NFATc1 activity regulates the expression of myocilin induced by dexamethasone.

Mutations in the myocilin gene (MYOC) account for 10% of juvenile open-angle glaucoma cases and 3-4% of adult onset primary open-angle glaucoma cases. It is a secreted glycoprotein found in many ocular and non-ocular tissues and has been linked to elevated intraocular pressure. In human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells, MYOC expression can be induced by the glucocorticoid dexamethasone (DEX).

Dexamethasone-associated cross-linked actin network formation in human trabecular meshwork cells involves β3 integrin signaling.

Purpose: To determine whether cross-linked actin networks (CLANs) formed in dexamethasone (DEX)-treated human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells are structurally similar to those formed after β3 integrin activation and involve αvβ3 integrin signaling.

Methods: Two HTM cell strains and an αvβ3 integrin-overexpressing immortalized TM cell line were used. DEX- or ethanol-pretreated HTM cells were plated on fibronectin with or without β3 integrin-activating mAb AP-5.