Influence of cyclical mechanical strain on extracellular matrix gene expression in human lamina cribrosa cells in vitro.

Abstract

These findings demonstrate that LC cells respond to mechanical stimuli in vitro by transcription of several components and modulators of the ECM. Some of the upregulated ECM genes identified are novel in the context of glaucomatous optic neuropathy (biglycan, versican, EMMPRIN, and BMP-7). The LC cell may represent both an important pro-fibrotic cell type in the optic nerve head and an attractive target for novel therapeutic intervention in POAG.