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Xi G, Feng P, Zhang X, Wu S, Zhang J, Wang X, Xiang A, Xu W, Wang N, Zhu W. iPSC-derived cells stimulate ABCG2 +/NES + endogenous trabecular meshwork cell proliferation and tissue regeneration. Cell Prolif 2024; 57:e13611. [PMID: 38356373 PMCID: PMC11216930 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
A major risk factor for glaucoma, the first leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, is the decellularisation of the trabecular meshwork (TM) in the conventional outflow pathway. Stem cell-based therapy, particularly the utilisation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), presents an enticing potential for tissue regeneration and intraocular pressure (IOP) maintenance in glaucoma. We have previously observed that differentiated iPSCs can stimulate endogenous cell proliferation in the TM, a pivotal factor in TM regeneration and aqueous humour outflow restoration. In this study, we investigated the response of TM cells in vivo after interacting with iPSC-derived cells and identified two subpopulations responsible for this relatively long-term tissue regeneration: ATP Binding Cassette Subfamily G Member 2 (ABCG2)-positive cells and Nestin (NES)-positive cells. We further uncovered that alterations of these responsive cells are linked to ageing and different glaucoma etiologies, suggesting that ABCG2+ subpopulation decellularization could serve as a potential risk factor for TM decellularization in glaucoma. Taken together, our findings illustrated the proliferative subpopulations in the conventional outflow pathway when stimulated with iPSC-derived cells and defined them as TM precursors, which may be applied to develop novel therapeutic approaches for glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaiping Xi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of PharmacyQingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Pengchao Feng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of PharmacyQingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of PharmacyQingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Shen Wu
- Beijing Institute of OphthalmologyBeijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key LaboratoryBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain DisordersCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical ApplicationCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jingxue Zhang
- Beijing Institute of OphthalmologyBeijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key LaboratoryBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain DisordersCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical ApplicationCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xiangji Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of PharmacyQingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Ailing Xiang
- Qingdao Xikai Biotechnology Co., LtdQingdaoChina
| | - Wenhua Xu
- Department of InspectionQingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Ningli Wang
- Beijing Institute of OphthalmologyBeijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key LaboratoryBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain DisordersCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical ApplicationCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data‐Based Precision MedicineBeijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics‐Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of PharmacyQingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
- Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data‐Based Precision MedicineBeijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics‐Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
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Doyle C, Callaghan B, Roodnat AW, Armstrong L, Lester K, Simpson DA, Atkinson SD, Sheridan C, McKenna DJ, Willoughby CE. The TGFβ Induced MicroRNAome of the Trabecular Meshwork. Cells 2024; 13:1060. [PMID: 38920689 PMCID: PMC11201560 DOI: 10.3390/cells13121060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a progressive optic neuropathy with a complex, multifactorial aetiology. Raised intraocular pressure (IOP) is the most important clinically modifiable risk factor for POAG. All current pharmacological agents target aqueous humour dynamics to lower IOP. Newer therapeutic agents are required as some patients with POAG show a limited therapeutic response or develop ocular and systemic side effects to topical medication. Elevated IOP in POAG results from cellular and molecular changes in the trabecular meshwork driven by increased levels of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) in the anterior segment of the eye. Understanding how TGFβ affects both the structural and functional changes in the outflow pathway and IOP is required to develop new glaucoma therapies that target the molecular pathology in the trabecular meshwork. In this study, we evaluated the effects of TGF-β1 and -β2 treatment on miRNA expression in cultured human primary trabecular meshwork cells. Our findings are presented in terms of specific miRNAs (miRNA-centric), but given miRNAs work in networks to control cellular pathways and processes, a pathway-centric view of miRNA action is also reported. Evaluating TGFβ-responsive miRNA expression in trabecular meshwork cells will further our understanding of the important pathways and changes involved in the pathogenesis of glaucoma and could lead to the development of miRNAs as new therapeutic modalities in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsey Doyle
- Centre for Genomic Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (C.D.); (A.W.R.); (L.A.); (S.D.A.); (D.J.M.)
