Elasticity-dependent modulation of TGF-β responses in human trabecular meshwork cells

To gain further insight into a possible role of biomechanical cues in glaucoma, the authors assessed the influence of extracellular matrix (ECM) elasticity on TGF-β2-induced changes in trabecular meshwork (TM) cells.

Human TM cells derived from donor cornea rings were plated on rigid collagen-coated tissue culture plastic or polyacrylamide gels of different elasticity and treated with vehicle or TGF-β2. Activation of Smad-2/3, ERK, and AKT signaling and expression of α-SMA and PAI-1 proteins were assessed by Western blot analysis. Subcellular localization of α-SMA was determined by confocal immunofluorescence microscopy. Transcription of collagen-I, -IV, and -VI, α-SMA, PAI-1, fibronectin, fibrillin-1, cochlin, and MGP-1 was studied by RT-qPCR. The contribution of non-Smad signaling pathways to TGF-β-induced α-SMA and PAI-1 expression was assessed using the small molecule inhibitors U0126 and LY294002.

TGF-β2-induced activation of Smad-2/3, ERK, and AKT signaling as well as expression of collagen-1, α-SMA, fibulin, and MGP-1 were attenuated with increasing elasticity. In contrast, TGF-β2-induced collagen-6, fibronectin, PAI-1, and cochlin expression were enhanced on elastic substrates. The MEK-inhibitor U0126 blocked TGF-β-induced PAI-1 expression, whereas α-SMA expression was enhanced. PI3K inhibition with LY294002 reduced α-SMA expression.

ECM elasticity modulates TGF-β-induced signaling and protein expression in human TM cells. Non-Smad signaling contributes to TGF-β-induced alterations. Increasing ECM elasticity in vitro promotes protein expression patterns reminiscent of patterns reported in primary open-angle glaucoma. Therefore, changes in TM elasticity and mechanical load may have a significant role in primary open-angle glaucoma.