Extracellular Matrix Stiffness and TGFβ2 Regulate YAP/TAZ Activity in Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells.

ABSTRACT: Primary open-angle glaucoma progression is associated with increased human trabecular meshwork (HTM) stiffness and elevated transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGFβ2) levels in the aqueous humor. Increased transcriptional activity of Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), central players in mechanotransduction, are implicated in glaucomatous HTM cell dysfunction. Yet, the detailed mechanisms underlying YAP/TAZ modulation in HTM cells in response to alterations in extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness and TGFβ2 levels are not well understood. Using biomimetic ECM hydrogels with tunable stiffness, here we show that increased ECM stiffness elevates YAP/TAZ nuclear localization potentially through modulating focal adhesions and cytoskeletal rea

SUBMITTER: Li H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8923257 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature