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Updated: Dec 20, 2025
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A Non-invasive Way to Isolate and Phenotype Cells from the Conjunctiva
Published on: July 5, 2017
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Molecular taxonomy of human ocular outflow tissues defined by single-cell transcriptomics
Gaurang Patel1, Wen Fury1, Hua Yang1
1Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY 10591.
Summary
This study maps human eye outflow tissues to understand intraocular pressure (IOP) regulation. It identifies distinct cell types and gene expressions, revealing new insights into glaucoma and ocular hypertension.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Genomics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The conventional outflow pathway is crucial for maintaining intraocular pressure (IOP) homeostasis.
- Dysfunction in this pathway's cells can lead to ocular hypertension and glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a comprehensive cell atlas of human conventional outflow tissues using single-cell RNA sequencing.
- To identify distinct cell types and their gene expression patterns within the outflow pathway.
Main Methods:
- Single-cell RNA sequencing of 8,758 cells from eight human donor eyes.
- Clustering analysis to identify distinct cell types and map gene expression.
- Region-specific gene expression mapping in human ocular tissues.
Main Results:
- Identified 12 distinct cell types within the conventional outflow pathway.
- Discovered unique myofibroblast- and fibroblast-like cells in the trabecular meshwork (TM), along with Schwann cells and macrophages.
- Characterized Schlemm's canal gene expression and identified cells from neighboring tissues, including the ciliary muscle and scleral spur.
Conclusions:
- Provides a detailed molecular and cellular classification of the conventional and unconventional outflow pathways.
- The cell atlas is a valuable resource for mapping glaucoma-relevant genes and understanding IOP homeostasis.
- Offers new molecular insights into the cellular landscape of the human eye's outflow system.
