Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 30, 2025

Trabecular Meshwork Response to Pressure Elevation in the Living Human Eye
Published on: June 20, 2015
Piezo 1 is involved in intraocular pressure regulation
Wataru Morozumi1, Kota Aoshima1, Satoshi Inagaki1
1Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biofunctional Evaluation, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan.
Abstract:
Trabecular meshwork (TM) regulates the intraocular pressure (IOP) through the control of aqueous humor outflow. Previous reports show that TM cells express 11 types of mechanosensitive molecules, including Piezo 1, which sense mechanical stimuli. However, the role of Piezo 1 on TM remains unclear. Thus, in this study, we focused on the Piezo 1 and examined its role in TM cells. Immunostaining showed that Piezo 1 was expressed in mouse TM and human TM cells. Moreover, the eye drops containing Piezo 1 agonist Yoda 1 reduced the IOP in mice, and also reduced fibronectin expression level around the TM. In addition, Piezo 1 activation suppressed human TM cells migration/proliferation, and decreased fibronectin expression level. On the other hand, Piezo 1 activation increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 expression responsible for fibronectin degradation. These findings could contribute to the development of new treatments for glaucoma.
Related Concept Videos
Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Glaucoma: Overview
Mechanically-gated Ion Channels
Mechanism of Ciliary Motion
The cilia are made up of microtubules in a 9+2 arrangement, with nine microtubule doublet ring bundles, surrounding a pair of central singlet microtubule bundles. The doublet microtubule bundles are...
Neural Regulation of Blood Pressure
Baroreceptor Reflex
Baroreceptors, located in the carotid sinuses and aortic arch, detect changes in blood pressure. When blood pressure rises, these stretch-sensitive receptors...

