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Astrocytes in the optic nerve head express putative mechanosensitive channels
Hee Joo Choi1, Daniel Sun1, Tatjana C Jakobs1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA.
Molecular Vision
|August 4, 2015
Summary
Optic nerve head astrocytes express multiple mechanosensitive channels, including Piezo1 and Piezo2. This finding suggests a role for these channels in astrocyte responses to optic nerve injury.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Astrocytes in the optic nerve head play crucial roles in maintaining tissue homeostasis.
- Understanding how these cells respond to mechanical stress is vital for comprehending optic nerve pathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of mechanosensitive channels in optic nerve head astrocytes.
- To determine if astrocytes possess molecular machinery to sense tissue stretch.
Main Methods:
- Conventional PCR, quantitative PCR, and single-cell RT-PCR were employed.
- Expression analysis of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and Piezo1/2 channels in optic nerve head tissue and isolated astrocytes.
Main Results:
- Multiple TRP channel subfamilies and Piezo1/2 channels were detected in the optic nerve head.
- TRPC1, TRPM7, TRPV2, TRPP2, and Piezo1 were identified as dominant isoforms.
- Single-cell analysis confirmed expression of various TRP isoforms and Piezo1/2 in astrocytes, with TRPC1 and TRPP1-2 being highly prevalent.
Conclusions:
- Optic nerve head astrocytes express numerous putative mechanosensitive channels, notably Piezo1 and Piezo2.
- This expression profile suggests a potential role for these channels in astrocyte mechanotransduction, influencing responses to injury.
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