Experimental models to study cell wounding and repair

Cell wounding, that is a loss of plasma membrane integrity, is a common everyday occurrence in load bearing organs such as muscle, skin, and bone. In general, these injuries trigger adaptive responses to either restore homeostasis or to protect the cells from further damage. The ability to restore plasma membrane integrity after injury is critical for cell survival and all cells posses a means to do so. However, the probability of plasma membrane wound repair depends on the cell type, as well as the size and nature of the lesion. Several in vitro experimental models of cell injury have been developed to simulate specific stresses cells experience in vivo. Motivated by our interest in studying the mechanisms of cell injury and repair relevant to ventilator associated lung injury, we review some of the most frequently used in vitro experimental models of cell wounding and present some new data pertaining to alveolar epithelium.