Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (Tgf-Beta 1)Stimulated Integrin-Linked Kinase (Ilk) Regulates Migration And Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (Emt) Of Human Lens Epithelial Cells Via Nuclear Factor Kappa B (Nf-Kappa B)

Background: In view of the high incidence of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) and the effects of TGF-beta signaling on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of human lens epithelial cells (LECs), our study aimed to explore the mechanism of the function of TGF-beta signaling in LECs EMT.Material/ Methods: Human lens epithelial cells (HLEC-h3) were treated with TGF-beta, ILK siRNA, ILK inhibitor, and NF-kB inhibitor to study the effects of TGF-beta, ILK, and NF-kappa B on cell migration and EMT. Cell migration assay was used to measure cell migration ability. Western blot was performed to detect the expression of ILK, E-cadherin, and a-SMA at the protein level. QRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of ILK at the mRNA level.Results: Compared with control cells, TGF-beta treatment increased the expression level of ILK HLEC-h3, promoted migration of HLEC-h3 cells, increased the expression level of E-cadherin protein, and decreased the expression level of alpha-SMA protein. However, treatment with ILK siRNA, ILK inhibitor, and NF-kappa B inhibitor reversed the effects of TGF-beta on HLEC-h3 cells.Conclusions: TGF-beta-stimulated ILK regulates the migration and EMT of human LECs via NF-kappa B.