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Laser Capture Microdissection of Highly Pure Trabecular Meshwork from Mouse Eyes for Gene Expression Analysis
Published on: June 3, 2018
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Technological advances in ocular trabecular meshwork in vitro models for glaucoma research.
Maria Bikuna-Izagirre1,2, Javier Aldazabal1,2, Leire Extramiana3
1Tecnun School of Engineering, University of Navarra, San Sebastián, Spain.
Biotechnology and Bioengineering
|July 15, 2022
Summary
This review evaluates glaucoma research milestones and tissue-engineering techniques for the trabecular meshwork (TM). It highlights the need for better models to understand TM deterioration and discover new intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction therapies.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, characterized by optic nerve degeneration.
- Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), driven by trabecular meshwork (TM) dysfunction, is a primary glaucoma risk factor.
- Mechanisms underlying TM deterioration remain incompletely understood, necessitating advanced research models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a chronological overview of technological advancements in glaucoma research.
- To comprehensively compare current TM fabrication technologies.
- To discuss aqueous humor (AH) perfusion platforms for scaffold validation and therapy discovery.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical technological milestones in glaucoma research.
- Comparative analysis of existing TM tissue-engineering fabrication techniques.
- Discussion of AH perfusion systems and their applications.
Main Results:
- Tissue-engineering offers promising approaches for TM recreation.
- A critical need exists for more accurate TM models to elucidate disease mechanisms.
- AH perfusion platforms are crucial for validating TM models and advancing IOP-lowering strategies.
Conclusions:
- Technological progress has advanced glaucoma research and TM modeling.
- Further development of sophisticated TM models and perfusion systems is essential for understanding glaucoma pathogenesis and developing effective treatments.
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