Substrate stiffness and pressure alter retinal Muller glia response and extracellular matrix production.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The retina is highly influenced by its mechanical environment, with Müller glia (MG) acting as key mechanosensors and extracellular matrix (ECM) producers. This study examined MG responses to substrate stiffness and high pressure (HP), and whether TGF-β1 modulation could mitigate these effects.

Methods

Primary MG from adult rat retinas were cultured on glass (Young's modulus E'=∼1 gigapascal (GPa)) and polyacrylamide gels (10 kPa and 100 kPa). MG were exposed to atmospheric and 70 mmHg (HP) conditions, with TGF-β1 pharmacologically blocked.

Results

On glass and 100 kPa gels, MG survival, cell area, and ECM deposition (collagen I, IV, and fibronectin) increased, with cells adopting a fusiform shape and more dedifferentiated state. Under HP, survival d

SUBMITTER: Prieto-Lopez L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12275231 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature