The link between tissue architecture and function is pivotal for the human cornea to properly function, since a highly organized collagen matrix is essential for optical transparency and vision. Following an injury to the cornea, aberrant healing results in a disorganized matrix which impedes light transmission through the cornea and leads to vision loss.

This process has raised a key question for researchers at the University of Edinburgh: can tissue-remodeling cells be guided to regenerate an organized, functional extracellular matrix (ECM) based on physical cues alone? To investigate, these researchers developed 3-D models of organized (aligned) and disorganized (random) corneal tissue using TGFB-1 stimulated corneal myofibroblasts suspended in a fibrinogen-based hydrogel. Comparing the two systems as models of healthy and fibrotic matrices provides insights into the role matrix alignment plays on corneal healing.

To aid their investigations, the researchers utilized Collagen Hybridizing Peptides (R-CHP, 3Helix) throughout their study. By selectively binding to denatured and remodeling collagen molecules, CHPs offered a clear view of matrix organization and collagen damage. This was first useful when researchers sought to differentiate the models they created. When examining their aligned and random models, they noted an aligned pattern of denatured collagen in their aligned constructs, and no discernable pattern in their random constructs.