Slow Interstitial Fluid Flow Activates TGF-β Signaling and Drives Fibrotic Responses in Human Tenon Fibroblasts.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Fibrosis limits the success of filtering glaucoma surgery. We employed 2D and 3D in vitro models to assess the effects of fluid flow on human tenon fibroblasts (HTF).

Methods

HTF were exposed to continuous or pulsatile fluid flow for 48 or 72 h, at rates expected at the transscleral outflow site after filtering surgery. In the 2D model, the F-actin cytoskeleton and fibronectin 1 (FN1) were visualized by confocal immunofluorescence microscopy. In the 3D model, mRNA and whole cell lysates were extracted to analyze the expression of fibrosis-associated genes by qPCR and Western blot. The effects of a small-molecule inhibitor of the TGF-β receptor ALK5 were studied.

Results

Slow, continuous fluid flow induced fibrotic responses in the 2D and 3D models. It elici

SUBMITTER: Wiedenmann CJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10486805 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature