The Role of Microtubules in Glaucomatous Schlemm’s Canal Mechanobiology

This project aims to investigate the impact of microtubules, crucial components of the cytoskeleton, on Schlemm’s canal cell mechanobiology and intraocular pressure, a key risk factor for glaucoma.

Intraocular pressure is largely controlled by tissues at or near Schlemm’s canal inner wall endothelium, where reduced fluid conductivity occurs in glaucoma.

This project will be the first to characterize the effects of MT stability on SC cell mechanobiology using biomimetic hydrogels. Additionally, the proposed project will explore how MT stability influences SC cell pore formation and outflow facility in mouse eyes, thereby identifying a potential therapeutic target for ocular hypertension.

This work will improve our understanding of SC cell mechanobiology, creating a foundation for future studies investigating how MTs in SC cells influence outflow facility and ocular hypertension. Additionally, it will open avenues for both ex vivo and in vivo investigations of candidate drugs targeting the hydraulic conductivity of SC inner wall cells as treatments for ocular hypertension in primary open-angle glaucoma.