Role of vasorin, an anti-apoptotic, anti-TGF-β and hypoxia-induced glycoprotein in the trabecular meshwork cells and glaucoma.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Glaucoma, one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness, is commonly associated with elevated intraocular pressure due to impaired aqueous humour (AH) drainage through the trabecular meshwork. The aetiological mechanisms contributing to impaired AH outflow, however, are poorly understood. Here, we identified the secreted form of vasorin, a transmembrane glycoprotein, as a common constituent of human AH by mass spectrometry and immunoblotting analysis. ELISA assay revealed a significant but marginal decrease in vasorin levels in the AH of primary open-angle glaucoma patients compared to non-glaucoma cataract patients. Human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells were confirmed to express vasorin, which has been shown to possess anti-apoptotic and anti-TGF-β activities. Treatment of HTM cells with vasorin induced actin stress fibres and focal adhesions and suppressed TGF-β2-induced SMAD2/3 activation in HTM cells. Additionally, cobalt chloride-induced hypoxia stimulated a robust elevation in vasorin expression, and vasorin suppressed TNF-α-induced cell death in HTM cells. Taken together, these findings reveal the importance of vasorin in maintenance of cell survival, inhibition of TGF-β induced biological responses in TM cells, and the decreasing trend in vasorin levels in the AH of glaucoma patients suggests a plausible role for vasorin in the pathobiology of ocular hypertension and glaucoma.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Choi, JA; Maddala, R; Karnam, S; Skiba, NP; Vann, R; Challa, P; Rao, PV

Published Date

  • April 2022

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 26 / 7

Start / End Page

  • 2063 - 2075

PubMed ID

  • 35170203

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC8980963

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1582-4934

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1111/jcmm.17229

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • England