadherin, N-cadherin and Fibronectin...