Extracellular matrix and keratinocyte migration

O'Toole, E. A.

Centre for Cutaneous Research, St Bartholomew's & The Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK

Correspondence: E. O'Toole, Centre for Cutaneous Research, St Bartholomew's & The Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry, 2 Newark Street, London E1 2AT, UK. Tel./Fax: +44 2078827171.E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 12 July, 2001.

Clinical & Experimental Dermatology 26(6):p 525-530, September 2001.

We are just beginning to understand some of the cellular mechanisms involved in human keratinocyte migration on extracellular matrix. Extracellular matrix components have differing effects on keratinocyte motility. Signalling through integrin receptors and secretion of collagenase are both components of this process. An understanding of the effect of extracellular matrix on keratinocyte migration has direct relevance to the problem of wound re-epithelialization and will assist in the development of therapeutic efforts to enhance wound healing artificially.