Ocular fibroblast types differ in their mRNA profiles - implications for fibrosis prevention after aqueous shunt implantation

Surgical glaucoma therapy is characterized by implantation of an aqueous shunt either draining into the extraocular Tenons space or the intraocular suprachoroidal space. In both cases the long term drainage is hampered by fibrotic reactions around the outflow region of the shunt. The prevention of fibrosis should extend the operating life of the shunt. For an aqueous shunt draining from the anterior chamber into the choroidal space fibroblasts from the choroidea and/or the sclera are most likely responsible for a fibrotic response around the outflow region of such a shunt. A detailed characterization of fibroblasts derived from choroidea and sclera should provide information whether a fibrosis reaction can be inhibited by cell type specific agents. Therefore, we have decided to generate mRNA profiles of fibroblasts from the choroidea, sclera and Tenons space in order to look for potential pharmacological targets for fibrosis prevention. The three fibroblast types investigated share fibroblast specific gene expression patterns, concerning extracellular matrix proteins as collagens and fibronectin, but also show distinct mRNA patterns, which we plan to search for targets responsible for fibrotic processes which hopefully can be targeted by specific antifibrotic drugs.

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