| | - Breedge Callaghan
- Centre for Genomic Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (C.D.); (A.W.R.); (L.A.); (S.D.A.); (D.J.M.)
| | - Anton W. Roodnat
- Centre for Genomic Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (C.D.); (A.W.R.); (L.A.); (S.D.A.); (D.J.M.)
| | - Lee Armstrong
- Centre for Genomic Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (C.D.); (A.W.R.); (L.A.); (S.D.A.); (D.J.M.)
| | - Karen Lester
- Centre for Genomic Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (C.D.); (A.W.R.); (L.A.); (S.D.A.); (D.J.M.)
| | - David A. Simpson
- Wellcome Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queens’ University, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK;
| | - Sarah D. Atkinson
- Centre for Genomic Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (C.D.); (A.W.R.); (L.A.); (S.D.A.); (D.J.M.)
| | - Carl Sheridan
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK;
| | - Declan J. McKenna
- Centre for Genomic Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (C.D.); (A.W.R.); (L.A.); (S.D.A.); (D.J.M.)
| | - Colin E. Willoughby
- Centre for Genomic Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK; (C.D.); (A.W.R.); (L.A.); (S.D.A.); (D.J.M.)
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Hu Y, Ge K, Du Y. Paeoniflorin alleviates TGF-β2-mediated extracellular matrix remodeling and oxidative stress in human trabecular meshwork cells. Int Ophthalmol 2024; 44:229. [PMID: 38795168 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-024-02917-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The multifunctional profibrotic cytokine transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGF-β2) is implicated in the pathophysiology of primary open angle glaucoma. Paeoniflorin (PAE) is a monoterpene glycoside with multiple pharmacological efficacies, such as antioxidant, anti-fibrotic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have demonstrated that paeoniflorin protects human corneal epithelial cells, retinal pigment epithelial cells, and retinal microglia from damage. Here, the biological role of PAE in TGF-β2-dependent remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) within the trabecular meshwork (TM) microenvironment. METHODS Primary or transformed (GTM3) human TM (HTM) cells conditioned in serum-free media were incubated with TGF-β2 (5 ng/mL). PAE (300 μM) was added to serum-starved confluent cultures of HTM cells for 2 h, followed by incubation with TGF-β2 for 22 h. SB-431542, a TGF-β receptor inhibitor (10 μM), was used as a positive control. The levels of intracellular ROS were evaluated by CellROX green dye. Western blotting was used to measure the levels of TGF-β2/Smad2/3 signaling-related molecules. Collagen 1α1, collagen 4α1, and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression was evaluated by RT-qPCR. Immunofluorescence assay was conducted to measure collagen I/IV expression in HTM cells. Phalloidin staining assay was conducted for evaluating F-actin stress fiber formation in the cells. RESULTS PAE attenuated TGF-β2-induced oxidative stress and suppressed TGF-β2-induced Smad2/3 signaling in primary or transformed HTM cells. Additionally, PAE repressed TGF-β2-induced upregulation of collagen 1α1, collagen 4α1, and CTGF expression and reduced TGF-β2-mediated collagen I/IV expression and of F-actin stress fiber formation in primary or transformed HTM cells. CONCLUSION PAE alleviates TGF-β2-induced ECM deposition and oxidative stress in HTM cells through inactivation of Smad2/3 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongmei Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First People's Hospital of Jiangxia District, Wuhan, No.1 Wenhua Avenue, Zhifang Street, Jiangxia District, Wuhan, 430200, China
| | - Kui Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First People's Hospital of Jiangxia District, Wuhan, No.1 Wenhua Avenue, Zhifang Street, Jiangxia District, Wuhan, 430200, China
| | - Yan Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First People's Hospital of Jiangxia District, Wuhan, No.1 Wenhua Avenue, Zhifang Street, Jiangxia District, Wuhan, 430200, China.
