Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2026

In Vitro Investigation of the Effects of the Hyaluronan-Rich Extracellular Matrix on Neural Crest Cell Migration
Published on: February 10, 2023
Role of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα) in the functional properties of hyalocytes
Yasuaki Hata1, Shintaro Nakao, Ri-Ichiro Kohno
1Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, Japan.
Background/Aim:
Tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα) is an inflammatory cytokine that is upregulated in various vitreoretinal diseases including uveitis and diabetic retinopathy. Recently, our studies have indicated that hyalocytes contribute to the pathogenesis of these diseases. However, the impact of TNFα on the functional properties of hyalocytes is unknown.
Methods:
Hyalocytes were isolated from bovine eyes. Cellular proliferation, migration and gel contraction in response to TNFα and the other inflammatory cytokines were analysed by thymidine uptake, Boyden's chamber assay and collagen gel contraction assay, respectively. Furthermore, we estimated the effect of dexamethasone on these properties of hyalocytes.
Results:
TNFα promoted proliferation, migration and gel contraction by hyalocytes. Dexamethasone inhibited TNFα-induced proliferation but not migration. Dexamethasone did not inhibit TNFα-induced gel contraction but further increased contraction. Furthermore, dexamethasone inhibited TNFα-induced extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK)1/2 phosphorylation in hyalocytes.
Conclusion:
This study indicates that TNFα in vitreous and retina causes activation of hyalocytes, and the activated hyalocytes contribute to the pathogenesis of inflammatory vitreoretinal diseases. Steroid treatment appears to inhibit the activation of hyalocytes in the early stages of the diseases, but might have adverse effects in the late stage through membrane contraction.
Related Concept Videos
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...
Cadherins in Tissue Organization
Cell Sorting During Development
Cell sorting plays an...
Role of Hematopoietic Growth Factors
Thrombopoietin (TPO), mainly released by the liver,...
Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily involved in a...

