Project Info

Development of a 3D Human Trabecular Meshwork Cell Culture System Using Natural Biopolymer Scaffolds

Aqueous humor outflow resistance is the primary determinant of intraocular pressure (IOP), and increased outflow resistance is the basis for elevated IOP associated with glaucoma. In humans, IOP is primarily controlled by the outflow of the aqueous humor through the trabecular meshwork (TM). Researchers trying to screen new therapeutics for glaucoma or elucidate TM cell behavior under various conditions currently have the option of either screening the response of TM cells cultured on flat two- dimensional (2D) plastic substrates, or screening the response of the TM using perfusion studies of donor eyes which are expensive to obtain. Most in vitro studies of TM are over-simplified since there is a significant difference between the flat two-dimensional plastic surfaces on which the TM cells are traditionally cultured and the complex three-dimensional (3D) in vivo environment. We hypothesize that natural biopolymer scaffolds with uniaxially aligned anisotropic pore structure can support and influence hTM cell growth and provide a platform for glaucoma drug screening.

More Information

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27775151

https://krebslab.com/research/

Grand Engineering Challenge: Engineer better medicines

Student Preparation

Qualifications

Self-motivated, desire to pursue this research, basic knowledge of chemistry and biology.

Time Commitment

50 hours/month.

Skills/Techniques Gained

Lab skills, experimental design and execution, data analysis, presenting written and oral results

Mentoring Plan

Weekly meetings, and direct in-lab mentoring by graduate student