Macaque study provides insights for future clinical diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma
Key Takeaways
- New research in monkeys identified changes in the trabecular meshwork (TM) associated with aging.
- The findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying TM aging and its contribution to glaucoma.
The trabecular meshwork (TM) is the spongy tissue located near the cornea through which the fluid that is produced inside the eye, called the aqueous humor, flows out of the eye. It is vital for regulating intraocular pressure (IOP) and maintaining eye health. The TM undergoes significant changes with age, leading to diseases such as primary open-angle glaucoma, a form of glaucoma in which the eye’s drainage canals become clogged over time, leading to an increase in IOP.
A new study, appearing in the journal Protein & Cell, delved into the age-related changes in the TM of macaque monkeys. By analyzing RNA in single cells, the researchers identified various cell types and the aging-related changes in their RNA. (RNA, ribonucleic acid, primarily acts as a messenger carrying instructions from DNA for controlling the synthesis of proteins.) The study identified 12 distinct cell types in the TM tissues. Aging was associated with significant changes in the proportions of these cell types, with nerve cells and immune cells showing the most pronounced alterations.
The researchers also found that dysfunction in mitochondria, which help turn the energy we take from food into energy the cell can use, is a prominent feature of aging TM cells. The research suggests that impaired mitochondrial function is a critical factor in the aging of TM tissues.
Additionally, the researchers found that different levels of RNA from a gene called APOE are found in young vs aging TM cells, and that “turning off” the APOE gene could enhance the health of the TM. This finding indicates that APOE plays a significant role in TM aging and presents a potential target for therapeutic interventions.
Taken together, the research provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms driving the increased incidence of glaucoma with age. The findings suggest that aging-related changes in TM cells, particularly those involving mitochondrial dysfunction and the APOE gene, contribute to the pathogenesis of glaucoma. This understanding could lead to new strategies for diagnosing and treating glaucoma.
Edited by Miriam Kaplan, PhD
Source: Higher Education Press, Medical Xpress, July 11, 2024; see source article