The many faces of the trabecular meshwork cell

Area of Science:

• Ocular Biology
• Cellular Physiology

Background:

• Trabecular meshwork (TM) cells are vital for regulating intraocular pressure (IOP).
• These neural crest-derived cells exhibit unique multi-lineage characteristics, functioning in distinct ocular environments.
• TM cells normally withstand lifelong stressors like oxidative and mechanical stress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the multifaceted roles and challenges of TM cells in maintaining IOP homeostasis.
• To summarize advancements in TM cell biology over the last 30 years.
• To identify unanswered questions regarding TM cell dysfunction in glaucoma.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on human TM cell biology.
• Analysis of TM cell characteristics in culture.
• Comparison of TM cells from healthy and ocular hypertensive eyes.

Main Results:

• Human TM cells display unique phenotypes, resembling endothelial, fibroblast, smooth muscle, and macrophage cells.
• TM cells are essential for IOP homeostasis, performing diverse functions under stress.
• TM cells from ocular hypertensive eyes show impaired function.

Conclusions:

• TM cell biology is complex, involving multiple cell types and functions critical for vision.
• Dysfunction of TM cells contributes to IOP dysregulation and glaucoma development.
• Further research is needed to fully understand TM cell biology and its role in glaucoma.