Identification, quantification and age-related changes of human trabecular meshwork stem cells
Yogapriya Sundaresan1, Muthukkaruppan Veerappan1, Krishnadas Subbiah Ramasamy2
11Department of Immunology and Stem Cell Biology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai, Tamil Nadu India.
Eye and Vision (London, England)
|October 24, 2019
Summary
Human trabecular meshwork stem cells (TMSCs) decrease with age, correlating with TM cell loss. This study quantifies TMSCs, revealing a significant age-related decline in their numbers.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Trabecular meshwork (TM) cell loss is linked to aging and glaucoma.
- Human TM stem cells (TMSCs) are crucial for maintaining ocular health.
- Understanding age-related changes in TMSCs is vital for glaucoma research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and quantify human TM stem cells (TMSCs).
- To determine the age-related changes in TMSC populations.
- To establish the correlation between TMSC content and TM cell count.
Main Methods:
- TM cells were isolated from human corneoscleral rings and globes.
- Immunohistochemistry was used to identify TMSCs based on ABCG2, p75, and AnkG expression.
- Quantification of TMSC content and nucleus-to-cytoplasmic ratio (N/C ratio) was performed.
Main Results:
- TMSCs were identified by high ABCG2 expression and N/C ratio (>0.7), also expressing p75 and AnkG.
- TMSC content decreased significantly with age: 21% in <30 years, 12.6% in 30-60 years, and 4% in >60 years.
- A significant correlation was found between reduced TMSC content and overall TM cell loss in aging.
Conclusions:
- Human TMSCs were successfully identified and quantified using a two-parameter method.
- A significant association exists between age-related TMSC reduction and TM cell loss.
- These findings provide insights into the aging mechanisms of the human trabecular meshwork.
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