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Castro B, Steel JC, Layton CJ. AAV-mediated gene therapies for glaucoma and uveitis: are we there yet? Expert Rev Mol Med 2024; 26:e9. [PMID: 38618935 PMCID: PMC11062146 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2024.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Glaucoma and uveitis are non-vascular ocular diseases which are among the leading causes of blindness and visual loss. These conditions have distinct characteristics and mechanisms but share a multifactorial and complex nature, making their management challenging and burdensome for patients and clinicians. Furthermore, the lack of symptoms in the early stages of glaucoma and the diverse aetiology of uveitis hinder timely and accurate diagnoses, which are a cause of poor visual outcomes under both conditions. Although current treatment is effective in most cases, it is often associated with low patient adherence and adverse events, which directly impact the overall therapeutic success. Therefore, long-lasting alternatives with improved safety and efficacy are needed. Gene therapy, particularly utilising adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors, has emerged as a promising approach to address unmet needs in these diseases. Engineered capsids with enhanced tropism and lower immunogenicity have been proposed, along with constructs designed for targeted and controlled expression. Additionally, several pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of these conditions have been targeted with single or multigene expression cassettes, gene editing and silencing approaches. This review discusses strategies employed in AAV-based gene therapies for glaucoma and non-infectious uveitis and provides an overview of current progress and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Castro
- LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Greenslopes Clinical School, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jason C. Steel
- LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Greenslopes Clinical School, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia
| | - Christopher J. Layton
- LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Greenslopes Clinical School, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia
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Zhang X, Xi G, Feng P, Li C, Kuehn MH, Zhu W. Intraocular pressure across the lifespan of Tg-MYOC Y437H mice. Exp Eye Res 2024; 241:109855. [PMID: 38453040 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Transgenic C57BL/6 mice expressing human myocilinY437 (Tg-MYOCY437H) are a well-established model for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). While the reduced trabecular meshwork (TM) cellularity due to severe endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been characterized as the etiology of this model, there is a limited understanding of how glaucomatous phenotypes evolve over the lifespan of Tg-MyocY437H mice. In this study, we compiled the model's intraocular pressure (IOP) data recorded in our laboratory from 2017 to 2023 and selected representative eyes to measure the outflow facility (Cr), a critical parameter indicating the condition of the conventional TM pathway. We found that Tg-MYOCY437H mice aged 4-12 months exhibited significantly higher IOPs than age-matched C57BL/6 mice. Notably, a decline in IOP was observed in Tg-MYOCY437H mice at 17-24 months of age, a phenomenon not attributable to the gene dosage of mutant myocilin. Measurements of the Cr of Tg-MYOCY437H mice indicated that the age-related IOP reduction was not a result of ongoing TM damage. Instead, Hematoxylin and Eosin staining, immunohistochemistry analysis, and transmission electron microscopic examination revealed that this reduction might be induced by degenerations of the non-pigmented epithelium in the ciliary body of aged Tg-MYOCY437H mice. Overall, our findings provide a comprehensive profile of mutant myocilin-induced ocular changes over the Tg-MYOCY437H mouse lifespan and suggest a specific temporal window of elevated IOP that may be ideal for experimental purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Gaiping Xi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Pengchao Feng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Cong Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Markus H Kuehn
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA; Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China; Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100083, China.
