Ready-to-use 3D Human Trabecular Meshwork Cell Spheroids

Human trabecular meshwork (HTM) is a specialized tissue located next to the cornea. HTM cells play an essential role in regulating aqueous humor outflow resistance by controlling the production of contraction forces and the secretion/degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins to maintain tissue homeostasis [1, 2]. Abnormal human trabecular meshwork cell function and accumulation of ECM materials in TM tissues contribute to TM stiffening, ultimately leading to the increased AH outflow resistance and elevated intraocular pressure in glaucoma [1, 2]. To investigate the cell behavior and molecular mechanisms involved in glaucoma, it is important to develop reliable in vitro human-based models. Most current cellular HTM models, however, do not sufficiently replicate the complex native three-dimensional (3D) cell-ECM interface. To overcome limitations of current models, ScienCell has developed ready-to-use 3D human trabecular meshwork cell spheroids (SP3D-HTMCS), in which TM cells maintain better cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions, thereby preserving the physiological relevance of in vivo conditions. More importantly, we demonstrate that the gene expression of myocilin is higher and that of ECM proteins such as collagen type I, and smooth muscle actin (SMA) is lower in 3D HTM spheroids compared to the 2D culture system (Fig. 2 and 3). The size of the spheroids also become smaller over time in 3D culture, suggesting the reduced proliferative activity (Fig.1). In conclusion, the gene expression profile and proliferative activity in 3D spheroid culture resembled those observed in TM tissue. ScienCell’s 3D HTMC spheroids can serve as a valuable in vitro model for studying the functions of TM cells in glaucoma research.