ECM Stiffness Governs Endothelial Barrier Integrity Through YAP-Mediated Stabilization of ZO-1

Corneal endothelial injury is a major cause of visual impairment, and traditional corneal replacement devices have poor biocompatibility and low survival rate after transplantation. This study develops a fully biodegradable corneal endothelial substitute based on bionic extracellular matrix materials. The device optimizes matrix stiffness parameters and regulates the stability of corneal endothelial barrier through YAP-ZO-1 signaling pathway, effectively simulating the physiological structure and barrier function of natural corneal endothelium. In vitro and in vivo experiments verify that the substitute possesses excellent cell adhesion, proliferation induction and biodegradability, which can repair damaged corneal tissue and restore visual function without rejection reaction.