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Ciociola EC, Fernandez E, Kaufmann M, Klifto MR. Future directions of glaucoma treatment: emerging gene, neuroprotection, nanomedicine, stem cell, and vascular therapies. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2024; 35:89-96. [PMID: 37910173 DOI: 10.1097/icu.0000000000001016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this article is to summarize current research on novel gene, stem cell, neuroprotective, nanomedicine, and vascular therapies for glaucoma. RECENT FINDINGS Gene therapy using viral vectors and siRNA have been shown to reduce intraocular pressure by altering outflow and production of aqueous humor, to reduce postsurgical fibrosis with few adverse effects, and to increase retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival in animal studies. Stem cells may treat glaucoma by replacing or stimulating proliferation of trabecular meshwork cells, thus restoring outflow facility. Stem cells can also serve a neuroprotective effect by differentiating into RGCs or preventing RGC loss via secretion of growth factors. Other developing neuroprotective glaucoma treatments which can prevent RGC death include nicotinamide, the NT-501 implant which secretes ciliary neurotrophic factor, and a Fas-L inhibitor which are now being tested in clinical trials. Recent studies on vascular therapy for glaucoma have focused on the ability of Rho Kinase inhibitors and dronabinol to increase ocular blood flow. SUMMARY Many novel stem cell, gene, neuroprotective, nanomedicine, and vascular therapies have shown promise in preclinical studies, but further clinical trials are needed to demonstrate safety and efficacy in human glaucomatous eyes. Although likely many years off, future glaucoma therapy may take a multifaceted approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Meredith R Klifto
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Borrás T, Stepankoff M, Danias J. Genes as drugs for glaucoma: latest advances. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2024; 35:131-137. [PMID: 38117663 DOI: 10.1097/icu.0000000000001025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To provide the latest advances on the future use of gene therapy for the treatment of glaucoma. RECENT FINDINGS In preclinical studies, a number of genes have been shown to be able to reduce elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), and to exert neuroprotection of the retinal ganglion cells. These genes target various mechanisms of action and include among others: MMP3 , PLAT, IκB, GLIS, SIRT, Tie-2, AQP1. Some of these as well as some previously identified genes ( MMP3, PLAT, BDNF, C3, TGFβ, MYOC, ANGPTL7 ) are starting to move onto drug development. At the same time, progress has been made in the methods to deliver and control gene therapeutics (advances in these areas are not covered in this review). SUMMARY While preclinical efforts continue in several laboratories, an increasing number of start-up and large pharmaceutical companies are working on developing gene therapeutics for glaucoma ( Sylentis, Quetera/Astellas, Exhaura, Ikarovec, Genentech, Regeneron, Isarna, Diorasis Therapeutics ). Despite the presence of generic medications to treat glaucoma, given the size of the potential world-wide market (∼$7B), it is likely that the number of companies developing glaucoma gene therapies will increase further in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Borrás
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | | | - John Danias
- Downstate Health Science University, SUNY, New York, USA
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Li HL, Ren R, Gong H. Segmental Unconventional Outflow in Mouse Eyes. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:26. [PMID: 38117243 PMCID: PMC10741088 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.15.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the flow pattern in unconventional outflow and its correlation with conventional outflow in mouse eyes. Methods Fluorescent microspheres were injected into the anterior chamber of one eye of anesthetized C57BL/6J mice (n = 4), followed by perfused fixation with 4% paraformaldehyde in situ after 45 minutes. Post-euthanasia, the injected eyes were enucleated, further immersion fixed, and dissected into 12 equal radial segments. Both sides of each segment were imaged using a confocal microscope after nuclear counterstaining. Both unconventional and conventional outflow patterns of each eye were analyzed by ImageJ and ZEN 2.3 imaging software. Results Segmental outflow patterns were observed in both the ciliary body (CB) and the supraciliary space and suprachoroidal space (SCS). In the CB, the tracer intensity was the lowest at 12 o'clock and highest at 9 o'clock, whereas in the SCS it was the lowest at 2 o'clock and the highest at 10 o'clock. Consequently, a segmental unconventional outflow was observed, with the lowest and highest flow regions in the superior and temporal quadrants, respectively. The overall segmental uveoscleral outflow has no correlation with trabecular outflow (P > 0.05). Four different outflow patterns were observed: (1) low-flow regions in both outflows, (2) primarily a high-flow region in conventional outflow, (3) primarily a high-flow region in unconventional outflow, and (4) high-flow regions in both outflows. Conclusions Uveoscleral outflow is segmental and unrelated to the trabecular segmental outflow. These findings will lead to future studies to identify the best location for the placement of drainage devices and drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoi-Lam Li
- Ophthalmology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Ruiyi Ren
- Ophthalmology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haiyan Gong
- Ophthalmology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
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